By Angie Kleven

In Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, there’s a passage that quite literally changed the way I think. It reads:

"The psychologist tell us of a state, in which the affections and images of the mind become so dominant and overpowering, that they press into their service the outward senses, and make them give tangible shape to the inward imagining."

What Stowe described is a natural law—one that applies no matter the time or circumstances: the Law of Perpetual Transmutation.

In simple terms, this law teaches that everything we experience in the physical world—the “reality” we live in—began first as an idea, a thought, a dream, or an imagining. Through the character of Uncle Tom, Stowe illustrated a powerful truth: even in the most desperate, seemingly hopeless circumstances, we can elevate our experience by choosing to dwell on things that are light and good. When we focus on what we want, rather than what we fear or resent, we begin to feel and live in that vision—even when our current surroundings don’t yet reflect it.

Several years ago, my own world turned upside down. At the bottom of it all, sitting in the rubble of the life I once knew, I had a realization: if everything had fallen apart, then I had the freedom—and the responsibility—to rebuild it in a new way. I had the chance to reimagine my future.

As a newly single parent, I had choices to make: How would I parent now? How would I educate my children? What kind of work would I do?

Before the divorce, when I didn’t need to work, I had homeschooled my three children. It had been a difficult decision at first, but over time, my confidence grew—and so did my conviction. I knew homeschooling was the right path for us.

But now, everything had changed.

I began seeking advice on how I could possibly keep homeschooling while earning an income from home. Almost everywhere I turned, I was lovingly—but firmly—told it wasn’t realistic. The common solution for single parents was long hours away from home while kids were in daycare or left to manage on their own.

But that reality? It wasn’t acceptable to me.

I had stared down conformity once before and walked away from it. I was determined to do it again.

I held tightly to the belief that there had to be a way to stay home, continue educating my children, and still contribute financially. But I didn’t know anyone else who had done it. That made it harder to believe it was truly possible.

Then, in November 2004, I attended a seminar by Janine Bolon, a self-taught financial expert. During the event, the host, Oliver DeMille, shared something that shifted everything for me. He said that whenever we’re faced with a life problem, the solution is always found through thinking. He challenged us to map out our life backward—to envision where we want to be at the end, and then work our way back from there.

That one principle gave my mind something solid to grab onto. It focused me. It gave me direction.

I spent hours thinking and writing, mapping out possibilities. I eventually realized that medical transcription could be the answer—it would allow me to work from home, support my family, and stay involved in my children’s education. At the end of the seminar, Janine offered personal mentoring. I gathered my courage, explained my situation, and asked the question that had been weighing on me:

“Is what I want to do…actually possible?”

She didn’t hesitate.

“Yes! Of course!”

That was all I needed.

Six years later, my life was proof: it is possible for single parents to create the life they want—and the life their children need. Once again, I’ve reached a point where I feel a new dream stirring. I’ve envisioned something even bigger: a way to continue educating and raising my children and create true financial wealth and stability—for now, and for our future.

And yes, once again, there are raised eyebrows. There are hushed voices. But this time, I understand something I didn’t fully grasp before.

I understand the Law of Perpetual Transmutation.

I know that as long as I keep my thoughts and emotions focused on the good I’m creating—not the fear I’m leaving behind—I will bring that vision to life.

And I can’t wait to see what happens.

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin (New York, NY: Barnes & Noble Books, 2003), p. 451.