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

[Sparklfairy]

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

So what are you proud of for 2019?

Despite*

I went through and survived the family court process with an abusive ex, which I’m extremely proud of

Past my MSc and got an award for the best overall performance and contribution to the course from the professional body that awards part of the qualification.

I had attended therapy every week without fail, apart from when I became unwell, and when my therapists mum passed away. It's not been easy for me, and there have been days where I wanted to quit. However, I didn't want to disappoint my children any more than I already have.

That's what drives me, they were adopted in July last year, and I want to get better.

Also, I have kept up with my blog and started writing a novel.

Well done everyone!
I have...
Found a new job and quit the old one that was making me ill.
Started giving less fucks. This is a work in progress but I’ve already declined a few events that I wouldn’t enjoy, and sent less Christmas cards
Remained dignified and true to myself when dealing with family bullshit surrounding a bereavement.
Another work in progress but I’m trying really hard to enjoy life. To not feel guilty for doing things for myself, to not stress and feel like I need to do a million things at once.

This is ace! Well done everyone!
I've mostly just survived!
This time last year (to the day!) I abruptly had no job, small kids and the weight of the world on my shoulders. Then got actual flu then glandular fever.
Since then, I've got a fantastic new job, we seem to be coming out of the toddler plague years and the free hours at nursery have kicked in so I finally have some money!
2020 is going to be bloody brilliant.

Returned from maternity leave to an incredibly stressful and intimidating job, but somehow achieved a huge amount of successes, while balancing motherhood and being pregnant with 2nd baby.

I had my second son and I have not needed much help like I did with my last son

I have started reading again and my vocabulary and confidence have improved

I have made new friends as I had been lonely before

My relationship has been so much better because I've been more patient with my husband

And I gave up opiate pain killers

I am loving this thread 🖤🖤🖤

Got through absolutely horrific brain surgery recovery after life saving surgery. It took months, I was a mess, put on 2 stone in a month because of steroids along with so many other awful side effects. But I got out, used humour to cope and now have this amazing appreciation for the tiniest things in life. The school run is probably my favourite thing to do now.

Navigated through a year of court hearings for custody and divorce. One of the most stressful years of my life but things are on the up and next year will be my year!

Kept going.

I made it to December. I've spent 2019 in pain from autoimmune arthritis and everyday has been a struggle to do basic tasks like making breakfast or getting dressed. I've also been through 3 unsuccessful cycles of IVF (including one early miscarriage).
There have been so many days where I've just felt ground down by it all and I wanted to give up. But I've kept going and only missed one day of work to sickness.
2020 is also the start of my 40s so I don't think I'll ever be a mother but I am getting some new arthritis medication so I'm cautiously positive about the coming year.

I'm not sorry to see the back of 2019 though.

I have survived the loss of my dad, fought the bureaucracy of the DWP & won, been diagnosed with Autism after 54 years & finally understand who I really am. I have had a totally shit year but have managed to survive & am coming out the other side. I didn't think I had the strength to cope with losing my dad & thought that I would collapse with the grief but have managed to keep fighting & myself together, having all the battle with the DWP at the same time nearly broke me but I managed to stand up for myself, I could have given up but I didnt & I won. Getting my Autism diagnosis has been massive, it has taken over 2 years to get an assessment, I never thought I would get through it but am now getting the help I have needed all my life, looking back I am proud of the fact that I managed to get through my education & working whilst having a massive problem understanding the social communications & how much it affected me.

What a lovely thread, thanks OP , and congratulations to everyone on all their wonderful achievements both big and small.

This year I had my first very longed for baby, and my confidence as a new mother grows daily. Earlier today I stopped her crying by singing her favourite song, which feels like an achievement in itself! We're getting to know each other and it's wonderful.

I went to France and made a witticism in French to a French person. I've been working on trying to improve my French so I was pretty pleased!

DH and I moved out to the country just before I became pregnant and I was a bit lonely to start with but I've put myself out there and made some wonderful new friends.

I took my driving test at 39 weeks pregnant (failed, but proud of myself for trying!)

As of today I have finished working as a community care assistant, I lasted 6 months and the stress was making me ill. After Xmas I’m starting a new job in a great care home, set hours, better pay, less stress.
I’m proud of myself for making the change.

Also moved house and am making a lovely home for myself (gradually) and my two DDs on my own.

Oh, and I’m starting to work on my boundaries with my family ie feeling less guilt for not spending time with them when they are being critical of me. It may not sound like much, but after 34 years, it’s a big deal!

Looking forward to next year!

Managed to lose 5 stone over the last 12 months after years of trying , now to keep it off in 2020 and beyond . Lovely to hear of so many great achievements , keep it up ladies !!!

Held a tarantula to try to get over my fear of spiders. It sort of worked.

Painted rooms in the house that have been waiting 4 1/2 years - and I did it all by myself.

Finally joined a choir after talking about it for ages.

I don't know really. It just occurred to me the other day that this is the end of a decade and what have I done with it?

I've not been outside Europe since 2009.

I am now freelancing and on a much smaller income than I was on in 2011.

I suppose one thing I have done is start running in 2011. It has kind of taken over my life but has given me new opportunities, I am fitter, look better, have made new friends. So that's my achievement for the decade.

For the year, not sure I have one.

I made it to the other side of a very bad period of anxiety.
Sorted out some childcare problems.
Went back to work after maternity leave and am doing well. Not where I want to be but there's time for that.
Potty trained my oldest.

Lovely thread. Well done all for victories big and small.
I’ve
Passed my course and set up own business
Ds2 diagnosed with asd and passed 11+
developed better boundaries and got rid of a couple of toxic friendships

My life is unrecognisable from the place I was in a few years ago
Merry Christmas everyone

Got a new job (as a carer but nice to be earning again even if not as what I trained as) after six years out of the workforce as a sahm (bloody five years too many)

Moved house to a fixer upper that is now nearly done. Never. Again

Stood up to my current boss over being sexually harassed. That particular client is now a 'double call' and now carers are not to enter said old pervs flat alone. I still get sent to him but he behaves if there's anyone else around.

I really struggled with this last one as I had to turn down the calls to him for weeks (and lost multiple hours of work because of it) as they kept assigning him to me, even after I had told the seniors multiple times the things he had said. It had me in tears more than once thinking they would just sack me as I was still in my probationary period when this whole thing happened.

Also stood up to my dm when she was seriously pushing boundaries when my ds was in hospital for surgery.

I was 29 this year, I'm looking forward to 30. My boundaries have definitely been strengthened this year and I am taking much less shit than I used to.

I finished a years course alongside working a 40 hour week so I am now a qualified soft tissue therapist where I mainly work with the disabled. Additionally completed an oncology course so I can help my 5 year old niece and my MIL who are sadly battling cancer. Made the decision to go part time in my job next year to give my therapy work the best shot (I currently do it alongside working FT). My anxiety is making me doubt myself but I'm determined to succeed

Left a job I once loved but ended up hating and walked into a new one as supervisor and a pay rise to go with it.

Am now debt free too.