How to Rebuild Your Life When Everything Falls Apart

What happens when life takes away everything you built — your career, your family, your sense of purpose? For Ryan T. Reichert, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, that question wasn’t theoretical. After 23 years of service, four combat deployments, and a transition into corporate America, he found himself at rock bottom — facing addiction, loss, and uncertainty.

In his book, God Only Knows When the Devil Comes for You: A Second Chance at Life, Ryan shares a raw and redemptive story of struggle, faith, and transformation. This episode of The Author’s Voice with KAJ dives deep into what it means to truly start over — not just surviving, but rebuilding your life with purpose.

Key Lessons: How to Find Your Second Chance

1. Forgive Yourself to Move ForwardYou can’t start over until you release shame and guilt. Forgiveness — for yourself and others — is the foundation of healing.

2. Discipline Over FeelingsRyan’s mantra: “Do it even when you don’t feel like it.” Whether it’s prayer, exercise, or journaling, discipline creates freedom and purpose.

3. Build Daily Wins

His “three daily wins” framework keeps life balanced:

• Physical: Move your body.

• Mental: Read, write, learn.

• Spiritual: Pray, meditate, reflect.

4. Turn Pain into Purpose

From addiction to faith, Ryan’s journey shows that our deepest pain often becomes our greatest source of strength — if we choose to face it.

5. Love Thy Neighbor, Everywhere

Ryan reminds us that love and kindness are global — beyond race, religion, or borders. “We’re all children of God,” he says, “and He wants us to love each other.”

Quote to Remember

“We all get knocked down. But like in the Rocky movies — you’ll hear that voice saying, ‘Get up, you son of a bee, because Mickey loves you.’ That’s God. He’s in your corner. He loves you. And He’s giving you another round.” — Ryan T. Reichert

Watch the Full Episode

🎥 Author Spotlight: Ryan T. Reichert – God Only Knows When the Devil Comes for You