<center>http://puu.sh/qqZQL/3e81fdb44d.png</center>

<center><h2>The past few years of my life have felt like an endless struggle...</h2></center>

Living from day to day, never having enough to cover my expenses and living with uncertainty for the future were slowly killing me from the inside. Anyone who's ever been in the situation where they have no promised work or income but have monthly expenses knows what I'm talking about. It can be absolutely daunting knowing that at the end of each month you'll need to have X amount of dollars else find yourself without a place to sleep or food.

<center><h2>Once you've been homeless you never want to go back...</h2></center>

There have been periods in my life where I've ended up laying in the gutter staring up at the stars wondering how in the hell I'd ended up there. I've battled with mental illness nearly all my life and in some instances have been so depressed or manic that normal human functions were impossible. Travelling through the STEEM ecosystem I see other users that share very similar stories, and I'm glad that they've managed to find the platform that's helped me take back control of my future and financial freedom.

<center>http://puu.sh/qr3sM/055d8e5e26.png</center>

<center><h2>For the first time in a long time, I live without fear...</h2></center>

Ever since I've started to dedicate a few hours each day to creating original content to Steemit.com, my life has drastically changed for the better. Not knowing if I'd be able to buy groceries to feed myself or pay my slumlord's monthly sacrifice used to cause me so much stress, anxiety and fear it was at times crippling. I've gone in the course in the past month from not having two nickels to rub together to having enough money to pay this next month's rent and saved up nearly a 1/3rd of what I need to move back into the city where there are more job prospects for me. 

<center><b>Steemit was the catalyst for the change I needed to start living up to my full potential. </b></center>

<center><h2>Why I stopped powering down my STEEM Power</h2></center>

Given the support I've received here and the fact I no longer have looming financial concerns I can now begin to save up to pay off my debts and start saving up for my first home. One thing that donned on me was that STEEM has a built in Savings account. Initially I was powering down to earn that little extra each week to help offset my expenses. I won't be powering down my account any time soon, Firstly because I no longer need to.. And secondly to show my support for STEEM, Steemit.com and the awesome developers that made it possible.

<center><b>I'm holding onto my STEEM Power, as a show of my support for the future of the network!</b></center>

<center>http://puu.sh/qr6HE/678912cd72.png</center>

<center><h2>Bonus: Free Lovicon, STEEMicon and Checkicon</h2></center>

<center>Made a few hand drawn KLYE ART icons for you to use in your posts!
Simply copy and paste the links below to insert these icons anywhere!</center>

<center>http://puu.sh/qr6YJ/895bbc93da.png - http://puu.sh/qr6YJ/895bbc93da.png</center>
<center>http://puu.sh/qr89B/deac53342f.png -  http://puu.sh/qr89B/deac53342f.png</center>
<center>http://puu.sh/qr82e/0bc4a97e6b.png -  http://puu.sh/qr82e/0bc4a97e6b.png</center>