image via www.destination360.com

You know sometimes I feel like I AM Cleveland.  Like really.  Much like the city itself I have my pitfalls.  I’ve tried and have almost been good at a multitude of things.  There was the time I almost made the basketball team only to be cut in the second round (I truly cannot play basketball).  The time I finally took and passed my driver’s exam only to total my car within three days.  I’m guilty of having mood swings comparable to our weather; calm and cool one minute, cold and messy the next.  In spite of myself I’ve managed to come a long way.  I’m fully aware that most of my mistakes and shortcomings in the past can be attributed to a lack of preparation and will to be…great.

However, this isn’t really about me.  This is about the fact that Cleveland won’t let Cleveland be great.  And how when many of its residents don’t believe in it?  Similar to how one can’t expect others to believe in their greatness if they don’t even believe in it, this is not a formula for success.  And pretty soon, from what I am told, Cleveland will be a lost city-a ghost town.  Nearly everyone I know talks of leaving for greener pastures.  Somewhere the sun shines, women smile and it only snows on Christmas day.  Honestly, I often feel the same way.  Year after year the people here take a beating.  Another teen shooting, more layoffs, budget cuts and, of course, no ring.  How on earth do we do it?!  The agony of constant defeat would push anyone away.

But much like myself, who someday, positively, without-a-doubt, will achieve greatness so, too, could Cleveland.  There is so much potential here found evident in the newest generation of movers-and-shakers, talented artists and entrepreneurs.  Let us not give into the notion that we are living in the “village of the damned.”  I know it can be hard given the state of things.  Like many young Clevelanders I grew up fantasizing about living somewhere more glamorous and, simply put, better.  I, too, found myself on the job hunt in my chosen field with lackluster results.  I even up and moved to a land far, far away when I had the chance.  What I realized, though, is that home is home.  Trust me, I don’t particularly enjoy orange barrel-laden summers, bipolar weather and a laundry list of other things, but it’s what I know.  And in my last few years here I have realized there is a whole world right in Cleveland that I never even knew existed.  From your Coventry’s to Tremont’s there are truly some hidden gems in the area.  Step outside of your bubble and you’re sure to discover them too.  Enjoy the city for what it is and for what it could be.

Since I’m not getting paid for this endorsement I’ll get to my two main points; love it, then leave it.  Yes, I want you to leave Cleveland if you ever have the chance.  There are other great places to live and experience.  Why limit yourself?  Live in new places, see new things, meet new people, choose your own adventure.  But before you leave, I implore you to take a look around.  Leave the east side and see what’s on the west side, whatever.  Enjoy this place, bid it adieu and come back to visit.  Greatness can only truly be achieved once it is first acknowledged.

-Ciara

Welcome to our new home.  Thanks for visiting!  We are still getting used to our new doll house, so while we prepare new content and do some spring cleaning feel free to take a walk down memory lane with our previous posts.  Stay tuned…this is a DIY job )

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win ~ Mahatma Gandhi

TODAY is the day that every American (football fan or not) has been waiting for. Its Superbowl Sunday, XLIV with the New Orleans Saints going toe to toe with the Indianapolis Colts. Game starts at 6:30pm.