WORST TIMES IN MY LIFE - Happy Console Gamer 

I love you John. So glad you're a part of my life.

I want to say thank you for all the amazing comments! To be honest I have sat on this video for 2 months, I was nervous about putting it out there, I had my wife watch it and friends watch it first..but i still was unsure.. But thank you for all the great responses especially about your own lives...I made this video as a way of understanding my own life experiences and making sense of them, we are all on the same journey!

Thumbs up: Write that book Johnny

The reconciliation with Rob really got to me. Great friends are so important. Life's too short to not cherish them.

Johnny, thanks for sharing more personal experiences! These are by far my favorite videos to watch. I still remember you talking about quitting smoking, and when you talked about hiding in the closet to play games!

I just lost my mother a week ago and I'm 30yrs old I related so much on your story somehow it lightened me up thanks sir.

Hello i hope this finds you well. I've been watching your channel consistently for nearly 10 years. Never commented, and never so much had made a comment. I recall signing your petition to open up Pier Solar many years ago and that's about it lol. Just want to say that one of the worse times in my life (high school sweetheart broke my heart) was about 10 years ago, and i went on RU-vid as a form of escapism. Your videos and enthusiasm helped me cope for a couple hours but at that exact moment in time you helped me. Thank you for everything that you do, and i guess this video title compelled me to share. Keep up the great content!!!

Positive Things I got from the video : 1) Sometimes a lof sh*t happens but we still got to move on and move forward. 2) Video games are good for coping up with stress 3) You need to experience the world in order to grow as a person 4) We overreact sometimes, and sometimes this might have long lasting effects with our friendship. 5) Don't do drugs Negative Things I got from the video : None. anyways thanks for sharing john. always love your short stories, because most of them i can relate to.

John. My father died from lunch cancer when I was 28. He was 54. He was my best friend. He was my only parent. He taught me everything. And although that was in 2009, I let feels like yesterday. Still devastates me. He never got to meet my 2 girls. So sad. Thinking of you brother. Your story was rough to hear. And the rest of your stories were heart breaking too. You are right though. You have to fight. You have to always push forward. Love you man.

I know this is an old video, but I just want you to know it was helpful to me. Your positivity and overall energy is very inspiring.

Your positivity is why I love your channel John! Too much negativity in the gaming community these days. I love how your channel celebrates games and not the drama/fanboy nonsense. I can definitely relate to a lot of what you went through, thank you for sharing!

I often come back to this video. I’m going through some hard times in my life right now and this video provides a ton of comfort to me. We need to understand that hard times do come in life but if we believe and persevere we can get through it and come out better than before. So I want to say thank you for your videos and perspective on life. I truly cherish this channel as I’m a long time gamer like you. And it’s awesome to tune in each week for new episodes. God bless.

The cat story at the end makes you realise how many evil people there are in our world.

Wow, such an amazing story teller

I was a complete loner throughout high school. I became afraid of opening up and forming close friendships because of the constant verbal abuse, ostracism from classmates throughout elementary and junior high. Now at 28 I don’t have a ton of friends but I have a close group of friends I hang out with on a regular basis and a loving wife. I came to an important realization awhile back that those who get bullied and segregated most lack the basic socialization skills most people develop in their early formative years. “There’s something off about that person in comparison to everyone else” The great news is it’s exactly that, a skill. Like any other skill it can be developed with practice, but you have to overcome your own mental blocks and fear to practice communicating with others. I’ve seen people that are not the most physically attractive nor were they the most intellegent but they had friends and close connections simply because they knew how to speak to people. I believe as you develop better social skills the incidence of harassment and bullying will decrease. While not an absolute guarantee, I think it’s a great deal in the right direction.👍

Hi Johnny. After watching this video I just wanted to write this. Can't honestly explain why, but anyway. John, I am 29 years old now. My parents got divorced when I was 13 (they love me to this day of course but still... That was a huge blow). I started living with my grandparents afterwards. I got into drugs at the age of 15. My grandmother died (due to suicide) and I was the one who found her and tried to save her (I was 23) and failed in doing so. My grandfather died of lung cancer... It lasted 3 months and I was till the very end. After my grandfather died I realized that I have to go to therapy and I did. I got a higher education, I am an English teacher and you know what... I totally understand what you want to say through this video. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. People, just go through it and surround yourselves by people who care about you. Don't lose faith. Keep your head up. :)

Hey thanks for sharing this. I've also lost my dad to leukemia 20 years ago when I was 22, so your experience is especially touching to me. It's something that changes you forever, but it's part of life. I remember back then videogames helped me get through all that, as was the case my whole life. I remember having played Grim Fandango and it helped me accept death and see it with hope and optimism. Videogames are the best escapism and one of the most amazing sources of positivity.

