I don’t know where to start.
This is a common problem whenever I try and write something. I’ve learned several tricks to help work my way through; start from the middle, or what you know you want to write about, and fill in the rest later. It usually comes naturally after that. Or, try and get all the important info out of the way, and then work from there.
But here, I think I’ll just start from the beginning, when I saw a Twitter post last January about a site needing an Indians blogger.
“I love the Indians,” I thought. “I love to write. Let’s shoot them an e-mail and see what happens.” One writing sample later, I was the lead contributor for Deep Left Field.
What happened for me was a wonderfully torturous journey through the Cleveland Indians 2010 season. A miserable and forgettable season for most fans, but for me, it was exactly what I needed during this time in my life. I’m now 27 and have been out of school for a couple years. I found my skills declining as I lost my edge and my job search dragged on. Deep Left Field was a creative diversion that helped me keep my skills sharp as I remained in this rut in my life. It’s helped me grow, it’s given me confidence, and gave me an outlet during some of the dark times in my life.
But change is a necessary evil, and as I look to change my life, I’ve come to the painful realization that sometimes you must let something go, in order to watch it, and yourself, grow.
This is my last official post as lead contributor for Deep Left Field. I’ve made a few choices in the last few weeks over my future, and I find that my time is dwindling for DLF. It’s not that DLF has become any less important to me over the past few weeks, but advancing my life and getting out of this rut is just more important, at this point in time in my life.
My heart was always 100% committed to DLF. And that’s why I’ve come to the realization that if Deep Left Field is to truly branch out and join the elite Cleveland Indians blogs (as was my goal), I need to take a backseat and let someone with the time to devote to DLF to do so. I’m doing what I feel is best for DLF, the Fansided network, you readers, and myself.
I can’t walk away completely. I’m far to0 opinionated and I love the Tribe too much to be completely silent. I will remain on as a contributing writer, and you’ll still get the same snarky analysis you’re used to. Just less of it. I’m not done with Deep Left Field. I just need less of a workload right now.
For those wondering why I’m bothering with this somewhat masturbatory post, it’s because Deep Left Field has become a big part of my life and my identity over this past year. And I felt that I needed closure. Sometimes you gotta do things for yourself.
For those of you who come here to read my ramblings, I ask you to stick around. Between Marc, Mandy and myself, we can hold down the fort until a new lead writer is found. (Applications being accepted NOW!)
So instead of goodbye, I’ll just say, “See you soon.”
Thanks for listening. Go Tribe!
-E