Thinking, thinking

kschwedic

I was watching The Early Show this morning while putting off coming in to work, and there was a story about a college student that plays basketball and has overcome a buttload of odds due to the fact that he only has one hand.  The guy (I can't remember his name for the life of me) seemed like an amazing person and he's really accomplished a lot of things, even when people told him he couldn't (sounds like a movie, I know). But this story got me to thinking, and I had two questions: who do I know that has done amazing things despite being challenged in one way or another and, what is one thing I'd like to accomplish? Right now, I just feel like I've made it through life without too much to show for it, and I really don't have an excuse for it. So, do you know anyone that's overcome the odds? And, what is something, big or small, that you'd like to accomplish and be proud of?

Nebb

I saw something on the news lastnight about a young boy (like 8 or 9?) who had his leg cut off by a train last year, and he is so driven that he is now playing football with a prosthetic leg. The video of him playing was incredible, you couldnt tell any difference between him or the other kids. I thought that was pretty amazing.

ffmaid

kschwedic- I think you are probably selling yourself short. You are probably a good person and a productive member of society and loved by your family friends and FI. I know it may not seem newsworthy but these are the things that matter. The news is sometimes just looking for fluff filler and that is a feel good fluff filler peice. I do not know you but I bet that you are as wonderful. I keep a file that contained all my accomplishments great and small and things like letters and thank you notes from people for helping them out or doing good. When I feel like I am not making the world better enough I pull out this file and use it as a metal pat on the back. Have you ever considered doing something similar?

kschwedic

ffmaid-Thanks! You're right about the news only looking for the really juicy stuff.  Sometimes when I see those stories, I just think "man, I wish I could do something that cool." I guess I have accomplished quite a few things and my family/friends usually pat me on the back and tell me I'm doing great.  So, I guess I shouldn't really say that I feel like I've never accomplished anything.  But you lifted my spirits this morning

Stackeye210

I can totally understand where you are coming from.  I grew up as a nationally ranked diver, but I remember watching the olympics when I was like 12 and saying to myself that I would never make it there because I didn't have a noteworthy story for them to tell on the air.  Of course I know that isn't true, but some amazing people have overcome some crazy things.  Inspirational. 

atobias1

Im not sure it's major in anyone else's eyes but I have something I am really proud of. I danced on and off my whole life. It's something I am truely passionate about. I was planning on stopping after HS because I was no where near good enough to teach or do it professionally, and all the people in studios my age are teachers. So it would have just been wierd. Anyway my senior year, I had a dream I was doing a solo in yellow pointe shoes (ballet shoes). It had a LOT of meaning to me, so I worked my butt off in a studio and got on pointe in 6 months, which is a big accomplishment.It's still something I am so proud of myself for. I worked really hard to accomplish that goal.

Stackeye210

atobias - That is AWESOME!  One of my biggest regrets in life was quitting ballet when I was 12.  I had to choose between dancing and diving and I chose diving.  I really miss it and often want to return for some adult classes just for fun, but I know it's so hard and I am SO out of shape.

atobias1

Thank you! I kick myself a little everyday for not sticking with it regularly throughout my life. I kept dancing but I have bad joints and knees, and eventually had to stop. My mom said something once that really stuck with me. She said "if you don't have the talent to do something you love, you usually respect those who can." I find this to be so true. My DH does not understand at all my passion for dance of any kind, but he tries. Once a year we go see a ballet, and sometimes I can talk him into something different too. Like an Alvin Ailey show or something. It's cute.

kschwedic

Atobias-that's really awesome! I played flute in middle and high school.  I started a semester after everyone and then worked my butt off to catch up with everyone.  By my freshman year of high school, and throughout all of high school, I was first chair flute, so I had all of the solos, etc.  During the summer before my senior year, I auditioned to be drum major and won.  I ended up quitting, though, and I've regretted it ever since.  But just knowing that I actually made it that far means a lot.

atobias1

Ahhh the good ol' days. Where's Doc with that delorean when you need him?

Stackeye210

I'd never get DH to a ballet, but I go to the Balletmet Nutcracker every year.  I was in it 4 times growing up and it just doesn't feel like Christmas until I go.

atobias1

aww thats so sweet! We go to the nutcracker every year too. The first year we were dating was by far the best though. I had an amazing christmas/ birthday that year because of him. Which was kind of insane considering we had only been dating since October. I think he knew then I was the one though.