Johnny I know exactly what you and your Family went thru with your Dad. Same here: My Father also was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Three months after that he had to move to the hospital and after 2 weeks he died. Was a tough time but like with your Dad, we were glad that he did not have to suffer for long. Cancer sucks!

One of the most Down to Earth, honest, and humble RU-vidrs on here. I love how you are open to sharing these personal stories in detail, it takes confidence!

Johnny, you're the only RU-vidr I know who I can consider more of an actual friend than just someone whose show I watch. There's so much we may not know about you, but it's been such a pleasure getting to know and experience the gaming world with you. Honestly, you're way of positivity has played a huge role in me being more willing to better myself nowadays. Throughout all your ups and downs, each and every experience you've lived has made you into the wonderful person you are today. Thank you so much for everything you do. Much love. ❤

Like you said Johnny it's not a competition, it's nice to hear your own personal experience

I was in high school from 2004-2008- I looked forward to getting home and playing WoW - That was my escape

This video means a lot to me. I always come here when I feel down. My father just passed away yesterday and I cant cope well with it, but your videos help more than you think they do. A big thank you John, life is not easy but we'll be here to spread positivity and joy in this world.

In the spirit of this video, I'm going to share something about my life I haven't told even my closest friends. And don't worry, it has a positive ending as well. When I was in elementary school my grandfather was killed in a boating accident, and my mother (who was already suffering from depression) really struggled to cope with the sudden loss of her father. Then one day my mother never came home from work. We had no idea where she was, or what might have happened to her. After a few days my Dad got a call from this suicide watch/halfway house she had checked herself into. It wasn't for another day or so that I was allowed to go see her. And man, visiting her in that place was one of the most bizarre/surreal experiences of my life. Eventually she left the halfway house and called my Dad and I down to a Robin's coffee shop to meet her. That's when she told us she wasn't going to be coming home. The marriage was over. It was really hard for my Dad and I, both emotionally and financially, for a long time after that. Thankfully my mother is still alive and has remained part of my life since (albeit in a much reduced capacity). And as luck would have it, I will be seeing her later today (along with the rest of the family) to celebrate Mother's Day.

Been watching since the days of your Dead Space/early Ys reviews and just want to say how much I appreciate your show. You’re a humane down to earth guy and despite this last decade being the worst experience I thought was possible through family and personal tragedy you’ve been a warm beacon of light. Can be easily taken for granted but thank you Johnny. All the best to you from London

That story of that guy and the cat...wow. That’s insane. Anyway, this was a great video Johnny. I always love watching your channel, especially when you make videos talking about your personal experiences. I love how you’ll talk about these rough times and give a positive outlook on them in the end. Definitely one of my favorite RU-vid channels.

I lost my father this past Friday, October 29th. I have watched this video several times before and knew I needed to watch this again. I finally understand the pain you felt. I became close with mine as well in last year of his life. But I wish this on no one. I will never get over it but hope one day i can be like you and accept it.

Johnny, Thank you so much for this video, recently i'm having the thought that my mom will leave me, since i'm stepping into 40 and she is 74, i know it is natural for a person to go on to the next journey, and there is nothing i can do about it, but i just cant help but keeps on thinking the worst thing in my head, i'm not sure if i can deal with it when it actually happen..........i really dont .........but as you said in the video, people keep taking punches and move on, i hope that i will be able to take that, anyway after watching your video, it makes me relief a little. thank you.

Life has it's ups and downs. Thanks for sharing your story. Your channel is the best. Love from Brazil.

Johnny que te llevo siguiendo desde hace 10 años en RU-vid y aparte de divertirme cuántos vídeos también he aprendido mucho, me alegro de que afrontaras todos esos problemas y que tu positividad te haya llevado hasta dónde estás ahora, un abrazo enorme desde España concretamente desde un pueblo cerca de Barcelona, espero que sigas por aquí muchos años más y podamos disfrutar de tu compañía te deseo lo mejor en la vida.

I know it can't be easy to give a look into your own life challenges, Johnny. I really respect that and enjoy these discussions. Scary hearing about your father like that. It's insane how fast life can just disappear. A good reminder to cherish every moment.

I'm so happy to watch someone who gets it that when you don't have alot of friends and videogame being that drugs that takes you away from reality into almost whatever you want. You get it. You really. So glad I randomly stumbled upon one of your vids.

Bewildering how at our lowest points in life is when we most appreciate art Can't experience the highest of highs without the lowest of lows

Johnny, thanks for sharing, i get so engaged with these types of videos, i'm crying along with your stories, I graduated HS in 92, so we're probably same age.

We love you Johnny! Thank you for your positive energy in every video! Been watching your show for 8 years! Love every minute of it!

I don't know if you watched it, but you have a cameo in that 2 hour God of War documentary Sony just released.

I am really glad you shared this John. A lot of this really hit home for me, my stepdad is currently battling lung cancer. I have to thank you because watching your videos has renewed my love for gaming and in particular retro games and that has been a great outlet for me to deal with things. Because of you I discovered the Phantasy Star series which is now one of my favorites and I’m really grateful for that!

I think we have similar backgrounds. I didn't go to school properly, was a social outcast pretty much (aside from a small clique of friends) and had to deal with some bullying; I ended up getting my GED before going to college/university. When I was younger I lost myself in video games a lot too. I lost my Mom to cancer, and have had to go through bankruptcy.

Thanks for sharing your stories! I actually went through some similar things so I can totally relate. I hated school too and was bullyied. I also lost my father to cancer when I was a teen. But I always had video games to escape from it all.

I discovered your channel just a couple months ago and I really love your content, your attitude and approach. Youre channel has become one of my favorites. We are close in age so to hear you reminisce about childhood gaming memories really brings me back. I think one thing I and I'm sure many others appreciate is that you are genuine, honest, natural and share your personal experiences and you tie them all into gaming. I've been binging all of your content and look forward to future posts. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

John I've been watching your videos for a few years now and I love every single one. Having said that today I found this video and it helps me in so many ways that I could never explain. I've been suffering as of late with losing my father. I have 3 awesome children and a amazing wife that I love but I'm overwhelmed with sadness and grief daily. I look to video games and old anime to help me find some sort of happiness in life. I seen this video and it helps me see that life is a journey and you never know what a person can become. Latly I turn on any video you put out just to relax and hangout. Thank you for all the great content I'm happy to be a Happy console gamer fan!

I can identify with a lot, Johnny. I'll bet that it was super therapeutic to get a video like this out!

Damn Johnny, even when I’m hesitant to watch a video first thing in the morning, your story telling is so welcoming that I can’t help but stay ‘til the end to hear more. Thanks so much for sharing! It helps me reflect on my own life and look forward to whatever comes next.

ACG sent me to this channel and I'm super glad he did. Subbed and can't wait to binge your content - cheers!

Johnny I say this without hesitation. Your channel is like therapy for me and it’s easily one of the best channels on RU-vid. You’re such a genuine soul. Thank you for opening up and sharing your life with us.

Johnny you are the man 100 grand. You have all my respect in the world. I know about the darkness that lies and waits in the world. Waiting on the book and t-shirts. Thanks for opening up.

Watching this video while going through a truly difficult time in my life. Your content has given me a lot of comfort through this time and look forward to seeing your next video every Sunday

I know a big part of why I follow you is how you tell stories and how you relate games to events in your life. Great video man, we’ve all had a bunch of stupid junk in our past.

Thanks for doing this Johnny. My mom has terminal lung cancer and right now her health is pretty good despite the circumstances, she has good and bad days, the bad days can be really heart wrenching. The anticipatory grief is pretty hard and I completely understand what you mean about your father's illness being sudden. What I am most thankful for from this video is your message to surround yourself with the things and the people that you love, even on days when you are feeling terrible. It was something I really needed to hear this Mother's Day.

You are so right about positivity, you really can't let yourself stay negative or it just eats you up. Thanks for the video, could listen to your stories forever I swear lol

I'm a few days shy of 33, and I'm starting to go to therapy again to help me through all that trauma. My grandmother died back in '99. My mom died in '05, and my dad in '08. I think about it and reflect on it everyday. What has helped me recently is looking at photo albums of me and my family before all the nonsense began. From like '88-'95, when I was just a little boo-boo. Though I hardly have those particular memories anymore, I can still look at my grade school class photos and recall names and such. As far as periods of our lives that are regrettable, we were all once dumb kids.

I've been watching the Happy Console Gamer show for over 10 years. For me it has always been about the stories and this is the beauty of RU-vid. It is real and we can relate to the creators. This show was a huge inspiration for me to finally start my own and try to bring a little positivity to the gaming community also, and share my own stories. Hands down this is the best gaming channel on RU-vid. A big hug from Portugal Johnny Millenium.

I loved how you opened this video, because I have a pretty f'ed up stuff happen to me, but also, literally this exact same day, my neighbor opened up and told me about his upbringing that was way worse than my own. So basically there is someone who has always had ot worse, and you placed it that way. Love you Johnny. Thank you for being open and inviting.

From the guy who always makes quality content (every bit of which I consume btw) this is by far one of my favorite. Perspective is everything in life and it's something only getting older can provide. Thanks for opening up and sharing with us. Great work and I look forward to whatever you have in store for us next!

Johnny, you are the greatest RU-vidr ever. Thank you so much for this video. I just want you to know that your love, enthusiasm, and positivity have helped me so much in life. Last year, I lost my cat of 13 years, and your videos were the only thing that kept me sane and gave me comfort when nothing else did. Please know that we love you and hope you never stop doing what you're doing.

For some reason this video popped up in my timeline today. I'm going through tough times and this video made me rethink my whole situation. Life's hard sometimes, too hard some other times, but everything passes. We gotta hold onto the things that makes us happy and keep going. Thanks for the video, my friend!

Thank you Johnny for sharing your plights, pleasures, and playthroughs. This was an emotional one. Love from the island. Hearing your stories and watching your content has become not only been entertaining and insightful, but educational as well. As someone who is combatting my own addiction from tobacco abuse (quit for almost three months now) and is seeing too many friends hospitalized and losing their life from drugs and alcohol usage, I have to say that I very much appreciate your words and commitment. Happiness can be an easy thing to overlook and take for granted, but over time it can be difficult to get to when it's not there. I just want to say thank you man.. All the best.

I’ve only discovered you within the last year or so, but i feel incredibly greatful of your sharing of your life experiences, and your lessons on friendship.

Thank you very much for sharing Johnny. I actually didn`t expect such dark periods in your life. But thats how we do it right - we all have our masks on. As we are game-nerds, they all look a bit like one from majoras mask. I watched your videos while watching my father slowly die over a time of some years. Your channel was my escape, funny, isn`t it? :)

Getting to listen to a genuine guy like you describe your life's experiences can teach a lot to younger groups of people about how to lead theirs. Very interesting bit nontheless. Thanks a lot man.

That was a very raw video. Thank you for sharing this with us. Hearing about your experiences in early high school was like listening to myself talk. I was bullied heavily in high school for a LONG time, and video games was my only escape. I'd played video games before that, but this was on another level. Video games were the ONLY thing that got me through that dark period of my life. I don't think, one ever really fully recovers from bullying. To this day (20+ years later) I get severe anxiety in aggressive confrontational situations. Hearing of your experiences, reminds us that we were not alone in going through times like that. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing Johnny. I lost one of my best friends age 22, car crash just like that. And I lost my father to lungcancer a year ago at the age of 30. He died 10 weeks after he was diagnosed. So I can relate with coming to terms with the darker side of life. But your happy console gamer persona always cheers me up. So I want to thank you again for sharing your content and life stories. - Jay, a fellow console gamer from Amsterdam

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I'm passing through a really bad moment in my life right now, and it's funny that this same day your video appeared to me. You usually don't talk about sad stuff in your channel, but, even when you do, you make it in a positive way. Seeing that other people also deals with bad stuff in their lifes and sharing your experience made me feel stronger about my own situation. Thank you.

Johnny, you’re a gift man. Thank you for sharing. You’ve earned your subscriber base with this kind of sincerity and pure ability to tell a tale. I don’t even know if that exists anymore in the modern, monetized RU-vid era, but as long as you keep making videos I’ll be here watching them, and I’m sure many feel the same way.

I listen to your videos at work. im so glad i have over a decade of videos to go through. your enthusiasm keeps me positive at work when i feel alone and trapped. i feel inspired at times to make a channel like yours.

John you are so inspiring. You have a fan from Ecuador who watches your videos every day, the new and the old.

I stopped playing video games a while back. Life has gotten in the way of it. Some of my passion for video games has died over the past few years. I continue to watch your channel for videos like this. You're videos make me feel better. I've definitely been going through a rough time and hearing someone else talk about these things has seriously helped. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing Johnny, this is one of the reasons why I subscribed years ago. I lost my mother to cancer and many friends to drugs at a very young age, so I can relate to all that. Years and miles apart, we share a very similar background, and the will to keep things positive no matter what.

Since the first time I subscribed(I think around 2015 or early 2016), I clicked because of the games, but I stayed because of the stories. More power to you Mr. Millenium! I always look forward to your videos especially the life stories related ones like these.

Just found your channel during the lock down here in Canada (I'm in Waterloo, ON, near Toronto) and the positivity comments and to keep on forward still ring true. I've always used humour as well and try to crack jokes all day with people make them and myself laugh even during bad times. Your living up to your message of positivity as before this video you've brought a smile to my face with gaming memories. Be safe on the west coast of Canada, we will make it through this time too!

Thank you Johnny your videos over the years help me get though the hard times in my life at the same time getting to remember the amazing time in our lives though our/ your memories of the great video games we have had the privilege to experience over your life time. Thank you.

Johhny, I've been a fan of yours since the allgengamer days. I've never reached out to you in all these years but just have to say this. My dad died when I was 19 of cancer after watching this and hearing your story I feel more in common with you than all these years of listening to you talk about games. Thanks for sharing that.

It hurts to hear about the cat. I can't imagine having to deal with witnessing something so horrible. We get desensitized with everything in the news and things in movies and video games and stuff, but killing an innocent animal like that in such a terrible way for absolutely no reason is just horrible to think about. That was probably someone's pet. So sorry that you had to witness that man. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the worst things in life, but you know at some point it will happen, and you know that you will grieve and get through the hard times. Never forgetting, but learning to live with it. Watching something so evil though is never expected and isn't something you should have to see / deal with.

I can't agree more about moving forward. Life is the biggest obstacle anyone can ever face. These videos help connect everyone together, so thank you for sharing.

FF7 takes me back to the 90s. I think it’s my favorite game ever. after hearing your experience with it and knowing that Sakaguchi himself was dealing with his mothers passing... it’s kinda haunting. Music is powerful stuff.

Hey Johnny, your story about your dad really hit home with me, lost my mum when I was 21 (i'm now 29) and always felt like I was only just getting to know the real her because I was only just old enough to talk to her as an equal. You hit the nail on the head with a turn of phase that sums up losing a parent perfectly, you never get over it but you come to terms with it. Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure your dad would be proud that you're turning all these moments of hardship into positivity and good advice. Cheers dude.

Those stories sounded like very difficult things to deal with. I'm sorry you had to go through all that, especially all the passings in your family. My grandfather passed away a couple of years ago, which was then followed by my grandmother on my dad's side passing six months later, so I understand a little of what you went through, but losing a parent is something I fear and losing a pet after all that would have destroyed me emotionally for sure, I can't imagine how difficult that was to endure. The message at the end about positivity is very true and I do my best to stay by that. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Thats was such a good video!!! Thank you!!! Im 30 yrs old now, but my parents died before i was 21 and i kinda just threw my life away but i havent touched any drugs in 4-5 yrs and i have a 2 yr old daughter that keeps me going everyday. I draw and play games to escape, ive done it my whole life and forever all i've wanted to do was be a concept artist or anything. Just want to be apart of the gaming industry. And sometimes i lose hope for awhile and get depressed but like your message you just have to have faith in yourself and keep going, keep trying, and dont give up on yourself! :)

Suffered a tremendous loss this year, I think I waited too long to surround myself with friends again. Didn't want them to see me broken perhaps. This is a great message to all, love your work brother.

