In 2004, I moved back to the East Coast after living in San Diego for more than one year. I tucked my tail in between my legs and came home because I had foolishly spent money and incurred credit card debt as I enjoyed life in Southern California.

In early 2005, I was depressed as I managed a Hollister store at a mall. Life was not proceeding as I had planned it. I was immature. So, instead of sucking it up and working to change my situation, I turned to alcohol. I’d booze hard to forget about my reality with which I was not happy. It culminated in driving drunk and jumping off a highway overpass. For some reason, that thirty-foot fall did not kill me. Rather, it served as a jarring wake-up call. Through the long recovery process, I learned that, to achieve awesome new heights, I must work hard. Solely relying on my God-given talents was the path of least resistance and laziness.

In February of this year, as my 40th birthday came and went, I felt very low again. I had quit my job as a litigator and was looking for work longer than I had anticipated. The relationship with a wonderful woman was failing. For a couple of hours one night, I contemplated jumping off my balcony–seven stories from the ground.

The gnarly thought was fleeting, though. This time, I did not turn to alcohol. Rather, in the ensuing months, I sacrificed (sometimes kicking and screaming while doing so) and have worked to achieve more. I am nowhere near where I want to be and have a lot more labor ahead, but I am happy (not satisfied).

Today, my bank account is at about the same level as when I quit my job in early November. The balance is absolutely nothing to brag about, but I smile, knowing that I did not, and will not, fail. I am excited about the new appellate/ghostwriting practice my business partner, and I will soon open and look forward to whatever else the future holds.

My ex-girlfriend was a very positive influence on my financial life because she taught me to live (well) within my means. Due to her tutelage, I will not again foolishly spend money. I am supremely thankful for her. I cannot offer too many thanks to my family and friends, who offered emotional support as I took a leap of faith and walked away from my job as a litigator. I am extremely fortunate to be blessed with crossing the paths of amazing people in this life.