Rolling the Dice On My Life
bella | Jan 26, 2009 | Comments 170
Remember the New Year’s post I wrote, 2009 is mine? I wrote words that were meant to inspire and electrify, but I didn’t explicitly state the kind of changes I had in store.
When I said: “2009 is MINE.
My year to grab life by the reins. My year to be the change I’ve been looking for. My year to stop wishing and hoping and praying for things that are within my grasp. MY. YEAR.”
I meant every word of it.
The time has come. I’m taking what I said to heart, and I have a big announcement to make.
I put in notice at my day job last week. My last day will be in mid-February.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you all (or go into details about) the whys and wherefores of my decision. Just know that it wasn’t an easy one.
This August would have been five years that I worked as an editor of the calendar section of the Miami New Times. While I was at this job, I’ve enjoyed some wonderful opportunities, interviewed celebrities I admire, and even managed to have two cover stories. They’re framed and hang in a place of pride in my living room.
Because of my job, I learned how to drive, bought a car (that’s since been discontinued by the automaker, but I digress), and became a stronger, more confident person and a better writer. I made amazing friends, had crazy experiences, and discovered new things about myself and the world. There are many aspects of my job that I will sincerely miss.
So why am I leaving all this behind? Why trade a secure thing for an unknown quantity, especially in a season where job numbers are in the toilet and the economy seems way too shaky?
Quite simply — it was my time. And that’s not all.
My husband and I have made the decision to leave Miami. We’ve called the 305 home for ten years now. And we’re ready for new adventures and opportunities in another great American city. Which brings me to announcement number two!
Afrobella’s moving to Chicago!!
If you’ve been reading for a while, you already know I love the city. My in-laws live there, we’ve got wonderful friends who live there, and I honestly see it as a city of opportunity.
With journalism taking the tragic downslide it has taken, I’m considering all kinds of ways to reinvent myself and make use of the valuable skills I gained through working for a newspaper. In Chi-town, there are so many places, people, and organizations I’d love to work with — obviously there’s Oprah (hello!) and EbonyJet.com. Then there’s the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum, the Lincoln Park Zoo, or PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest No Kill humane organization.
Right now, Nas’ I Can feels like my theme song. I know I can be what I wanna be. If I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be.
In the meantime, I’m job hunting, working on some really exciting Afrobella projects, and actively seeking paid freelance opportunities. If you’re a magazine editor, blogger, or just in need of a strong, professional writer with proven skills, drop me an e mail at bella@afrobella.com.
I can’t lie, bellas and fellas. This was a big, scary decision that took a long time to make. This isn’t advice I’d give to anybody right now. But it was time for me to stop talking about it and start being about it. I figure, I’m young enough, talented enough, and I have a lot to offer the world. And gosh darn it, people like me. So screw conventional wisdom and conservative advice — right now, I’m rolling the dice! And I feel lucky. And brave.
Thankfully, I’ve got the complete and unwavering support of my husband and our families. And you. Yes, you. Because without those of you who click on those ads and leave comments and come to visit and drop knowledge on this blog every day… without Afrobella being the strong, empowering community that it is, I couldn’t have made this leap of faith. And finally, I can take Afrobella to the next level. 2009, I’m gonna shine!
Wish me luck!
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Here’s to a happy move and and endless stream of success!
Good Luck and much success!!!! This Bajan is impressed that a Trini ‘ain’t scared’ of the windy city.
Congatulations…Sometimes we need new space to create new happening energy.
I know you will be greatful for this move and you will acquire and learn things you never even thought of… Full speed ahead! Your future holds new adventures and that brings new stories to tell:)
Good Luck!!! That is a very brave move but I hear you SISTAH!!!…”I claim the victory” (H. Walker song,) for myself also in 2009, so let’s do it!!! No more excuses…We are the CHANGE yes? YES….
