What Do You Consider Your Greatest Achievement So Far?

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by dalip

Great question and already some extraordinary responses..

For me ... (and I know this may be perceived as touch cliche...but hey!).....Well it has to be managing to find a certain "peace".

Only child, mum and dad who always fought...split up...back together....abusive relationship....I adored my mum...adored her..She was my world. She died tragically in a car crash when I was 14 hrs old..

I have had to do some hard work over the past years.. To forgive my dad which I have...completely..but it took some time and only really happened when I was 35. He is a wonderful man..I had to find a way to stop being angry....and to discover trust and intimacy in my relationships.

So, what i am most proud off is quite simply that I am now sitting in a beautiful, loving marriage....my gorgeous wife and this little boy.....





at 44 I reckoned I may have recovered too late.....(but there's an important lesson in that thought - - oh the arm bandages are because I decided to come flying off my cycle in a local Masters tournament - something else I'm proud of in terms of personal achievements....not falling but racing !!!!......)

I love the pictures along with your openness. You have a wonderful family (your little boy is beyond adorable!)

[dalip]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

I love the pictures along with your openness. You have a wonderful family (your little boy is beyond adorable!)

Thank you Faith.

[Chipmunk]

Very inspiring thread, Faith. I have had many but the one thing that comes to mind immediately is when I bought my dream house.

[CoopJr]

[gelshocker]

Faith, thanks for starting a great topic. I was raised in a broken family and had some personal issues. I still fight my demons everyday.

My greatest achievement is asking my wife's hand in marriage. Seriously, this is the best decision I've made in life.

[Mike B]

So far, nothing.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

Mrs. Chitwood

Like mother, like daughter.

[User Name]

Well, this little guy is what it is all about for me. Check back in 18yrs and see how well I did. Lol... It is crazy how fast time goes, he is 14mo old and growing up so fast already.

Neil

[Lion]

As so many others have stated and very well indeed is assisting my wife(married 32 years)in raising our son to adulthood. He has finished college and lives on his own(in another state) and has a good set of values and is accountable and responsible for his actions. I have also taught him that his word must be backed with honesty and integrity because that's all you have in life.....

[TRW]

hello Faith.could pat myself on my back for being a decent guy,but won't do it.that's for others to judge.other than owning some material stuff,i don't think i have achieved anything.cheers!

[GradyPhilpott]

I have simply survived many life threatening situations and injuries and have been fortunate enough to have met some very interesting and influential people along the way and have had the opportunity get a good education and to contribute to the extent of my abilities to causes that reflect my values and ideals.

It hasn't always felt like it, especially during times when I didn't know where my next meal would come from, but I have lived a charmed life and to celebrate all that and the miraculous outcome, I rewarded myself with the perfect crown for one's achievement: a Rolex. :D

[joeychitwood]

Though Rolex owners tend to be men and women of means, I've noticed that few, if any, have mentioned earning a lot of money or gaining great prestige as their greatest achievement. Most list personal persistence through hardship, relationships or raising families as their crowning glory in life. Kudos to all of you for having clear priorities.

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Like mother, like daughter.

Indeed!

[rolexgiants]

very easy question.... waking up every day and being healthy..... making a lot of money and having fun is always easy to do..... feeling good and being healthy is a GIFT!!!!!

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by TRW

hello Faith.could pat myself on my back for being a decent guy,but won't do it.that's for others to judge.other than owning some material stuff,i don't think i have achieved anything.cheers!

Understated, and I'm sure if you looked, you would find some wonderful achievements.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I have simply survived many life threatening situations and injuries and have been fortunate enough to have met some very interesting and influential people along the way and have had the opportunity get a good education and to contribute to the extent of my abilities to causes that reflect my values and ideals.

It hasn't always felt like it, especially during times when I didn't know where my next meal would come from, but I have lived a charmed life and to celebrate all that and the miraculous outcome, I rewarded myself with the perfect crown for one's achievement: a Rolex. :D

Interesting how many TRFers report living through aversive experiences yet rise above them to establish themselves as major contributors to their families and to society at large.

[Ebruner]

My faith and love for our lord Jesus Christ.


-Eddie

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by gelshocker

Faith, thanks for starting a great topic. I was raised in a broken family and had some personal issues. I still fight my demons everyday.

