As Kid Cudi once wrote, Cleveland is the Reason. And he was right in so many ways. People who aren't from here – and even those in the 'burbs, where I grew up – often don't understand the magic happening here every day. But it's real and tangible all around us, fueling us in our passions. You just have to let it in.

Walk up and down East 4th Street on a Saturday afternoon or look up at the skyline after an Indians victory. Rise up from a forward fold on the lawn of the new Public Square, breathe, and look at our beautiful Terminal Tower. Count how many Cavaliers hats you see in a week and all the people flocking to those Cleveland signs around the city.

Can you feel it? I can't imagine how you couldn't.

When I first moved to the Cleveland area about three years ago, something I noticed with great interest was how many passionate people were following their dreams and working ridiculously hard to make the community a better place. I admired those individuals and quickly realized that I, too, wanted to make a difference here.

The thing about Cleveland is we're just small enough where everybody knows everybody. Unlike New York and Chicago, you can have a conversation with somebody at a bus stop or in the check-out line at a grocery store and they somehow know your mom or your best friend, your former colleague or someone you used to live with. This spider web of a network where everyone is connected to one another can lead to endless opportunities.

Last year, I discovered just how powerful Cleveland social media can be. I started mentioning local businesses and organizations on Twitter whenever I did something Cleveland centric, and I couldn't believe how much engagement I'd get. This is coming from someone who never liked or understood the platform. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, I soon realized that on Twitter I could have a conversation with a councilman, my favorite local t-shirt company, the owner of a popular restaurant chain, the organizers of a cause I care about – just about anyone. It is the biggest virtual bus stop and check-out line you could possibly image.

In a few short months, I gained over 1,000 followers organically. And that was only the beginning. Anytime I thought I was shouting into a void, someone would recognize me on the street or call my by name and I'd realize what I was doing wasn't entirely crazy.

It wasn't long before opportunities came knocking. I picked up some freelance work – or rather, freelance work picked up me – started a new job in social media, and even started planning events and a local concert series. I started living dreams that I never even KNEW I had. And most importantly, I finally became one of those people making a difference.

I saw a quote on a Taco Bell sauce packet recently (figures) that said "Do it with passion, or not at all." Clevelanders are full of passion and hometown pride, and will recognize the same in you if you wear it on your sleeve. They'll want to harness that passion – and you can let them, if you want – but that's exactly it. You need to figure out whatever it is that you want to do and do it with passion. And it's okay if that takes time and trying a whole lot of everything.

I think the Cavaliers winning the championship finally got people to notice that little 'ol Cleveland isn't the "Mistake on the Lake" anymore, and that we're a collective of hard-working, loyal people with a heap of grit and determination. It makes me wonder where we'll be in another 52 years.

I can't wait to find out.