My favorite singer/songwriter Stephen Kellogg recently wrote about the things he learned (or re-learned) in 2014. In an ode to him, and to deliver a bit of self- reflection, here’s the top 5 things I have learned or re-learned this year.

1) Take Leaps

• I moved from Chicago to Detroit after two years in the Windy City. My fiancé lives there and some of the greatest people I have ever met call that city home. It was tough to leave a city I loved so much for a new adventure. However in my brief time in Detroit I have learned so much more about myself than I would have in my comfort zone of Chicago. I have grown professionally and personally, and have met other Detroiters that have too made leaps of faith for a city they truly care about.

 
2) Surround Yourself With Good People

• This one is taken directly from Kellogg himself. I have learned through some of my own personal relationships, and those of my friends, that as you get older the people you surround yourself very much determine who you are and your future. A supportive group of friends that aren’t afraid to challenge you is extremely important. I’ve noticed its also important to surround yourself with people that inspire you and push you to become a better person. Many people in Challenge Detroit, and in the city itself do this, and I am thankful for it.

3) The Detroit Tigers Will Always Break My Heart

• I live just blocks from Comerica Park, and before I moved to Detroit I envisioned myself celebrating a Tigers’ World Series down Woodward Avenue. As you may know this did not happen, and am tormented with another year without my beloved Tigers getting a championship ring.

4) Detroit is Still Misunderstood

• It was funny talking to people over the holidays about Detroit. Whether it was family, friends, people that once lived in Detroit, or people that live in other states, everyone had an opinion and wanted to share it. Some thought Detroit was back and cited the recent additions of HopCat and Punch Bowl Social, others still look at the abandoned buildings and the term bankruptcy as something the city truly never will overcome. The truth is that it’s in the middle. It’s coming back, but it has a long way to go. The progress made in the last 5 years shows that it’s possible, but it’s going to take time.

5) That Detroit Is Truly Unlike Any Other City In America

• People want to compare Detroit to other cities all the time. Most of the time it’s Chicago, and most of the time Chicago casts a long shadow over the Motor City. But it’s unfair. While both are rust belt cities and both have somewhat similar histories, Detroit and Chicago are very different places. And that’s a good thing. Detroit needs to be different to blossom, and that’s what it’s doing. From the diversity of people and food, to the spirit of entrepreneurship that is truly organic, to the idea that you can matter in Detroit if Detroit matters to you. Even the little things that Detroit offers, like simply the hellos and simple nods from residents you get every day walking to work, make this city different.