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Original poster

To ask what have you done this year that you're proud of?

196 replies

Sparklfairy · 20/12/2019 10:59

Just musing this morning as I sort some last things out before Christmas, and it occurred to me how different my life is from 12 months ago. Whilst nothing I've done would be noteworthy to anyone else, I've had some small wins that I feel pretty proud of. Reading all the Christmas threads here lately, I think it's easy to get caught up in all the crazyness when really when we look back on 2019 we've got things we could and should pat ourselves on the back for.

I'll go first:

  • I've spent my first full year ever living completely alone and independently. For the first time, I am in complete control of my life. This is a massive deal for me and my MH.
  • Again for the first time ever, I spent 2019 (and half of 2018) single. I've bounced from bad relationship to bad relationship and been a serial dater, and (partially thanks to MN!) actually decided to take a time out from all of it, and get to know myself. I now actually really enjoy my own company and space (something I never thought I'd say). I've very recently started dating again, and it's amazing to realise shit that I would put up with or red flags that I would ignore. Don't settle.
  • And finally, on a more lighthearted note, this terrified-of-heights MNer flew down the world's fastest zipwire last week Grin

So what are you proud of for 2019?

OP posts:
thismumismad · 20/12/2019 11:56

I have got the paperwork together, just need an approval to get a fund together to teach soap making in other countries. I intend to supply the people that I teach with equipment to get them set up as things used for soap making cannot then be used for food, and they don't have to sacrifice their own equipment. This will be an ongoing project to continue to support them. This has all made me focus on my own health issues and to do something about them all.

NorthEndGal · 20/12/2019 11:56

Also, @tinytoast I sent you a pmGrin

calmama · 20/12/2019 11:57

@NorthEndGal

It's just a short guide book to seaglass hunting

Bullshit bullshit bullshit. There’s no “just”. I wrote a book almost 10 years ago now and I’ve either never mentioned it or used the word “just” to shrug it off. A lot of women have this unfortunate habit of downplaying our achievements and we need to STOP. You are a published author! Amazing! There’s not “just” about it. You’re fantastic and you should feel proud about it!

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 20/12/2019 11:59

Got a new job
DD's reading has really taken off (she's 7)
Our house is looking lovely (to me - still v scruffy in places and needs a new bathroom/replastering almost everywhere, but we've done a lot of decorating and bought lots of new furniture and the garden is looking a lot better).

DS (aged 5) is calming down after a rocky start to school
I hit a bump with my hobby where I have struggled to learn the next level. I am still not great at it but I can do it sometimes, and I'm learning that being uber-competitive with the lithe young 25 year olds is not healthy.

Putapeonyinyourpocket · 20/12/2019 12:01

Love this thread! Congratulations to all of you lovely people.
I survived my first year as a sahm... We're both alive! 😂
Also, I feel 'well' after suffering with my mental health after a traumatic birth I am now loving life and have totally accepted who I am now.
Merry Christmas everybody!

NorthEndGal · 20/12/2019 12:02

@calmama thank you, it is true , we do tend to downplay achievements, and it's a hard habit to break.
Congratulations to you as well , I know how persistent you have to be to finish something like that.

PandoraJack · 20/12/2019 12:02

What a lovely thread.

I became a mum this year, after enduring a very difficult pregnancy. DS and I had all sorts of issues establishing feeding so I ended up exclusively expressing. We're now nearly at the six month mark, I'm still going. It's been tremendously tough but I am hugely proud of myself and my body.

I've also been really struggling with post-natal anxiety but I've been working very hard to keep challenging myself and make sure that it doesn't impact too much on DS. I'm really proud of how far I've come with it over the past few months.

Thanks for asking OP. That felt good.

thismumismad · 20/12/2019 12:03

@NorthEndGal where can we find your book please?

Poppet1710 · 20/12/2019 12:04

Started my training to become GP after spending a lot of time unsure as to whether it was the right thing for me but loving it so far.

Bought my first house and had my much longed for baby. Finding being a new mum very tough but just watching him makes me know it is all worth it.

Lepetitpiggy · 20/12/2019 12:05

My mother died early this year after a horrible, frightening (for us) and slow deterioration after a massive stroke. I pretty much alone, with help from DH, did absolutely everything- which was how it was, and didn't expect anything else as have a bitch NC sister who refused to help. It was exhausting and upsetting and difficult.
The very proud bit comes as I gave up alcohol 6 years ago and the stress was so immense that people somehow assumed I would crack and have a few drinks. I completely didn't. It wasn't easy but I did it.

