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Original poster

Suggestions Personal Development for New Year please

33 replies

Rhinohides · 13/12/2025 16:06

Every year I try to develop myself in some way, it may be something new, such as learning a new skill like archery or a project such as committing to a reading and reflection linked to my religion. Last year I started to learn a language and had a Turor for 1 to 1 online lessons. ( I am a carer and due to the unpredictable nature of this hours was unable to commit to regular classes). I had to stop these as I ended regularly cancelling the lesson due to someone’s health needs, which are ongoing.
so, I am requesting please if anyone has any suggestions for what I can do for 2026 for personal development? Something along the lines of personal growth or learning new skills. It needs to be something I can dip in and out of and I can do in my own time and on my own. While I find being able to chat my progress motivating it isn’t necessary provided the journey itself is fulfilling.
Sorry to post on AIBU for traffic but it seems not completing this year‘s project has dumped me and I have run out of ideas for 2026

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Original poster
Rhinohides · 17/12/2025 09:53

@Wallywobbles -thank you for this recommendation- AI is definitely something I need to incorporate more. Through ChatGp I can definitely see its uses ( it plotted an entire holiday around vineyards on the Rhine for a non drinker this year) but really didn’t know how to go deeper with it.
I am going to check out that course today and will let you know, 💐. Are there any others you know about that may be worth considering please? Thanks again 😀

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Original poster
Rhinohides · 17/12/2025 09:48

@TeachersHR - currently I am doing a 5 year journal, which is much like this- together with the occasional upset about a different rellatiinships. The good thing is is I can read what was happening the previous year and can say those relationships have improved 😀. Like you, I think writing the journal helped me focus on my life and what I could do better so I am thinking about getting more involved with it in 2026❤️

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Wallywobbles · 17/12/2025 08:08

AI. If you can afford to there are some amazing courses. I did AI Build Lab on Maven with Sara Davison and Tyler Fisk. Quite literally changed my life.

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 23:41

I used to write a journal in the morning and that was good. I just wrote about the previous day. Just boring things like 'Went to the shops, bought x, y, and z. Spoke to so-and-so about... It was raining' It made me focus on what I'd done, and all sort of snippets would get in there.

Original poster
Rhinohides · 16/12/2025 22:58

@OriginalUsername2 - yes, I have heard this about the morning pages several times, people saying just to focus on them, thanks for confirming xx

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Original poster
Rhinohides · 16/12/2025 22:57

@TeachersHR - this unfortunately tends to happen with me and art books too. But I’m hoping if I make it a regular journaling activity I have 365 days to turn it into a habit and hopefully see an improvement at the end.
I think it will help us both to know we are starting off the new year together on this one xx

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OriginalUsername2 · 16/12/2025 21:50

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 21:42

Ah I’ve got the artists way on my shelf, that’s going on my 2026 to do list! I didn't like it and gave up, but it either works for you or doesn't.

The best thing about that book is the Morning Pages. I keep meaning to get them started again.

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 21:42

Ah I’ve got the artists way on my shelf, that’s going on my 2026 to do list! I didn't like it and gave up, but it either works for you or doesn't.

Original poster
Rhinohides · 16/12/2025 21:22

@ResusciAnnie - walking and hiking are great ways to clear your head and see new places. I would like to add get fit as well but I tend to have too many coffee and cake stops 😂
some local authorities and employers offer health walks which can be a great way to exercise and meet others.
Thanks for the YouTube tips- going to check those out 😀

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ResusciAnnie · 16/12/2025 21:03

Ah I’ve got the artists way on my shelf, that’s going on my 2026 to do list!

In covid I learnt watercolours on YouTube, particularly through Ellen Crimi-Trent’s Mini Mondays, Emma Lefevre and Liron Yanil. Especially with minis you can create something lovely in 30 mins.

I would like to do more hiking/walking next year but takes up time!

Original poster
Rhinohides · 16/12/2025 20:57

@Jellycatspyjamas - this is a good idea and would definitely push me out of my comfort zone, so hopefully lead to growth
i have looked at Julia Cameron’s books on amazon about the artists way-have you ever used them?

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Original poster
Rhinohides · 16/12/2025 20:50

@BerfyTigot - thanks Lovely.
proggy matting runs very close to my heart.
I saw a lady doing it when I was 7 years old as part of a re- enactment and for the first time felt my calling.
My Granny used to proggy during the war so it I have a sensation of connection and joy that this craft unites us through the generations.
Hope you have a Happy Christmas- and maybe even get a few hours to explore a new hobby 😀

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BerfyTigot · 16/12/2025 20:45

@Rhinohides thanks so much for the very detailed reply! I'm going to have a go!
No apology needed - christmas tends to take over our lives at this time of year!

Original poster
Rhinohides · 16/12/2025 20:41

Hello, @BerfyTigot - so sorry I didn’t reply- especially as I always try to reply to every post. Not an excuse, I know but have been a bit swamped with Christmas and caring. Again, very sorry.
so yes, as the posters on the new post kindly shared - it is proggy matting.
not proof mating, tho a proof reader would be helpful 😂
It originated from necessity within households, and the housewives took pride in creating something beautiful out of the dictates of a need and so a craft was born.
using oat scraps (so this can be anything from cut down jeans which are very useful to your children’s favourite clothes which they have outgrown but you cannot bear to part with) poured through a hessian mat base.
well, you learn the technique, I think it may be worth getting a kit which uses the same principle but wool and a smaller and more plastic type canvas.
if you check out your local area there are often group sessions offered where you can learn by working on a combined project.
Another option for up cycling old materials is patchwork but I am clumsy and get fed up stabbing myself with a needle after a while and proggy matting can give quite a quick and effective result for your efforts

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Jellycatspyjamas · 16/12/2025 17:24

For personal development journaling is good. Not necessarily writing, though there are lots of different ways of writing. Music or art/drawing journals can be good for creativity and help to put the world in it place.

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 16:54

@BerfyTigot , Proof matting? | Mumsnet

Original poster
Rhinohides · 13/12/2025 18:19

@mumofoneAloneandwell - oh also, I can imagine it’s just very hyper stimulating for her.
Yes, this is what I am aiming for, getting a few moments of peace and trying to do something constructive with them during 2026 so I can have the satisfaction of feeling though I have achieved something or grown in someway by the end of the year.
Here too peaceful Christmas for us all xx

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Original poster
Rhinohides · 13/12/2025 18:17

@Appalonia - oh, I love this idea! Painting is something I enjoy but never feel I’m good enough for. You are right, I can do it privately and with the help of online videos hopefully improve! He is doing an artistic 2026. 😀

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mumofoneAloneandwell · 13/12/2025 17:43

😄😄😄 you and me both girl @Rhinohides

Its okay, honestly. We've had tougher times, so far its just prepping for christmas - she had a terrible time seeing Santa today, bless her 😄. She recovered after and happily munched on mcdonalds

Here's to a fun 2026 - i'm gonna take each day as it comes and take little moments of peace where I can xx

Appalonia · 13/12/2025 17:30

There's lots of art tutorials both on YouTube or you can buy them online. It's something you can do from home and pick it up when you have time and go at your own pace. Paint Coach is a good one to try.

Original poster
Rhinohides · 13/12/2025 17:12

@Gallowayan - good idea! I have studied guitar in the past, back in the day when local authorities ran very reasonably priced group lessons. We had the most amazing tutor who wore a Che Guvera t-shirt and spotted the most appealing Spanish accent. Hmmm, @mumofoneAloneandwell - maybe this thread is trying to tell me something??? 😂

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Original poster
Rhinohides · 13/12/2025 17:10

@mumofoneAloneandwell - oh, that does sound incredibly tough. Especially given your username. I hope you are able to get some time out for yourself, and get to put those Spanish lessons to good use at some point ❤️

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Gallowayan · 13/12/2025 17:03

Learn a musical instrument? I started with guitar a few years ago and am now an intermediate level player. I was not easy to get to this point, but it has definitely enriched my life.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 13/12/2025 16:57

Rhinohides · 13/12/2025 16:47

@mumofoneAloneandwell - THANK YOU 🤩. As I started to read your response, I was smiling and thinking oh yes, Spanish, then I read your ending and it made me grin. Thank you for making me smile.

😄😄 glad I could help

You deserve something new by the sounds of it - i'm only caring for my one autistic dd(6) and its not easy, let alone several people xx

Sofia Vergara Smile GIF by America's Got Talent
BerfyTigot · 13/12/2025 16:49

@Rhinohides tried to Google proof matting but nothing. Have you got any more info please? Sounds perfect for me

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