Steppin’…

In Chicago, people “step.”  It is a dance that kind of looks like the cha cha, but with more swag and flair.  Then there is steppin’ in fraternities and sororities-African-American based ones.  There are step shows between university chapters, regionally.  Alum chapters  compete at their respective boule’s, conventions and conclaves.  These are all very fascinating to me.  I can sit for hours and watch those that can, do. As I watch in amazement, I wonder why I don’t have the gift of rhythm and cringe at the thought of my “black card” being revoked because I don’t, and therefore am bereft of being able to do either form of steppin’. Then there is stepping.  This is not generally associated with a culture specifically, as are the other two, but to a group of people of any race, color or creed who are led to lead a spiritual existence.  Oftentimes, among this group, there are testimonies of people “stepping out on faith.” I enjoy watching those people, as well.  They inspire me.

Who have I been fooling?!  These people don’t inspire me.  They fill my heart with joy that they are accomplishing their dreams, but inspiration would mean me getting off my duff and doing the same.  I have been a spectator in my on life.  That ends now.

I came to terms long time ago that I will never step, Chi town style.  I will never perform in one of my sorority’s greek step shows, but I can affirm with this, my first blog post ever, that I am a  “stepper.”  I am stepping out on faith and pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming a writer, a successfully, financially independent writer.  I have no idea how (nor did I have a clue when I became a t.v. producer) but I am going to make this happen.  I have no backup and I have a mortgage…motivation is a bitch, ain’t it?!?!!  lol

Why now you ask?  This year I turned 50.  I don’t feel like what I thought 50 would feel like.  In my mind I am still 21…well 30 if my knees or back feel bad.  I realized, I more than likely have less years on earth going forward, than I have exhausted (despite the fact that I had a great grandmother who lived to be 108).   That was more motivation.   Then there was the biggest motivation of all.

I was laid off from my job as a media services and technology specialist at my alma mater because, well because the new department head, is a business guy and thought my job was a duplication of efforts.  On paper, yea he was right.  In reality for the needs of that office…WRONG.  Whatever, my granny used to say, you are leasing your job.  You were looking when you found that one, go find another.  Ok Granny…but I am taking this opportunity to create my own.  In doing so, I have sought assistance from SCORE and the SBA to start a business(aside from writing).  In so doing, the mentor I have been connected with is called an ENCORE EXECUTIVE.  He is a former executive who volunteers to offer his years of expertise to the “young whipper snappers” such as myself to help us realize our dreams of entrepreneurship.

Meeting my business mentor, I realized, hell, I am an ENCORE professional…dang, at 50.  My former boss with one quick inhumane BUSINESS decision turned me into an ENCORE professional.  I never thought at 50 I would be starting over, taking my first steps into a career as I did, some nearly 20+ years ago.  But I am.

I can’t say that I am not concerned.  The unknown always is a source of concern.  What I have going for me are three things-my trinity-faith, talent and a not going to fail attitude.  I am excited like a kid waiting for Christmas morning about what lies ahead as a writer in my Encore Performance.