Leaving the Welfare State

In every person's life there are defining moments. In these moments we can change our lives forever for good or ill. In my life, my family and I have encountered two such moments that were both painful, and liberating.

When I graduated from college in 2008, I secured my first job at a local television station. I wasn't making a whole lot doing the audio for the early morning newscast, so my wife got a job as a substitute teacher for one of the local school districts. I would get up at 2 AM and drive to the news station, then when my shift ended at 7 AM, my wife and I would trade cars so she could go to work, and I could watch our two young sons. We were living in a house that my parents owned, and we made just enough to cover our heating and travel expenses. We were on Food Stamps and WIC, and between everything were able to stay fed and warm. The economy took a major downturn in the fall of 2008, so further employment options did not look good.

Book Review- Drawing out the Dragons

A fascinating read. I really enjoyed James A. Owen's insights on the creative process and how it applies to life. I have had similar experiences in many regards to the stories he tells about his own life, and I was blown away by how he responded to them. I can only imagine where I would be now if I had known the insights he shares in this book just a few years sooner.

I have a background in the arts and greatly appreciated his analogy for life, that the choices we make build on one another just like the lines in a drawing.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has had a dream and been told by everyone around them that it can't happen.

I have been toying with several ideas lately that I will not hesitate to put into action after having read this book. It will be hard, but it will also be worth it!