What is the best thing you have done this year?

[midgetjen]

It's been a tough year here, but I have made lots of positive changes in my life and want to keep the momentum going.

So I would love to ask what your highlights of the year have been? A new habit, fab holiday, anything big or absolutely tiny, I would love to hear for inspiration.

Thanks in advance!

Moved from a toxic job to a new one
Travelled by train for the first time in decades.
Had much more free time.

Traced one branch of my family tree back to Henry VIII's reign and read their wills online

20+ of us went a big family holiday to an amazing hotel and had the best week ever.

Had a baby. Being on maternity leave and spending time with him has really made me reassess my priorities.

It’s also a much less of a big deal than having a baby. But a signed up for a side gig website. Ended up on a project that’s been bringing in the same income as my usual full time job. I signed up on a whim and it’s made maternity leave much less painful financially.

lost weight and become a nana! i never used to understand when people went on about being a grandparent... but i get it now!

Had a breast reduction.

Started an OU access course in preparation for a degree in the future.

Took DH on a holiday he had wanted to do for many years for his 60th.

Got through a hideous work restructure, went through a competitive pool process and came out with a better job than I had before. It was gruelling and stressful but with a great outcome.

Climbed Snowdon with DH and the DC (and dog) we all loved it!

Pushed for my transfer at work. From working 40 miles away in a team I hated and now moving to a new team 4 miles down the road. Exact same job but they were awkward for years about letting me transfer closer to home. It’ll save massively on fuel and give me more time at home. Starting in new year and looking forward to a new start.

Mine are really boring things. Sorted out my health and dental issues! In of themselves they are not exciting at all but it means I can head into 2025 in the best state I can be in.

I've also got my finances in order. So that's looking positive for next year. So really it was a year of sorting myself out. All stuff that needed doing but means 2025 should be quite enjoyable!

I have 2 big trips to look forward to. None this year due to aforementioned health issues. So I'm excited for the new year.

I got an allotment in early November and I’m ridiculously excited about it. Currently got garlic, onions and shallots on the go. For Xmas I got myself a greenhouse for my garden for free from a local fb site and it’s a mega posh one with self opening windows. No more running down the road to catch my crappy poly tunnel cover during severe winds. Nope, not for this micro farmer anyway 😂😁. Il attach a photo to show how fancy it is. And FREEEEE!

I also went on my first cruise and I am completely converted. It’s just amazing, we did a Christmas market cruise around Northern Europe. Visited Hamburg, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Belgium and France. The shop was beautiful, the atmosphere was glorious and I’ve got 3 more booked over the next 2 years.

I think the absolute highlight of my year was playing mother Christmas with my husband as Father Christmas at our local church. The joy on the children’s faces was just magnificent and we fund raised to give each child a decent gift, a selection box and a personalised letter. We saw 52 kids in total. I learned all about the North Pole etc and had all sorts of facts and information that I just casually dropped in to conversations with the kids. We spent 5-10 mines with each family and it was perfect. Our feedback was amazing and we even got told we were better than the Trafford centre Christmas experience. Most people believed we were paid actors and refused to entertain that we were volunteers and it was our first time. We went all out with amazing outfits and then toured the shops of our (very poor) local town handing out candy canes and having photos done. My Christmas spritometer was overflowing after those weekends. Already got lots planned for next year

I built a huge bridge and reconciled with my mother after being nc for a long time. My brother died last Christmas so we have been through a lot. I’m so glad we are back in touch, I missed her and feel so much better to have her in my life again. It hasn’t been easy and we still have a bit to go but we’ll get there.

Moved house (hopefully for the last time) and begun to tackle my weight gain.

Lost 3 stone and feel amazing. I can run comfortably again and sit on the floor for ages with the kids playing. It's brilliant.

Saved a family member's life.
Graduated (on a course with a huge dropout rate - honestly, they have made some significant changes to it for later intakes).
Got accepted for a challenging, but hopefully, meaningful volunteering role.

I never want a repeat of a year like this though.

Two relatively dull (yet important) health-related issues sorted; finally got my teeth fixed and a bridge fitted so I can actually chew on both sides of my mouth, and had couple of stents which have (touch wood) cured my angina.

Finally married DH after 15 years and 2 DC together

Decided want I want to do with my life work wise and made steps towards it

Are the two main things. In 2025 I hope to be making bigger strides towards my career goal and learn to drive.

Downsized so that we have fewer expenses and might actually be able to spend a bit.

Actually committed to weight lifting and started tracking my progress. I'm heading into 2025 with a plan of attack for gradually increasing PBs, and feeling fantastic about it.

Since late 2023, I’ve lost almost 9st. It’s transformed my health and my life.

2025 will be about focusing on fitness and stamina.

Sorted out my health and dental issues! In of themselves they are not exciting at all

@DancingLions That is AMAZING 🎉🎉🎉
Without your health, there is so much that becomes impossible or so much harder.
Id be hugely excited if I was you!!

And well done for the finance side too.
Sounds like you’ve had a full year!

We moved. We lived in a 2 bed flat with nosey drunk drug violent abusing neighbours. For years. 17 years in fact.
We've seen it all. My kids (boy and girl 10 year age difference) shared a room.
We finally got a chance to move to a 3 bed house with a garden. Nice neighbours- peaceful. Couldn't be happier and more grateful.

Definitely the best thing was quitting drinking in January. I feel so much better mentally & physically & have lost 3 & half stone so far.

We did a 5 day trip to Germany. None of us had beeb before and we all loved it so much. Two coach tours to medieval villages in Bavaria. Loads of food. Museums. We travel alot, but that was a serious highlight.

I joined a gospel choir which was so joyful and fun! I got a solo part and performed in a show, it was exhilarating! Singing is so healing and fun, and I made new friends there!