I upvoted but because I understand where you are coming from. I had a really bad childhood and never really had parents. Got into trouble young and was supposed to be a statistic. Money always came easy to me BUT I always worked hard and looked for opportunities.

I got lucky young because I capitalized on my surroundings. Hit the market at the right time and made $250k in a little over a year. No education. No support system or family. But I still had more than the starving African kid.

Fast forward though, lost a baby and my best friend 7 days apart. Got the news at the same business meeting I had every Wed at noon. Fell into depression that lead to alcoholism. Lost it all by being an emotional train wreck. Here's the crazy part, at least to me, my father contacted me. I met him and just hung out. We hit off really well. About two weeks in, I realized I hadn't drank since I was around him. My depression lifted...? I dunno. The change in me was awakening. I don't battle with myself anymore and life looks much brighter. I don't want to sugar coat it at all but damn... The change was polarizing. I look back on the 15, yes 15 years of my life and want to kick myself for not getting help when I needed it.

Now I'm living in my favorite city. Doing my best to work and save money so I can open an art gallery. I'm good at selling art and that's where my passion is. I'm happy to be alive and I'm glad I snapped out of it. Painful lessons to learn.

I didn't start with nothing, but damn close. I've had to fight over food and a single dollar bill. Watched drug addicts try to sell their kids and witnessed more violence than anyone should have to endure.

I still consider myself lucky.