Have you ever found yourself gazing up at our skyline like it’s more than a cluster of buildings? Like you’re searching for meaning in the towering, familiar structures or along the streets in our bustling neighborhoods?

Story of my life on a daily basis.

No matter where I’m going — toward the city or away from it — I feel this magnetic pull towards purpose here. Like a lighthouse guiding me through life’s changes and uncertainties, this city and the people in it serve as a constant reminder that making a difference here is important to me.

If you can identify with the above, congratulations — you’re a Believelander. Welcome to Team Cleveland.

You have an overwhelming love, pride, and passion for our city. You seek to support and strengthen the community, and you never stop believing in its potential. But anyone can be proud of where they live or where they’re from.

Team Cleveland takes it a step further.

With this power passion comes great responsibility the ability to create change and continue moving the city forward should you so choose. Are you ready to put on your CLE Clothing Co. t-shirt and accept that challenge?

We did an icebreaker at work last week where we shared what we would do if money wasn’t an option. Someone said they’d be a tour guide, another said they’d start their own brewing business, and another said they’d buy a block of houses in an underutilized neighborhood and flip them.

I wanted to put my hands on the shoulders of each and every one of them and say:

“You. Can. Do. That. In. Cleveland.”

If you haven’t noticed, we are a hot bed of entrepreneurship. If you’re not watching Cleveland Hustles (or what my boyfriend endearingly calls “Cleveland Muscles” while flexing) get on that — now. Unlike Shark Tank, these are our neighbors going after their dreams to create jobs, revitalize our community, and spur economic development.

Can you imagine if everyone followed their dreams and worked to turn them into realities?

For decades, my grandfather helped build Cleveland’s infrastructure as a pipefitter. He worked on the steel mills, the Bond Court Hotel (now the Westin), the Higbee Building and Public Auditorium — just to name a few. But like LeBron needing his teammates to win a championship, it took thousands of people like my grandfather to build this city, and it will take just as many to bring us to our full potential.

We’re fortunate to be from a generation that isn’t expected to retire after 40 years with the same company. Our grandparents and parents made sacrifices to put food on the table and clothes on our backs in careers that may not have been entirely fulfilling so we could have the luxury of choice.

Of course this is what makes millennials so misunderstood. We’re deemed entitled rather than mindful of what we actually want out of life. Instead of applauding those who embrace new opportunities or take career risks, job-hopping and walking away from stable, corporate careers can be considered a stigma.

We have one life to live, and if we’re not doing what we love than — seriously — what is the point? We are of more value to society when we can serve our greater purposes. This is the new American Dream, and it would be a dishonor to generations before us to settle or default into complacency.

Friday night I attended what has become my favorite end-of-summer event. Called Believe in CLE, it’s a yoga movement started by Rocky River’s Inner Bliss and Eton-Chagrin’s lululemon athletica that draws thousands of Clevelanders together annually to practice yoga together in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

There are always speakers beforehand to get the good vibes and Cleveland feels going, so naturally the museum’s CEO Greg Harris spoke about how Clevelanders fought for it to be built on our shores 21 years ago this weekend.

One local yoga studio owner opened up about how his stepdad became an alcoholic because he gave up on his dreams. Another regular studio goer talked about self-love, positive affirmation, and how the power of belief in oneself can translate to community growth.

I’m fortunate enough to have found opportunities outside of my nine to five to make my if-money-wasn’t-an-option alternate reality an actual reality. Some days can be overwhelming, but I wouldn’t change it for anything because I get to put my passions into action.

I’ve also been told “no” after giving every ounce of energy I have to achieve certain successes for myself, so I know how discouraging it can be when something doesn’t work out.

But this is Cleveland. We know a thing or too about resiliency. And we know that under the right conditions, pressure can turn into diamonds.

During a conversation with my boyfriend’s dad last weekend he asked me, “So what do you want to do [with your life]?” and I’ll be honest, I’m still figuring that out. But I believe in myself and know that I’ll get there eventually because I won’t stop trying until I do.

And I want to encourage each and every one of you reading this to do the same.

Find a way to turn walls into windows for yourself. Change the rules. Create your own path. Gain experience and give back through volunteerism. Network and team up with others who appreciate what you can bring to the table, and whose strengths may compliment your weaknesses.

Don’t give up. Never stop believing in yourself. Chase your dreams, even if you don’t know what they are yet. Because when we push for something greater for ourselves, a fire can ignite and a community — and even history — can change.

Nothing is given here. Everything is earned. And so much more can be earned when we believe in Cleveland, believe in ourselves, and work hard doing what we love.

Together.