What you've learnt in 2023

[countrytweed]

It's that time of year we all become a bit reflective... and it got me thinking about things I've learnt this year (many though podcasts which I absolutely love). Thought it might be fun to hear other people's lessons/revelations that might be useful for others 😊 Here are mine...

1. Compound interest (I know I'm late to this one) and the fact you don't have to be rich to invest. Man I wish it was taught in school. Have now started investing through Vanguard.
2. 42 is by no means too early to be perimenopausal. Also having read a lot about menopause (cheers Davina), you should research and ask for the HRT that's best for you, if you decide that's the route you want to go down... don't just accept the bog standard your GP offers you.
3. Eat and exercise according to where you are in your cycle, not the same all month (listen to Dr Mindy Pelz).
4. After 40 especially, more protein + weight training = longevity.
5. The power of "Let them" (listen to Mel Robbins) - you can't change/heal/fix others, don't waste energy on trying, just let them be.
6. Reading is the only way to live multiple lives.
7. Getting a dog is the key to happiness.

Would love to hear yours (doesn't have to be as long!)

I've learned that..

• Blood is not always thicker than water
• I'm a much better person and parent when I unapologetically take time for myself
• Even though I hate that I'm continuously studying for the 'next thing', I love to learn and should embrace that

@StartingAgainAgain23 Amen to your second point... being run down is no good to anyone

Or just taking time to do the things you love

I love the power of "let them"

What a great great thread... I am going to reflect and come back...

Huge thanks for starting ... and loving how yours are triggering helpful thoughts and reflections for me...

@loveyouradvice ah pleasure! Would love you to share yours ☺️

@ssd so incredibly simple and effective, wish I'd learnt it sooner! Check out 'The Diary of a CEO' podcast, he had Mel Robbins on talking about it recently 👍🏼

1 Yes, I did need a hysterectomy, despite the doctors telling me I did not. That bulging tummy was not caused by menopausal fat or not dojng enough exercise, but by hidden fibroids.

2 I can't make anyone else happy. I can try, but their happiness is their own problem.

3 Walking is an easy cure for almost every ailment.

Money doesn’t buy class.

How very expensive solicitors are!

How I can give myself more than I ever knew.

Love yourself first, put yourself first. Unapologetically. You are the only one who can save yourself.
If a friend does not care about you, she is not your friend anymore, no matter how long you have known each other.
Don't let people use you to make themselves feel/look good.
Be unavailable.
Create more, consume less.
Good books and articles are good for mental health.
Money is super important.
You are stronger than you think.
It is ok to put on a few pounds. You can still look amazing.
Swimming relaxes you enormously.

I hope you're ok @BansheeofInisherin after #1 - always worth trusting your gut, no one knows your body like you do

Love "create more, consume less" (easier said than done though 🙃)

I've lost two relatives and am getting divorced. I've learned that contrary to what I've been told, I am a strong capable human being.

1. Pre teens/teens are more tiring than younger children

1. More about warhammer I ever wanted to know

1. That im allergic to rubber gloves

I've learned I've spent far too long in my current workplace and that it has destroyed my confidence and enthusiasm.

I've learned I am just a payroll number, am easily replaceable and the corporate machine I work for don't give a shit.

I've learned that I need to stop procrastinating, get off my lazy arse and put into motion the creative ideas I have and build a new career.

To not waste time getting irritated about stupid work things I will never change.

Don't trust a single word a tradesman says. Until the job is done it's all just words.

Nothing is worth dying for. I very nearly killed myself pushing on through illness this year because I ‘needed’ to finish a work project and ‘needed’ to make DD’s birthday magical. Sepsis and two weeks in hospital later, plus most of the year recovering, and I finally now take a break when I need one. That was a pretty steep learning curve.

I’ve also learned that far more people than I ever imagined care about us and are there for us when we need them. There have been silver linings and that’s one of the biggest.

Huge love to you 💐 You are stronger than they tell you!

That intermittent fasting DOES work when you find the right window for your own body (I've lost two stone since January having previously been stuck a couple of stone overweight for a couple of years and not able to shift it)

That work does not trump my mental health and if a job is not for me then I haven't failed, it just doesn't suit me.

Nail wraps are the future!

Pushing myself out of my comfort zone might feel scary at the time but the rewarding feeling afterwards is very much worth it.

My kids are just beautiful. They drive me potty but they're turning into lovely young boys and I am so proud of them.

I've learnt that you can actually faint from shock.

I've learnt that my husband is such an amazing human being and we have such kind and hardworking children.

I've learnt to keep work colleagues as just that - when push comes to shove, they'll not have your back

I've learnt that everyone is lucky in their own way, but everyone has something missing in their lives and that's what they'll focus on.

I've learnt that I'm a good person and I like the empathy and sympathy that comes naturally to me and I don't need to be so critical of myself anymore

Love this thread. Will be back later to add mine.

@MaisyMoo2022 - did you leave work? In similar situation now.

@FizzyStream I didn’t know nail wraps existed! You’ve changed my life 😂 🙌