New Year, Big Changes

Last year was busy and rough, but I'm hoping for good things in 2017. (artwork by Nneka Myers)

I moved away from home last year and it brought on a host of new challenges. I had to make new relationships, figure out my way around a new job and learn the politics of a new state. I just celebrated my first anniversary and, although it was a pretty rough road sometimes, I'm looking forward to another year.

I realized something important in 2016: I don't have time for Feather Magazine anymore. I shut the publican down for a little while a few years ago, but I always knew that I'd bring it back (and I did). This time, we're gone for good. My computer's been evil, but it's back in action now, so we'll start posting our last stories in a few days and then it's all over in March. The site will stay up at least until the end of the year, though.

I've met so many wonderful writers through Feather and grown so much as a person from reading their experiences. I'm proud of the work we did, but more about the positive work environment we created. I wanted something uplifting for the readers and for our writers. I'm elated that we were able to achieve those goals. 

So, I won't be doing Feather this year. But that doesn't mean, I'm just working my producing job. I've got some stuff in the works, but I learned a long time ago not to discuss anything until you're sure it's going to work out. 

This year I will...

Focus on myself more. I worked a lot last year, which I don't regret. I wanted more experience and, of course, the overtime pay. But I sacrificed self-care to do it. This year, I'm going to find the balance.

Get healthier. Isn't this everyone's resolution? With my work schedule, I can often be half asleep by the time I get off, but I'm planning to join a YMCA (there aren't many traditional gyms here, surprisingly) and go right after work. My job actually gifted us with some bags for Christmas that are perfect for the gym.

Learn to cook. I think I've made this resolution about four times. I bought a Crock Pot last year, though, which makes cooking a lot easier. I've made a couple of tasty things, so if I only made strides cooking with that, I'll feel like I accomplished this one.

Travel to visit loved ones. I haven't been to see my family in New York in about five years. I also haven't gone to Texas to visit my best friend or made a trip to Tampa just to see another of my BFFs. Those are all on my list this year, along with my requisite trips home. I'm also going to stop traveling to see people who never return the favor. Ya'll know where I live!

Fight for what's fair. Unlike Fox News, I don't take the phrase "fair and balanced" with a grain of salt in my work. There were a couple of times in 2016 that I had to stand up for what I thought was right when it came to covering stories and I'm sure that I'll have to do the same this year. 

Remember the Fourth Estate. Unfortunately, a lot of journalists forget that we have a Constitutional duty toward the American people. The parts of the First Amendment that handle freedom of the press, free speech, etc. were created to hold lawmakers accountable for their actions. I know a lot of people want to pander to the lowest common denominator, but I'm going to remember that my job is to tell the truth. Sometimes, that will make people angry, but facts are facts and it's worse if I try to pretty them up or ignore them altogether.