My greatest achievement is asking my wife's hand in marriage. Seriously, this is the best decision I've made in life.

Thanks for your openness. May you always have the strength to fight your demons.

[pz93c]

I don't have any.

I just "endeavor to persevere".

[seedgun]

This is an easy one for me. I may have done a lot and accomplished a lot but I believe the highest achievement anyone could have is to have and raise another great Human.
I could never get my son to like Farming, but he loves nature and the outdoors. I tought him about the business of making money but he desired to teach others (proffessor). I wasn't able to teach him to love and respect his mother and father, he had that down pat from the begginning.
He is as comfortable in the kitchen as he is with a Shotgun, He can discuss Broadway plays and literature or Fish all day.
His priorities and decision making are better at 21 than mine were at 40. All in all I consider it my greatest achievement and my greatest Blessing, 29 years of a great marriage and a tremendous Son also.

[dalip]

Very inspiring stuff here....

[axxeman01]

Well, you sent him to the right school!

[2th Dr]

I would say my greatest achievement would be not going bankrupt since joining TRF!
But seriously, to date, it's graduating from dental school in 1991. My parents never thought I would even get IN, much less finish. It was a joy to prove them wrong.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Dan,

You have an awful lot to be proud of here, especially considering that your father did not behave like a role model you wanted to emulate. I am impressed! (It sounds like you became the role model you wanted to have.)

I'm most proud of the fact that I developed a fear and phobia treatment program that helped people confront their fears and overcome debilitating phobias. Interestingly, one of the program's graduates had a sister who was a tv producer. The sister invited me to be a guest on a talk show which aired live in 3 million homes. I was frightened but I went on the show (with a live studio audience asking unscripted questions). I figured that if I was in a position to help others face their fears then I needed to face mine as well. Regards, Faith

Thankyou Faith!......
& huge kudos to you for the treatment program and for doing the tv show!
(I was a guest on a daytime tv show once for my weight loss/body-building & it's onea the most frightening things I've ever done! ).

Originally Posted by rsg

Again, you and I have a lot in common. It's almost scary.

I think from now on I will just follow your posts with "ditto".

I don't think "cheers" is the right turn of phrase under the circumstances (I'm sure you'll understand what I mean..... "Oh I'm glad your Old Man kicked your ass too"????? ) but I can only acknowledge & respect your accomplishment in overcoming such a shitty role model & in setting a better example for your own children..... Sir, I salute you.

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

Spuds is one of the best guys on this whole bloody forum.



I'm most proud of the life my wife and I have made for ourselves. I go to bed every night content and worry about nothing. I do NOTHING illegal and my family is very well respected in the community. That is all for now.

Bruno my friend I can only say 'likewise' & I'm truly honoured that you think that of me.....
& dude I really don't think that you can even want for much more than you've already achieved.






& finally Dalip..... Joey..... (& actually quite a few o'you guys here on the board.....)

I cannot believe how well you guys succeed in punching way above your weight when it comes to the ladies!!









(just to clarify in case that gets 'lost in translation'....?
"punching above your weight" does NOT mean knocking your ladies around!...
it's simply a reference to how the hell you 'Billy Joels' married such 'Christie Brinkley's....... )

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by spuds

I cannot believe how well you guys succeed in punching way above your weight when it comes to the ladies!!

I'm the first to admit that I married above my pay grade. I'm still not sure how it happened, but she's stuck with me for 33 years so far.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I'm the first to admit that I married above my pay grade. I'm still not sure how it happened, but she's stuck with me for 33 years so far.

Chains??

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by spuds

Bruno my friend I can only say 'likewise' & I'm truly honoured that you think that of me.....
& dude I really don't think that you can even want for much more than you've already achieved.

Well my brother, if you ever find yourself visiting Massachusetts you must inform me so that we can raise some hell together. (srs).

[Welshwatchman]

I'll have to get back to you on that one Faith.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

Well my brother, if you ever find yourself visiting Massachusetts you must inform me so that we can raise some hell together. (srs).

I'd be honnoured & you have my word on that Bruno my friend.

(& likewise anywhere in the UK mate..... seriously.)

[TheVTCGuy]

These....

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

These....

WOW! Can you tell us which medals those are?