Worst Decision You Have Made In Your Life?

[bigtendominator]

My cousin was 1 year younger than me. We grew up like brothers. We both played all sports and we were both good at all the sports. But we were both great at tennis. My cousin won the GA state singles championship as a senior in highschool.

Anyway when my parents realized that I was good enough to be coached take a shot at the pros, they hired a pro who was good at teaching but was an alcoholic. I took lessons from him and I was 12 the first time I beat him. He never beat me again. This was before I grew to 6-2 200 pounds. He told me that if I asserted myself that I would be guaranteed to have a life as at least a professional doubles player, making mid 6 figures and seeing the world, making a living playing tennis. He took me aside and made me understand that I did not want to waste this ability, that a 9-5 job or a life that he leads was pure hell.

When I turned 15 I discovered alcohol, drugs, and girls. My cousin was 14 and on his way to be one of the top 20 players in America. He also would end up growing to be 6-1 190 pounds, ideal tennis size. We both all but quit playing and went down the drugs path. He overdosed and died about 5 years ago at 26 years old.

I think back about the lives we could have led, if nothing else playing together, best friends, as a doubles team and living a dream life. Tennis players live a dream life.

I think about the day my coach told me that all the time, here I sit 32 years old, never done nothing with my life and have nothing but a lifetime full of regrets. I would give anything, just anything to go back to that day and take him seriously.

I think about stuff like this daily. But then I think about people who are paralyzed and horrible things like that and I am grateful. Thankful I am alive and have a chance to live out the 2nd part of my life.

Sammy,

Sorry to hear about your cousin.

 

[silver7]

AHH Life's Regrets

Read what Bar had to say w/interest. My snap reply has always been, marrying my last ex. But, she WAS the mother of the great kids I have. So the ONE big regret is, starting to use booze @ such an early age (16) and letting it ruin my life. I quit @ 43, and the 30+ yrs since have been for the most part what they should have been in the first place.. I was lucky enough to make some good $$, and meet again the girl I really loved when I was 18. We've been together now for 27 yrs. I spend Way too much time on guilt trips, and need to forgive myself a little.

 

[Hookandcrook+]

I don't know why I didn't say gambling for sure.

Has ruined many relationships and cost me way too much money.

Because your not a quitter.

 

[bellyputter]

I used to regret that I ended up being a professional gambler(played 2 D-1 sports and graduated from college). But after seeing the unhappiness in the lives of many of my friends over the years, I have found peace. Everyone has some inner struggles no matter what career they end up choosing.

 

[Moneyneversleeps]

Not getting out of the stock market in October 2007!

 

[VIEJODINOSAUR]

Should have stayed in college for another five years...
or
Should have stayed in the service for another 15 years..

 

[NES]

I've often wondered about this question.

But every time I try and rate a previous major decision in life as "bad", I realize that if I remove that decision, then every subsequent "ripple" in my life would have taken a different swerve and I wouldn't have the great life I now enjoy.

I like the way you tawk

 

[whalewager]

Cutting sided to side instead of up and down

 

[coffeecakes]

Saying " Well she doesn't look like she has herpes".

 

[camy]

Lending stiffs money and extending to much credit when I decided to do some bookmaking.

 

[Sammy439]

Sammy,

Sorry to hear about your cousin.

Just now logged back in and remembered this thread.

Thank you for your comment, sorry it took me so long to respond.

 

[Skoal37]

popping a gigantic boner in my 8th grade history class when I had to make a presentation 1 minute later. God my face was red and everyone laughed as I stood there in front of the class.

 

[punter]

At the height of the tech bubble I sold some stock to buy a Lexus. I thought I should sell it all and go into reit's. I didn't.

 

[bulldogboogers]

back in high school... grad of 1977,,, i had a 1970 dodge charger 440 magnem big block... 375 h/p 32 thousand miles. i traded the car in on a grand prix..... today the car is considered a muscle car worth thousands of dollars... hno: