I realized I was over New York City the night of my birthday.
This night was already particularly life-changing since it was the same evening Beyoncé released Lemonade. My friends and I grabbed a speaker, a bottle of Jameson, and sat in the South Beach, Miami sand under the moon. As the waves kissed the shore, the most peaceful calm washed over me, and it was at that very moment I knew the only way I'd feel a fraction as happy in my day-to-day life was if I left the one place I had been miserable in for so long.
Before Beyoncé snatched my edges yet again, I toyed constantly with the idea to move back home to Maryland from New York City, but the guilt of abandoning the urban jungle that taught me how to be independent and toughened me up paralyzed any of my efforts to actually leave. I feared I'd indirectly sabotage my dreams if I left after spending five years carving out my space in The Big Apple. I was caught up in some type of faux loyalty, some abusive comfort zone, where I was dangerously unhappy but stayed anyway. I racked my brain about it for some time. Ultimately, though, NYC was beginning to suffocate me, both creatively and mentally, and depression was setting in.
[embed]https://gph.is/17D20Vx[/embed]
You see, to the outside world (and my followers on social media), my life was lit. I had a good job, a decent Harlem apartment in one of the most unaffordable cities in the world and was rubbing elbows with some of the music industry's elite. I'd accomplished my goal of writing a cover story, interviewed your favorite celebrity's favorite celebrity and had finally launched a fitness and sports business with my colleague. Still, I was largely unsatisfied with my life. Nothing moved me anymore. I didn't feel refreshed and revitalized by the city's energy. In fact, I felt drained and almost lifeless. It was weird, because I felt I was being ungrateful. My lifestyle had afforded me amazing opportunities. And hadn't God given me the lifestyle I'd asked for? Yet, there I was the day I returned from my birthday vacation disgusted by the Subway and nowhere near looking forward to another work week. After such a relaxing week of celebrating a new year, I was on the verge of tears as my anxiety reached a new level.
That Monday, hand to God, I walked in and quit my job without a two week notice. I couldn't last another day writing about bullshit my heart wasn't into. Once I chucked the deuces at my full-time gig, I no longer had cemented ties to the city, and I was closer to that freeing feeling I felt that night on the beach. Was I 100 percent sure about how I'd relocate or what I would do once I got there? Hell no. But I asked God to work it out if it was in His will to make me a Marylander again. The goal was to become a freelance writer, finally start my book and continue to grow my business from the comfort of suburbia, all while maintaining, what I consider, a better quality of life. (Sorry but I just prefer clean cities and a more reasonable cost of living.)
And here I am. So, here are the top three things I learned from moving back home:
1. My bank account looks better.
I'm #adulting so much more efficiently these days that my bank account is actually glo'ing up! Though I have new expenses I didn't have in NYC, like a car and gas, apartments are typically cheaper and have much more space. Trust me, living in my own apartment beats spending an arm and a leg to live with two roommates.
2. I'm learning to trust myself.
I can't describe how incredible it feels to start a new chapter of my life. Not only has my being removed from the overcrowded, speedy hustle of the NYC improved my life, but the process of moving back to the DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia area) also taught me to trust myself. Before I flew the cuckoo's nest better known as NYC, I was so afraid to lose the safety net of a 9-to-5. Not to mention, plenty of naysayers believed the move would cripple me. I'd freelanced a few years prior, but I ran back to the corporate world when things got tough. This go round, though, it's either make it as an entrepreneur and author, or fail. I may not be in the mecca of media, but let's just say the odds have reawakened my hustle and excitement for my career.
The fact that I decidedly stuck to what I knew was best for me has also made me more self-aware and reinforced my resilience. I've learned that it's OK to outgrow phases of my life that no longer serve me in a way they "should" or once did before.
3. My relationship with God is stronger.
Uprooting my life from one place to another took guidance that I couldn't always find in my own understanding. I leaned on God heavily to show me I was making the right decision. It's been 30 days since I hit the reset button, and as a result of giving God the wheel, my relationship with Him is stronger. Because my faith is top notch, I feel a stronger sense of self, my energy is much more positive and I've learned to trust God for more than just making sure my ends meet.
So, do I miss New York? Eh. The people and bodega breakfast sandwiches maybe. I even feel a twinge of nostalgia when I see the city skyline fly across my Instagram feed. But please believe, I won't be trading in my peaceful quality of life for another Metrocard ever again.
Have you ever moved back home to get your happy back? What lessons did you learn? Share with us below!
- Moving Back Home Was The Best Decision I Ever Made – The Ascent ›
- Moving Back Home: The Best Decision Or The Worst? | HuffPost ›
- Moving Back Home: How to Make Sure it's a Good Decision ›
- I Was Ashamed to Move Back to My Hometown As an Adult—But the ... ›
- Why There's No Shame In Moving Back In With Your Parents ›
RELATED
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage