New York Minute

In order to be empathetic and understanding to one's situation, I often have to reflect on my own circumstances and life experiences. In the midst of "LeBron James, The Decision" and the after math, I find myself doing just that.

To put simply, I get it. I understand his decision to leave home and his choice to reveal that decision at the final hour. I have always been the obedient little girl, who tried desperately to please and put others before self. So much so that I lost my own path of happiness. My father was an Olympic boxing champion, who initially wanted boys. What he was blessed with were 2 beautiful girls (the 2 handsome boys came later). At the ages of 3 and 5, my father was determined to mold us into tennis champions. Although, tennis provided us with numerous opportunities and amazing experiences, it was a passion that was chosen for us. Although first and often mistaken for (don't ask, I have no idea how or why), we didn't become the "well-known" sisters. When you commit to a sport as a career, you dedicate your life and the results are all or nothing.

Being the oldest of four with a sister who enjoyed working out as much as Kim Kardashian enjoyed Hockey players, I was taught never to leave my siblings behind. When I mean never, I mean never. For example, my sister honestly believed when I turned 16, 18 and 21, so did she. Being raised in Ohio (my sister and I however, in Florida at IMG Sports Academy), my brothers did not have the same opportunities to train, learn and compete with the best. So, when our tennis ceased, it was our job to teach them. Like any job, it came with sacrifices. Now, at 30 (LOL-give or take), I began to contemplate if it was me who was actually getting left behind. My sister moved to Florida and my little brothers were at that cool age, which did not include hanging out with big sis (I wouldn't have changed witnessing Ronnie transforming into a gentlemen, that can cook and pull weeds; Romie gaining manly, unstoppable confidence and Bri developing a voice and holding her own for anything).

To outsiders and heck insiders, I had the ideal life, a mortgage free 4 bedroom house, close to family, no major bills and making good money. Why leave home? I've already traveled the world and to some should be content with my life in NE Ohio. Who would actually support or understand my decision to leave and relocate to and I quote, "A crowded, dirty, roach and rat invested city, where bills are high and plenty." When I look at New York I don't see roaches (well I don't think of them). I see opportunity, intriguing people, and creativity. It represents a place to grow, overcome challenges and become my own woman. For if I can make it in NYC, I can make it anywhere. I've been planning and saving for this move for almost 9 months. I told no one until the last hour and some after the hour. Why? Because I didn't want to be consumed with negativity, doubt and limitations. Duh, there were risks, but I wanted to leave being optimist and confident. Many people never take risks because of fear and complacency.

The method cowardly and selfish? For me, possibly. I treated my family to dinner, then left on the earliest flight the next morning. (Surprisingly, my friends and family were and are very supportive). The move? No. The true New York minute is life, but instead of 60, we only get one. Don't let fear and complacency inhibit you from living your life and taking chances. If your initial plan fails, don't break down like Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give". Instead brush your self off, learn, adjust and improve. Bounce right back like J Lo at the AMAs .

We have two choices: Take the risk and have no regrets or don't and always wonder. I choose to be a risk taker and I'm loving every New York minute.

Just as I was about to close, I get a daily quote from George Foreman that sums it all up. "In all of my boxing career, what frightened me more: Not the strong men I fought, but me. I knew once I heard the bell, I would never give up. Scars, blood, broken bones, lost titles, I could live with, but not giving up. Fight! Keep getting it up. Fight again."