A Love Letter to D.C.: Twelve Years That Changed Me

To the District of Columbia,

I’m writing to let you know just how much you mean to me. What started as an accident became a life-changing chapter that has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. When I first decided to move to the DMV, I planned to live in Silver Spring, MD. But fate had other plans, and I ended up in D.C. instead. Twelve years later, I’m still here—and so grateful that life didn’t unfold the way I thought it would.

These twelve years have transformed me. I’ve grown, evolved, learned, and stretched myself in ways that feel almost unreal when I look back. I worked on my physical and mental wellness. I stepped into the world of politics and eventually education policy. I learned how to invest—and now I’m an avid investor. What once felt like creative suppression through the 9–5 actually pushed me into becoming a content creator. I became an avid reader. I got braces. I went natural. I started going to the opera. I became more confident in myself and my abilities. My style sharpened and elevated. I became more militant in the fight for Black empowerment. I grew into a woman who is professional, charming, sophisticated, educated, and elegant.

When I first arrived, I had no idea what the future held. I could barely afford my first apartment lol. I knew almost no one. I didn’t have a car. My salary was modest. But little by little, everything shifted. The money came. I bought a car—my boo, now paid off. I formed friendships that became a community. My calendar filled with events and opportunities. I found myself surrounded by educated, passionate, powerful people. Today, not only can I afford my rent, but I can save, invest, and treat myself. My car and I have been rolling through the city together for nine of the twelve years I’ve lived here—something I never expected, but appreciate deeply.

I did have a plan for my life in D.C., but just like the Silver Spring plan, it didn’t unfold the way I envisioned. And while my time here has been incredible, it hasn’t always been easy. D.C. is where I endured some of the hardest moments of my life—getting sick and nearly losing my life, dealing with a chronic illness, losing my father, dealing with neighbors from hell and shady property management, a failed engagement, and living through COVID. Many of these storms hit at the same time. It felt like hell, but I survived. Those experiences changed me—mostly for the better, though I am still working through some of the wounds.

At one point, everything was aligning exactly how I imagined, but once COVID hit, my world turned upside down. I’ve healed from most of it, but I still grieve the version of life I thought I would have by now. By this age, I thought I would be married, with a child (maybe lol), owning a classic D.C. rowhome, running a fashion business, and hitting millionaire status.

But this isn’t a complaint. I am still very blessed. I’m almost completely debt-free, I’ve reached a major net-worth milestone without owning physical real estate, I’m healthy, and I have community. I’ve lived in one of the most powerful cities in the world—and thrived. And just because my plans didn’t unfold exactly as I imagined doesn’t mean they won’t happen. They may just show up in different forms—a brownstone in Baltimore instead of a D.C. rowhouse (have you seen D.C. real estate prices?); becoming a creative director instead of a traditional boutique; a political path I never expected; and yes, that millionaire milestone is still on the way.

I’ve never lived anywhere this long besides my hometown of New Haven, CT. And although I once imagined putting roots down here permanently, my spirit has shifted. I need a break from D.C.—for many reasons. The cost of living doesn’t match the quality of living I desire. The current political climate is too heavy. The rats. Parking. Speed cameras. And most of all, I need peace. Even driving in D.C. feels like too much now. So, it’s time for a move—to Maryland (I know, very far lol), the place I originally planned to call home. Nothing is finalized yet. I will stay with my mother for a bit before making a permanent move. I may travel and leave the country for a while. I’m still figuring it out—but I know it’s time.

D.C., you will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve lived a life here that many dream about. You tested me, refined me, and revealed me to myself.  New Haven raised me, but D.C shaped me into the woman I am today.  I truly don’t believe I would be this version of myself had I not moved here—and I will never take that for granted.

 

And who knows? I may find my way back to you one day. If these past years have taught me anything, it’s that my plans are not always God’s plans. I believe God placed me here for a reason—to learn, grow, contribute, and evolve. And now He is nudging me toward the next chapter. I plan to carry every lesson, memory, and blessing with me.

Before I close, I have to express my gratitude:
To Howard Hospital and Sibley Memorial Hospital, for saving my life.
To my current job, for pulling me deeper into advocacy and activism.
To every connection and community that made these twelve years meaningful.

I leave with gratitude in my chest, wisdom in my pocket, and a quiet knowing that the woman who arrived here twelve years ago is not the woman who is leaving. This is not a goodbye, it's a see you later, one day.

Thank you for everything, D.C.

With love,
Takara Ayana