AIBU to ask what is the thing you've done in 2016 that's made you proudest?

Staying sober.

I'm still alive

This time last year it was seven months since my Dad's death. I had miscarried in the August too. I felt so very sad and didn't think I would ever feel happy again.

In May we got a dog. He has made me so very happy. His pure joy and unconditional love really healed me.

Supported my eldest through to getting fab GCSEs
Got my health back on track post menopause
Took up a musical instrument again after 20 years and joined a group
Started recognising and standing up to DH's manipulative behaviour
Seemed to have reached a 'good place' again after the death of parents a few years back

Dowser, be kind to yourself too
I'm so sorry for your loss of your Mum, and the difficult journey for you both with her dementia.

Well done to you for taking on the driving. Remember you can set your own limits for the driving you're happy to do - I try to keep driving after dark and also long unfamiliar routes to a minimum.

Being kind is a brilliant thing. The world would be a better place with more kindness x

And I drove through the Brecon Beacons this summer juggling. ;-)

What a lovely thread. I wish I could remember all of those 'oh wow's' who've lost weight, ran marathons etc but well done all of you.

Then people like bonnet who've not only lost weight but coped admirably with a marriage breakdown.

And a little mention to CPTart because what she went through was so tragic.

All the other mnetters whose relationship split up when they hadn't wanted it to too and all the other brave souls who extricated themselves from bad relationships.

All of you who have studied, while working, kids etc I take my hat off to you.

I couldn't think of anything for myself. I try to be a kind person. I try to help when I can. Most days are difficult. 2016 has been a hard year in many respects. It's the year I've realised I'm now feeling my age. Soon to be 65.
I'm battling mh issues again. Much of that was caused by my dear mum's severe dementia worsening and finally having to say goodbye to her last month and my dh stroke just after new year which thankfully has left him well in himself but partially sighted and now no longer able to drive.

We got married last year. Had an amazing brilliant year and then January everything turned on a sixpence.

To sum it all up I'm proud of the fact I've stepped up to the plate and taken on all of the driving . I wish I Could tell you I'm a fantastic, confident driver. I'm not. I've had to drive in all weathers, when I've felt awful and so on . It's not something I see getting any easier but I will keep on doing it as long as I feel I'm safe to do so.

Love this thread!

I gave birth to my DD now 6 months and was a bridesmaid for my best friend.

Started training towards becoming a counsellor, something I've been interested in for years. Completed the Intro to Counselling course in the summer term, and nearly through the first term of the Certificate in Counselling Skills - though with an essay to write before next Wednesday!
Met such lovely people on the courses too.

Also went back to the Brecon Beacons this summer, where I completed my gold DofE expedition as a 17 year old, this time with 17 yr old DD, for our DofE Diamond Challenge. Re-climbed Pen-y-Fan together, also with a friend.
Raised funds and awareness for our two charities, DofE and WaterAid.

Also got us all through another year following a tragic family bereavement in 2014.

Got DD ready to send off her UCAS application any day now after some lovely Uni visits together. Met DS off the coach after his school music tour to tell him he got his place in Britten Sinfonia Academy (plays trumpet) Watched him on stage at Saffron Hall being conducted by lovely composer James MacMillan.

Great thread! Such a wonderful variety of achievements
Well done everyone!

PS Love the top price sheep sale achievement

Obtained a professional qualification which will hopefully open up loads of new doors for me.

I stood up to my abusive ex and I'm keeping my DS safe from him.

I quit a job working for a morally corrupt company, and returned to education (ex made me drop out of uni)

I got engaged to my fantastic DP.

My bond with my DS has grown and grown and he is my best friend. I had a difficult start with him, due to being in a relationship with his father, and as a result I barely remember his baby months, as my brain has tried to block it all out. He hasn't been in our lives for over a year (his choice) and got back in touch recently and my solicitor has advised no contact.

I am receiving support from an IDVA and am enrolled on the freedom programme on Jan.

After years of thinking I was 'just anxious' I revealed all about the DV to my doctor and he has been incredibly supportive, and given a diagnosis of PTSD. I shouldn't be pleased about his, but I'm happy to know what's wrong, and that it can be fixed, and that it's not my fault.

Finally got round to donating my eggs - and got a stranger pregnant!

Fabulous thread! I hope it becomes a classic.

I am most proud of providing affordable, good quality, long-term housing to 3 different groups of people who find that sort of housing difficult to obtain (a Polish family, 4 medical students, and a group of young graduates).

Gave up alcohol

Had DS :)

Successfully negotiating myself a payrise after years of being underpaid.

I made DD2s formal dress in less than a week, despite not having been near a sewing machine in about 25 years :D I loved it, she loved it and everyone's else loved it.

It was a huge achievement for me and I was thrilled with what I achieved.

Finally ended a 6 year relationship where I had been unhappy for at least four and a half years. Met a lovely guy who makes me feel happy and safe and loved.
Pretty much every major aspect of my life has changed in the past year and although its been an incredibly stressful year things are finally settling down and I am a lot happier than this time last year.

*When I !!!

When is finally broken up with my abusive ex for good who I was with for 9 years.

Despite DS hardships and dealing with his disability, appointments, emotional stress and my own issues I was dealing with. I managed to graduate in my degree and I got a very good grade.

Won a tribunal and now DS is at a specialist school and he has made fantastic progress

Realising that I can do something if I put my mind to it.

Charlie that's brilliant, rescue dogs are a wee bit special!

I rescued a dog who was used as a breeding bitch on a puppy farm and I've given her time and patience and made her into a confident stubborn and happy as long as she's getting her own way member of our family.

Every time I look at her I want to cry with love. Though she's sulking at the minute because she has to wear a jumper

After a 3 year battle to get a decent, suitable education for both of my girls (both have asd) I've deregistered them and am home educating both using online high schools and other resources. Dd1 is now happy, doing 10 GCSEs and getting good grades. School wanted to write her off and sit only English as "she might scrape a c". She's now predicted an A for English. She wanted a chance to do GCSEs, especially sciences. She is now doing 3 separate sciences and is predicted As there too. Yet the school wanted to ship her off to college for beauty therapy. Dd2 is also thriving. She's caught up with missed work and is getting good grades. And more importantly both are happy

Some utterly amazing achievements here!

2016 has been an odd year I think, globally I feel it's all going bit wrong 😬 But on a personal level I've bought my first house by myself which I never thought I'd be able to do and have booked to take my children to Disney world next year which I've always wanted to do with them. I also got promoted at work ☺️

I've had a great year in terms of myself but I can't help thinking that my grandchildren/ great grandchildren will study this year in history lessons as the time period in which it all started to go downhill...

I lost 3.5 stone, and it's stayed stable for a few months now with a much better way of eating.

I started running (though currently recovering from a pulled calf) which has meant I'm in better shape as well, having the flattest tummy I think I've ever had.

(One of the goals for next year is to stay that way!)