On to the Next One

“I move onward, the only direction, can’t be scared to fail searching for perfection.”
Jay-Z-“On to the Next One”

Each day we're blessed to see is a step on the journey of life. Sometimes the path that we walk takes us down well-lit thoroughfares, whereas other legs of the journey take us down roads not so familiar, not so comforting and not so enjoyable.

The path I have been on since I've been in Chicago has been a little bit of both. There are moments where I enjoyed being on a highway and times where it appeared like I was walking down a dirt country road at midnight. What has kept me comforted throughout this period is the fact that no matter how dire the circumstances may have appeared at times, I knew that I was on the right road; the road meant for me.

It appears this next leg of my journey is leading me elsewhere...away from Chicago. It's something I always knew would arrive, however admittedly, I never figured it would be here this soon. But I know better than most that we can’t always dictate what cards we get and that we can only play the hand we're dealt.

The hand I have been dealt has been one of lot of in-fighting, back-stabbing, lies, instability and questionable leadership. I understand things can't be and will never be perfect, but at a minimum we all require some level of comfort to deal with the trials and tribulations coupled with employment. This minimal comfort level has not been present for quite some time hence the reason I've found it is time for me to move on.

I'm not so naïve to believe to think that wherever I land things will be perfect. I'm not so naïve to believe that because I know wherever I go, humans will still be in charge, and as imperfect beings we can only pursue perfection, not achieve it. However, even in knowing that I'm still ready to take the next step and move on.

It is with a heavy heart and some regret that I make this decision to leave Chi-town. Let me make it abundantly clear that I'm not being chased out of town or being forced to leave. This decision is mine and mine alone and was made factoring in, the level of discomfort at my current place of employment, the great distance from my family and friends, and the apparent need for me to go back for several reasons. I pride myself on being a family man and as much as this move is about me, it’s about them. My family needs me right now so I’m going home.

What has complicated this decision has been the great relationship I have with my co-workers. I LOVE my co-workers. Truly they are some of the greatest people I have ever met, which really made this decision a lot harder. What has made the circumstances at all bearable is their presence and I thank them for it.

If any of you are reading this, know that I love you all like family. I understand at times I can be a little reclusive, but that was largely due in part to the fact that I deal with people with a 10 foot pole until I decipher whether or not they’re friend or foe. You guys have all proven yourself to be friends. My departure from The Chi won’t be forever, as I promise I’ll be back to visit soon enough.

I want to say thank you to everyone who bent over backwards to make me feel welcomed and to make the transition to Chicago as smooth as possible. I’ll miss you all. If you’re ever in South Florida don’t hesitate to give me a call. If you ever need anything, don’t let the distance that will soon be between us, stop you from calling me. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope things get better soon. Stay up and be blessed.