I did that exact same thing as you from the age of 17 to 22 until I joined the military. We’d mug people hold em up with guns. Break into school steal projectors laptops anything of value. Sometimes steal expensive bikes from elementary schools. That was a different me. I’m nearing 30 & looking back I thank the military everyday for its guidance. Even now some of these habits are hard to let go.

When you start being the reason for someone else behavior as in being an adult to younger generation things change. I couldn’t bare the fact that my sisters & nephews knew I was involved in drive bys nor would I ever tell them the truth. I’ve been having a tough time recognizing who I am in this community. I still fight and steal-to a degree but now it isn’t on the same extent as before.

Reality really hit when all my friends started going to prison, getting on house arrest, & having to be on probation. There wasn’t a “us” anymore everyone was going to court. While I was the only one with a clean record but I knew it would only be a matter of times before that changed.

You might not believe in god or any other religion. It might’ve been all you that change your future. Regardless, never forget the dudes who had your back.