I am filled with astonishment and confidence. I have nothing to fear for the future except that I shall forget the way the Lord has led me and his teachings in my past history. (Testimonies to ministers 31.1)

Philosophers have defined life in many ways, from karma to recreation. Indeed, life has been a journey of ups and downs. Growing up without parental care, I faced abandonment and hardship from a young age. I was forced to drop out of school multiple times, and reality hit me hard. I had to sell graphics and polythene bags at Asafo Market in Kumasi to survive.

The adversity of my struggles cannot be attributed to any unforeseen circumstances, whether nature or parental neglect. However, it's something I still cannot find answers to, and that led me to write this piece called "Young Man in Crisis."

Out of frustration and neglect from friends, family, and loved ones, I had to face life and reality. When reality hit me hard, I had to abandon my dreams and forgo what seemed like unparalleled hopes. Yet, I held onto my faith and determination to make myself proud someday, a dream I'm still nurturing.

In one of my most-read blogs, titled "My First Abortion," I shared the heartbreaking story of how I had to abort my dreams of becoming a lawyer due to financial constraints. It was a painful experience I had to endure at fourteen. It was terrifying that I had to abort all my pregnant dreams because life taught me they were unachievable. Even then, I didn't give up. I wrote, "I remember the day I had to abandon my dream of becoming a lawyer. I was in tears, feeling like I had failed myself and my family." But even in that darkness, I found a glimmer of hope.

I continued to pursue my passion for education, enrolling in a communication program at a university college. However, financial struggles persisted, and I had to drop out again. It seemed like the universe was conspiring against me. But I didn't let that define me. I started writing and blogging, sharing my story with the world. Through my writing, I found solace and purpose. I realized that my experiences, though challenging, were not unique. Many others had faced similar struggles and had overcome them. I began to see my story as a testament to resilience and determination.

There were times when I felt like ending it all, when the struggles seemed too much to bear. But something within me whispered, "Hold on, Eric. Better days are ahead." And so, I held on to my faith, resilience, and perseverance. I won't lie to you and say that things are booming and all glossy, but I can confidently say that I am a living testimony to the power of resilience and determination. My story is a reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you have the strength to overcome it. Don't give up, dear friend. Keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

As I look back on my journey, I realize that those dark moments were not in vain. They shaped me into the person I am today—stronger, wiser, and more compassionate. If you're going through tough times and thinking of ending it all, please know that there is hope.

Reach out to a friend, a family member, a social group, or a professional. Share your story with someone you trust. And most importantly, hold onto your faith and perseverance. You are stronger than you think, and better days are ahead. Keep pushing forward, and never give up on your dreams.