The Dream

I knew at an early age I was creative and had a wild imagination. My step-father introduced me to the world of music which I fell in love with. My mother introduced me to the world of art. I fell in love with that too. I used to dream of being able to play guitar for a living. I just didn’t know how that could be done. And no one provide me with an answer to how.

From the time I left the wings of my step-father, I’ve been introduced to many forms of art. Adam Remson, my first editor of my short-lived four issue music publication called Music Contacts introduced me to writing. At Harold Washington College, my photography teacher, Jane Regan introduced me to the world of taking photographs. These were moments of inspiration for me. I found a joy in self-expression.

The challenge for twenty-five years has been turning that joy into a living. This morning I believe I’ve come up with the answer.

The Value of Time

photo credit: dirkjanranzijn

Take a look at the guy in this photo. He has five circular items suspended in the air while holding only one in his hand. He has a total of six items he’s managing to balance for an audience. He has without a doubt mastered the art of balancing. Creating the life that you would like to lead is somewhat a similar task. Let say that each item the juggular is holding represents a portion of life; Work, sleep, entertainment, socializing, hobbies, family, commuting, ect.  There is only so much you can fit into a twenty-four hour period. Choosing what activites to put into a day I believe is the secret. We have so many choices we can choose from.

Education

photo credit: Menlo School

Learning a new skill requires time commitment. Learning a new skill that will provide self-suffiency takes an even greater time commitment. However long the time commitment it is a necessary step and essential part of my equation. Mastering a particular skill that I will enjoy doing and one that will provide employement is where I’ve fallen short.

The Challenge

My challenge has been for twenty-five years how can I pursue a life of self-expression that brings me so much joy while still being able to maintain financial responsibilities. Working a full-time job strips away half of the hours you have available to pursue your goals, dreams and aspirations. While employement does provide security and benefits, a job only has robbed me of my time and potential a A full-time job just isn’t going to work for me.

While selling StreetWise has provide some income, it is not enough to provide self-sufficiency. The income has averaged less than $5.00 an hour. I only need to find a job that pays more that offers the type of flexibility a student needs to still have time to study. The time I invest in work will be the same. What I receive for the hour will be different.

Savings and Investing

Making money work for you. This is the ultimate point that I have to achieve. With the surplus from working, (I’m calling anything over $3.00-$5.00 per hour at this point a surplus) I can use that money to make make money. This concept isn’t new to me but it’s another part of my equation. If I have to work four hours to make $13.00 selling StreetWise, I need to figure out how I can have my money growing to a point that it’s making $5.00 per hour. This can only happen earning more money somewhere else.

So there you have it, my life equation for pursuing my dreams of an artist. Over time I will see if this works. However, remember where you read it first.

Health Log

Point A: 1:01:26

Increase of 1:26 mins.