Blueshadow · 20/12/2019 12:05

Congratulations to everyone.
And to those who don’t feel they have done much this year - well done on surviving another 365 days - it takes tenacity and courage just to get through the days some years.

NorthEndGal · 20/12/2019 12:05

Fuck it , I'm being brave/setting myself up

@thismumismad thank you for asking, it is on Amazon
www.amazon.ca/dp/1693410680/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_UAl.DbB8GDFBW

NorthEndGal · 20/12/2019 12:07

And hear hear @Blueshadow , sometimes getting up each day, just to endure it, is a magnificent achievement in itself

calmama · 20/12/2019 12:07

@NorthEndGal Very hard to break but don’t wait as long as I have. If I’d owned my achievements earlier I’d be better off now. Allow yourself to enjoy what you’ve achieved and build on it.

HeyLala · 20/12/2019 12:08

What a wonderful thread. Thanks OP.

I started yoga again after 13 years absence, went to breathing classes and started to spend more time on me. Went alone to 2 separate yoga retreats in UK and Europe and made some amazing friendships.

Started to eat Vegan for at least 5 days a week but will take Christmas off 😋

I said YES to a crazy challenge, bought a road bike and cycled from Paris to Geneva 640km in 4 1/2 days. I decided that being scared at failing is ok. But I did it.

Got promoted at work and achieved my career goals.

I feel strong in body and mind so then decided that next year I'm having a GAP year. I'm 54 and never felt better.

WhenYouCantRunYouCrawl · 20/12/2019 12:11

Completed a 26 mile hike raising £600 for charity.

Successfully grew a small crop of carrots.

Ran my first 10k.

Read more books rather than dicking around on the internet.

Jumpi · 20/12/2019 12:11

Graduated twice (postgrad ceremony at the beginning of the year and professional qual in summer).

Helped to set up a charity.

Put a complete stop to saying yes to things to please other people. It’s blissful.

Celebelly · 20/12/2019 12:12

I had my first baby in February and I think we have done quite well! She's healthy and happy and I am also healthy and happy! I also got married, which isn't really something to be proud of really but it is what I'll think of when I think back this year.

Oh and I started back at work after mat leave (self-employed) and have managed to juggle working with looking after DD full time, so I'm quite proud of that.

NearlyGranny · 20/12/2019 12:15

Volunteered, travelled to a third-world country (at my own expense) and adapted my specialist knowledge to support work that was already going on. That meant I was useful without the risk of imposing my pre-conceived ideas. I learned so much, including the rudiments of a new (to me) language!

flipperdoda · 20/12/2019 12:16

I've done really well at work this year, which makes me proud.
I have also done some similar things to PPs - been single for 8 months which is unheard of in my adult life and am loving it, and swam 1 mile in Windermere in harsh conditions too! I mean... I hated it and don't want to repeat it, but I did it Grin

Womenwotlunch · 20/12/2019 12:17

Took up boxing- I am now toned and healthy
Improved my French language skills
Spent more time with my mother
Stopped being a people pleaser.,

Ronnie27 · 20/12/2019 12:17

Got a big new job when I started feeling miserable and pushed out in my old one - left for a better job than the manager I was having issues with which was a big jump for me and an awesome feeling.

Another Ironman, abroad this time.

Paid off credit cards that were causing me stress.

I’m ridiculously proud of my children every year obviously, as we all are.

redspook · 20/12/2019 12:18

Got through one of the toughest cancer treatment regimes there is.
I'm not out of the woods yet, but I'm feeling (mostly) OK, I'm still here and I'm still me.

3boysandabump · 20/12/2019 12:21

I started an access course to go on to university to do my midwifery degree.

I was skeptics about how doable it was with 4 kids at home and having to work alongside it but I'm so glad I've done it and by hard work will pay off in the long run

PersephoneandHades · 20/12/2019 12:24
  • I quit an industry that was breaking me and got a new job
  • I was involved in rescuing and rehoming several unwanted/abused pets
  • I put myself out there and started dating someone for the first time in over a year
  • I've stood up for myself a lot more in general

It's progress

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