I wish you great success. I too did what you are doing and it is scary and uncertain but wonderful things are straight ahead. I moved from the east to the west coast and entered and dropped out of graduation school(like Monday after a year and half in school). Do what makes you happy and it is great to have a supportive husband, I have one too. They come in handy when you think you have done the wrong thing. Keep your head up and get a good winter coat cause it is brick in Chicago! Good luck!
wow! this is great!
i went to school in hyde park. i’m also an island/florida girl and those winters weren’t easy. even now, i tell friends i’m no good from december to early March. But honestly, get you a couple different coats, a car, some shea butter and a sense of fun and adventure and you’re good. it’s all about layering. Not just your clothes but your life. I have a tendency to just wear one bulky thing, usually either work or a relationship. and that doesn’t work no matter where you live. When I first moved to Chicago I thought bulky cotton sweaters were warm. so silly!
it was nice living in such a big city. and it was nice to be in a black city in terms of the political representation, the sophistication of how layered the city was. it wasn’t just the city and then the wasteland was where black people lived. lots to do. i used to jog at the lake front from hyde park all the way downtown. i remember looking out at the lake a lot. even in winter, it was really striking and beautiful to me. i missed the ocean. but i don’t know. the lake had it’s issues.
well, brings back good memories.
can’t wait to read about your chicago adventures.
So exciting Bella!! I know Chicago is going to treat you well!!! Can’t wait to read all about it
What up?! You gonna be a Chi-town girl now?! Welcome to the family. YOU.WILL.LOVE.IT.
I’m almost jealous, but having been raised there, I’m still enjoying LA’s weather too much to move back yet…LOL…
And, no worries Bella, the universe has so much in store for you, I’m sure of it. Ya’ll will be fine.
And, now that you’ll be there, thru your blog, I’ll be able to keep up with what’s fresh & new in Chicago too. A win-win! LOL…
Continued success.
Congrats on your decision. I too will be making moves this year of a similar fashion and am trying to have the courage when all around me doubt the possibilities. I can’t let a recession stop me. I have to let my faith in God and myself take over. Thanks for the inspiration!!
My sister is a brave and wonderful person! Hugs to you & kudos for making the BIG MOVE! Now I just have to get cold weather clothes and come visit *grin.*
[...] you already know I just put in notice at my high-stress vocation to put myself, my health, and Afrobella on the front burner where they should [...]
Welcome to Chicago! I didn’t realize how many of us devoted Afrobellas live in the same city. Wow…..Anyhoo, to survive our winters, you just need to be prepared. Grab a long down coat (at least 60% down) with a hood you can close snugly without smushing your hair. A polarfleece scarf/hood combo to wear underneath, ski gloves,tights/leggings to layer under pants/skirts and warm, waterproof boots (preferably knee-high for when the snow or wind is wicked)will keep you toasty. If you guys will be driving, buy a metal shovel for the ice and snow. Bring ALL your shea butter and cream leave-in conditioners for what the dry air and strong winds can do to your hair and skin. The summer will more than make up for the winter, I promise!
Don’t forget your smile….we’ll be smiling back at you. Blessings to you and your family!
I just decided back in November to move back to Chicago to be close to my mother. You’ll love it there!
Congrats Bella (and fam)! It takes a phenomenal person to choose big dreams over the the economics of these days, but I do believe that you were born to do big Afrobella things. And you absolutely do not need luck girl. You got this!
Keep shining in 2009!!
Much Love & Respect
You have no idea how inspirational reading this post is. So many people around me in the journalism fields are losing their jobs, myself included, and I keep hearing stories about people on the verge of eviction. It’s just really sad and hard not to be depressed, but reading this post really helped me feel like things will be ok for me. January was not a good month for me. I lost what I thought was a dream job (at a hip-hop mag) only to realize that not only was the position I held, not for me, but that I wanted to quit anyway. I was just so comfortable there that I wasn’t going to quit until I found another gig. Now, that I’ve been laid off, I dont have a new gig yet but I’m working on it. I think things with work out. If you leap, the net will appear. It was nice reading this. Now, my wavering faith can fly high again. Thanks for the inspiration.
Congratulations!!! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for the past 2 years & I’ve very proud of all your successes whenever I seen,heard or read about you. Like an another reader said “You’re my best friend in my head”. You also remind me of my best friends, a fellow Trini girl. Roll the dice,have faith and all will work out.
I am very proud of you! You go girl! I’ve enjoyed working with you … I know this year is really going to be yours! Seize it.
I am so late reading this But congrats…and welcome to my city!!!! Dont worry Spring and Summer will be here soon and then so will the Taste Of Chicago!!!!! Best of wishes…
Hey girl!!!
I can’ wait for you to come to Chicago!!! Chicago is a wonderful city, I hope you can make the most of its awesomeness. I try to every single day. =D Congratulations on changing your direction. Best luck and godspeed.