“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” We’ve all heard that, right? But most people forget the second part of the quote. Let me complete it for you: “But all play and no work makes him something worse.” (Samuel Smiles).

Honestly, I think my name could’ve been Jack, because that’s pretty much my life story.

Growing up, I had everything. My dad made sure of that. You could say I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth.

But, as you’d expect, I reached a point where I thought I knew it all. I was ready to live life on my own terms. So, I demanded my share of the inheritance. My loving dad, being the gracious man he is, didn’t refuse.

Suddenly, my bank account was fat, and I foolishly believed it would stay that way forever.

I left home with no plan, just an urge to explore the world. I lived by the motto, “I’m here for a good time, not a long time.” (#YOLO) I bought everything I wanted, even things I didn’t care for, just because I could! Every restaurant, every party – I was there. Sometimes, I couldn’t even tell when one party ended and the next began.

For a while, it felt like I was living the dream. But that dream shattered when my money ran out. Reality hit hard, and so did a famine in the land. I had no plan, no transportation, and my so-called friends? They were gone, dealing with their own survival.

I was lost. Cold, hungry, homeless, and hopeless.

I ended up as a swineherd, wishing I could atleast eat the food given to the pigs. That’s when I knew I’d hit rock bottom.

At that moment, I realized even my dad’s servants had it better than me. What was I doing with my life?

I decided to go back home and beg my dad to hire me as a servant. At least I wouldn’t starve.

By God’s grace, I made it back. And to my utmost surprise, my dad welcomed me with open arms and celebrated my return.

It was the fresh start I needed. I realized my worth, the value my dad placed on me, and I began to make better choices—learning from my past, becoming more responsible, and managing my life and finances wisely.

What I came to understand is this: knowing what really matters changes everything. It helps you prioritize and live meaningfully.

So, learn from my mistakes before you make your own. Take my life as a lesson and make better decisions.

And if you need someone to help you stay on track, we’re here for you. We’ll support you, share in your experiences, and grow together.

You’ve got this!