Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Leaving the City of Your Comfort

I wrote these song lyrics on a piece of paper on January 1st this year:
You see I've finally woken
From a long sleep
I'm ready to jump
To make that blind leap



2010, a year that could have made an epic Lifetime movie or...a damn juicy episode of Gossip Girl. 
2011 has been different. 


I debated leaving Cleveland for New York and California. But things just never "felt right." I turned down two jobs in NYC and admission into graduate school. Instead, I made the decision to make an enormous career change to follow my passion of advocating for my fair city of Cleveland, Ohio.  


Yes. I've had a few HOLY SH*T moments. 

Goodbye cushy corporate America job. 
Hello start-up-environment, economic development world. 


Sometimes...you have to weigh the risks and come to place where you have faith in yourself. And leap. 



The most valuable experiences haven't really been about my "career." Now, don't get me wrong; my new career role has and will be one of the most monumental learning experiences of my career. But, this entire year has.... connected the dots.

I have fostered friendships and forged bonds with some of the most incredible humans I've met. I've realized my role as a mentor. I've discovered the intricacies of new relationships and the depth we have as humans.  I've developed an appreciation for things I've taken as commonplace - coffee with my parents, snuggles from a kitty, sunshine on my face, a meal shared with friends, feeling butterflies when you kiss. 


In short, 2011 has been one of the best years of my life. It's been uncomfortable and challenging. It's been meaningful and more incredible than I knew possible. 

I've carried this quote in my heart for the past year and it's the right time to share.


You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition.  What you'll discover will be wonderful.  What you'll discover is yourself.  ~Alan Alda


Photograph by Fritz Hoffmann, National Geographic


My goal for 2012? Continue the journey. I wish you the same. 

5 comments:

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

this made me smile - get it girl!

janguyen said...

Aaawwww ... I heart you Gina! I'm so happy you had a wonderful year!! I only have water right now, but here's a toast to many more!! :-)

Allison M. said...

OMG I freaking love this more than you know. I'm working on a post for my wrap-up and it all leads to the fact that 2011 was a straight up kick ass sparkly year.

Jess said...

What a beautiful post, G. Glad to see you are writing more..makes me happy. You deserve all the best. I'm happy where you are too :) Xoxo

J. Seabury said...

To butterflies, breaking bread, and bustin' a move on your drive to the next adventure.