There was a time I was very lost in life. Having no parental guidance, no family, or anyone to point me in the right direction affected my life very much. I feel the effects of it to this day.

I wished for a long time there was something or someone to point me in the right direction when I was young. But there wasn’t. I missed many opportunities because I didn’t fully understand them when they showed up in my life.

When I was about sixteen discovered books that gave me something to compare to, especially biographies and autobiographies, they gave me insight into someone else’s life and how they overcame significant obstacles to accomplish something. They made me feel not alone.

One of my favorites is George Foreman’s Guide to Life, which talks about being yourself and doing what makes you happy, not anyone else. He talks about overcoming the challenges of poverty and still succeeding.

Another thing that provided the help I needed was internet forums and articles. Reading them late at night gave me a sense of direction. As I got older, I developed wisdom and good judgment from them.

At age 36, I wish my parents were there for me. I wish they had told me to play sports and study hard to make my life easier when I am older.

However, Today I am still somewhat happy. I figured things out. I made a life for myself because I had no one to help me. I got good at being self-reliant, which makes me a good entrepreneur and very independent out of misfortune came fortune.