My Sister Came to Chicago and It Was Just What I Needed

My sister came to visit me in Chicago this past weekend.

And for a few days, life felt softer around the edges.

I showed her my apartment, my neighborhood, where I work, the little spots I’ve made part of my routine.

(Photo my sister took of me after she arrived)

We walked the streets for hours, talked about everything and nothing, and basically ate our way through the city.

(sister sister)

Big shoutout to La Scarola and Le Colonial.

But the night that’ll stick with me?

A boat ride on the lake, fireworks lighting up the sky like a movie scene.

Against the Wind came on, and for a second it was all too much in the best way.

She was sitting next to me, and I just felt… grateful. For her, for the moment, for how rare it is to feel that kind of peace.

She met Morgan, one of the best people I’ve gotten to know here.

We caught up with friends, laughed hard, and soaked up the good stuff.

The thing is, I’m at a bit of a crossroads right now.

Trying to figure out if I should move back to New York, stay in Chicago, or start over somewhere new.

I keep waiting for a gut feeling to tell me what to do, but it hasn’t come yet.

Chicago’s a great city,but it can be lonely without a big community.

I’m someone who needs people, connection, conversation, the kind of support that doesn’t have to be asked for.

Having my sister here reminded me just how much that matters.

How grounding it is to feel known, and how much lighter life feels when you don’t have to carry it alone.

So for now, I’m holding onto these little moments. Letting them remind me what I want more of.

And trying to be patient with the part of me that doesn’t have it all figured out yet.

If there’s something I’m learning, it’s this: it’s ok not to know.

Sometimes all you can do is keep showing up, stay open, and trust that the right path will find its way through.

That being said, full disclosure, I do need to make a decision soon.

So if you’ve got a compass, a crystal ball, or just really solid instincts, I’m all ears.

Until then, I’m here. Doing my best. Trusting the process (mostly).

And winging it, like the rest of us.

xx,

Tallulah