I can so relate to your story. My dad died of lung cancer too - took 2.5 years for him to die. Luckily it was 5 years ago and we got to spend a lot more time than you and your dad had. We're pretty much the same age but gosh being 22 years old to have him die so quickly is quite traumatic. The missing him never goes away.

Thank you for sharing your stories with us john, these types of videos really help connect us viewers to your show and really makes it feel more personable. Watching your Content over the last 10 years has really felt like i was tuning in and listening to a long lost friend, very few entertainers have that effect.

I wanna say that I found this channel about a month ago and you're already my favorite RU-vidr. I had a rough childhood too but what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, here's to you brutha

Damn, some dark stories here. It sounds like you have had some hard times, but you chose to rise above it, and many are glad you did. This is the reason I love your channel, you open up to us. You are honest. Yes, the reviews. game stuff episodes etc are all awesome, these are special.

Sorry to hear about your Dad. Losing a parent is BRUTAL. Keep your head up. My Mom (my only immediate family) has had Alzheimer’s Disease since late 2017, and I know I’ll be DEVASTATED when she eventually passes away.

I think these videos help to make people understand that their own issues are shared by more then they will ever know, and pain, loss, and hurt are shared experiences from everyone at some point. We are glad I watched it and wife and I are even more glad you got past all the times like this as well :)

Really like the content you're putting in your channel. Thanks for sharing your life stories and lessons.

Thankyou for sharing some of your stories. I lost my brother, dad and nan in succession when i was 17. Also having a very noticeable disability didnt help with the bullying, but my escape was video games and it really helped me to get through alot of the pain i was experiencing. Final fantasy 8 was the one that really stuck with me and thats why that music will always be a reminder of how powerful games can be to different people 😃

Your videos have made me happy during times I was at my worst. You’re amazing, man. Never stop doing what you do!

We love you Johnny. Thank you for sharing personal stories from your past. Means a lot more to us than you think. Again, thank you.

Funny how hardships stories are the most interesting to hear, you are a great storyteller though mate. Cheers from Brazil.

Johnny, you should def start a different channel about your life. I always enjoy your persona stories.

I relate a lot to the stories you’ve told, I’m glad you’re having a better life or at least i hope you are, the part where you talked about your father, grandmother and dog dying in the same year reminded me of this year when my nan passed away then I started talking to a girl online thinking she cared and she ended up turning on me and sextorted me (basically when someone tries to extort money from you and very personal pics and your social media are their ammo to get money) then my bank account got hacked, my arm with a tattoo i had only just gotten 3 months prior got infected ruining my new tattoo and it made me feel hopeless and defenceless however I’ve had worse moments in my life than the examples I gave you, this is why I love your channel Johnny you’re a real genuine down to earth guy who doesn’t cater to trends going on and you do you’re own thing. Thanks for all the amazing content

"I've seen things you wouldn't believe"- happy console gamer

I have removed so many gaming/gamer channels. You're the only one i still watch religiously. Thanks for sharing.

This video felt like 10 minutes...you truly immersed us and thank you for keeping it a 100 in a community where you find less and less of that

Eye opening video dude. I can relate a little. A best friend of mine died of a heroin overdose a few years back. It's scary how quickly it got to him. Like you I relate certain games to certain times in my life. As you say, most important thing is to stay positive. Cheers mate

Wow. I look forward to your book immensely, you're a fantastic story teller with a fantastic set of stories. The last one was certainly unexpected and harrowing. Love your videos always Johnny!

Thank you for your honesty and humanity. Always a pleasure sitting down to a HCG episode but this was very relatable and reminds us that life is richer for the bumps in the road!

Please do another one of these videos John! It's amazing to hear your stories

im so sorry to hear about your dad, my mom suffered on for two and a half years with lung cancer, she was a force of nature when she was healthy, even at 62, by the end she could barely sit up :(