The thing is, Shannon Ashley, you are not just dreaming, you are acting on your dreams, which is how dreams come true. When I clapped for this piece I was not just clapping for your writing, I was clapping for you. Because what you are doing is awesome and you deserve applause. I hope this encouragement can help you shut-out those naysayers when needed. The thing is, I am a mom too, and although I don’t have any financial need to write, I write anyways. Because me doing the thing that brings me to life, the thing I love, not only makes me a better mom, it shows my kids a lesson I could never hope for them to understand by just telling them. Do what you love. If you don’t do what you love, what is the point of living in a free country? And yes, it is great when that action can support us financially. And there is usually a way to figure out how to make money doing something. Although people think they have the answers to career stability, they don’t. Anyone can be stuck in situations where they can’t find the work they need. Even people who are not doing what they love. Even people who got the degree everyone told them was a sure-fire path to financial stability. I wish you success, and as soon as I become a paid Medium member I will find those paywall stories and add to your claps.