2018 - what did you learn? What did you achieve?

[wallyfeatures]

Shopping this morning and the supermarket is full of Christmas food and goods and it got me thinking about what have I achieved and learned this year. I'm a nosy person so if I tell you mine, will you tell me yours?

Learned - that I can sit on my bottom all day at home and get paid for it

Achieved - decorated the Master bedroom (a ball ache including sanding down wooden floors and varnishing), passed my language exams, asked to write a book!

Low point - financial distaster half-way through the year. Was sweating for a few weeks!

So what about you lot? What have you achieved or learned this year? Any disasters?

I got the garden tidied up.
I did refresher driving lessons.
I started to apply for new jobs (though have had 0 interviews!)

Got myself a fab new job

I achieved a promotion at work. I learned that a few people don't like it and will bitch about me behind my back. Also, that when the opportunity arose for the same people to also apply for promotion, they don't. They'd still rather bitch about the people who did get the job though.

What do you do that you get paid to sit on your bottom at home? Interest piqued

Escaped a job I hated
Learnt my new job I guess
Its been a quick year for me

Maxed out the storage efficiency of the house - now feel like everywhere is on a good cycle of decluttering and is as good as it can be for our current needs. Love being able to find something quickly without having to fight my way through other stuff.

Finished the last big/expensive job in the house (for a few years at least).

I'm more relaxed and don't sweat the small stuff so much - this is the biggest change really (finally that counselling paid off!) and had a knock of effect in many areas. I accept people for who they are & have better boundaries. Greatly reduced contact with people who have a negative effect on my mental health. I'm happier.

Changed my diet permanently to plant based (ditched the meat and dairy) before attempting to lose weight. Now losing weight (26 lbs and counting) and feel for the first time ever that I have the tools and the mental attitude to keep it off.

I finished my college course

I moved 20 miles away

I started dream University

I learnt to ask for help (and actually accept offers) when I need it; because I finally have friends that will actually help.

I learnt I am capable of far more than I ever thought.

Low point - small breakdown just after moving when I was diagnosed with ADD, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia. On top of the long term depression and anxiety I thought this was the death knell for my degree and future; turns out not to have been.

Learned that my dd has ASD. Learned how utterly shite the provision for any sort of SEND support is.

A situation at work finally destroyed all my confidence. But I need the money.

Marriage went even further down the pan.

2018 can piss right off.

Bought my first house and had a baby, pretty big year!

I haven't learned anything and we are just as skint as ever, if not more so. Achievements? I got 2nd place a couple of times in some camera club competitions but, considering that I won several last year I can't help but feel like I've failed somehow!

Learned - The way I am is not my fault (as Philip Larkin explains)
Achieved - I've paid off masses more of my mortgage than I thought I would or could.
Low point - Lost the love of my life and with it, nearly all my belief and self-worth.

(1 and 2 makes things sound more negative than it actually is. The Learning was a big thing for me and has had a profound impact, despite it being the cause of the Low Point.)

I lost a job I hated and got a new one I don't hate in the space of a fortnight. Started as a temp and recently been taken on permanently. I've leant how very adaptable I am as it's completely unlike anything I've done before. My MS has been 'quiet' for another year.

I have learned to take better care of myself. And to forgive myself for certain things.

Taught myself to wallpaper with (I think) great results!
Found out I was 9 weeks pregnant after 10 Mc before 6 weeks over 10 years and now have my daughter.
Low point: lost my job, partner left, toxic mother trying even harder to take over... But I seem to be better at saying no now.

Switched my working week around a bit to maximise free time and time with dc
Did loads of house maintenance stuff
Low points are I'm only just keeping my head above water financially and I'm grieving for a family member who meant a lot to me

Ooops, started thread and wandered off and forgot about it. Went away for the weekend. Thanks for all th replies, just off to have a read through. BUt first of all Junebug123 in answer to your question, I could tell you but I'd have to shoot you. T'is top secret

Sorry to hear how shit 2018 has been IntentsAndPorpoises I will keep my fingers crossed that 2019 is not it's bastard cousin, but rather your fairy godmother.

I learnt that your perfect life can be ruined in a matter of seconds. I learnt that my late husband who couldn’t even cope with a cold was a warrior in the face of cancer. I learnt that it’s not always the people you are closet too that help you in your times of need. and that even in the face of utter shitness there is hope and positivity. Husband I’m so grateful for the life we had and the children you gave me.

Roll on 2019! 😉

FourFuxxakes Well done on the placings on the camera front. I wouldn't take that as a failure, It sounds like you have a real flair. Have you explored making any money from it? Aren't there online sites where you can upload your images and make money from them? I'm sure I read about that a few years ago.

I hope that things improve for you in the new year.

Some wonderful achievements to hear about from everyone, quite inspiring. May our achievements be even greater next year.

And for those who have had a shit time this year, here's hoping that things start to look up soon. I hope that doesn't sound too like empty platitudes as it is well and genuinely meant.

Bluewidow life has a way of jumping up and slapping you in the face sometimes. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. It sounds like you have some wonderful memories to treasure and children as a living reminder. 2019 is just around the corner. Here's to a better year for you all.