As many of you know, two and a half years ago, I walked away from my 13-year successful career in Corporate America to pursue creative projects. While my departure seemed sudden for some, even for me at first, the truth of it was I had been slowly coming to that point for some time, working my way, inch by inch, to my ultimate escape from an environment in which I felt trapped and creatively deprived. The process wasn't easy. Following your dreams, leaving behind the comfort of your surroundings, not knowing what lies ahead...these are all risky actions that leave us raw and exposed to the elements. There is a chance, in fact, of having your soul broken should you fall or fail to accomplish what you set out to do. And then, like a big brick trying to weigh down your dreams, there are those who want to keep you from doing it by questioning your tactics and sanity. I even did this to myself, boarding up escape routes with practicalities like "but what about health insurance" and "how will I ever pay the rent." But I pushed through the barriers. It was hard. There was a struggle. But I did it. And once I fled, I never looked back.

I do, sometimes, think about those left behind. While many expressed their desire to do the same thing, to break free and do what their hearts really want to do, and despite the fact I showed them how to do it, they choose to stay right where they are, for whatever reason or reasons. This is not a judgment but simply an observation. Like I said, for some, it is easier to watch, nose pressed up against the window, than to leap.

Little did I know, someone had recorded my escape. So for those of you still needing someone to show you how to do it, I give you this: