He saw the wrinkles around his eyes, the gray hairs on his temples, the sagging skin on his cheeks. He saw the marks of regret on his face.

He was 40, and he had nothing to show for it.

He had always blamed others for his failures. His parents, his teachers, his friends. They had never given him what he needed, what he deserved.

But now, he knew the truth. He was the only one to blame. He had wasted his life chasing after things that didn't matter, and he had let his fears control him.

He had never taken any risks. He had never dared to dream big, or to put himself out there. And as a result, he had never achieved anything.

He had given up on himself.

But he also saw a glimmer of hope. He saw a chance to change his life.

He made a decision that day. He decided to take control of his life. He decided to stop blaming others, and to start taking responsibility.

He decided to live.

He started by making small changes. He ate healthier, exercised regularly, and slept well. He read books, attended workshops, and learned new skills.

He reached out to old friends, and made new ones. He took risks, and put himself out there.

He dreamed big, and believed in himself.

It was not easy. He often felt scared and overwhelmed. But he never gave up. He kept pushing forward, one step at a time.

And as the years passed, he began to see results. He felt happier and more fulfilled. He achieved his goals.

He realized that he was not defined by his past. He was defined by his choices.

And he had chosen to create a better life for himself.