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?

My dh and i have set up our own business, which was rather scary!

I have been painting a series of artworks and they are coming along nicely.

We have progressed with our renovations.

My dd is taking a year out of formal education. She has been unwell and she is now on the mend. We have been doing short courses via the OU together, which has been fun.

So rather busy and looking forward 2020!

I hope that the new year brings much positivity in mn'ers 2020, happy yule, christmas and new year!

Took part in climate change activism.

Supported two friends through horrible events.

This probably doesn't sound much of an achievement, but I left a hobby that has been a large commitment and mental drain for a few years now.

I am pleased with myself for taking the plunge and finally saying enough is enough :).

I feel I might go back in the future when I've had a break, but for now, I need to take a step back, as the pressure was taking all of the enjoyment out of it.

Successfully moved house. Very stressful and time-consuming, but it's done and I couldn't be happier in my new area. Also proud of supporting my daughter with her new baby son and being a very hands-on gran.

@DaphneduM It really is! Well done.

A half marathon at 44, 17 stone and a rubbish runner! I raised £800 for Cancer Research. I am never 'running' that far ever again but am immensely proud that I did it and look at my wooden medal every so often in amazement.

Oh and anyone surprised at the weight I weighed 27 stone before bariatric surgery.

I'm just proud that I've survived this year, won't go into depressing detail but it's been a horrible, horrible year for us as a family - DH and I were nearly at breaking point a few times because of it, but we've managed to keep ourselves together and keep our family together despite all the crap. We're coming through the other side of the worst of it now and we both feel stronger as a couple as a result.

Also our DC (twin 2yo's) are showing some great development after I took the advice of MN and had them referred to a SALT - I had to fight for it, but it's been massively worth it!

Well done everybody on this thread for doing what you have done and thank you OP for posting this one, it's really cheered me up to read

The help I have been able to give my mum who is limited in what she can do given a back condition.

I’ve managed my long term issues so that I’ve almost gone a full year without any hospital admissions

I started a new job with the Civil service and got promoted within three months

I am still married

Volunteering
House rental income sorted
Becoming self employed after 5 years off work it's a start!
Doing small courses
Accepting my life as it is
Losing and gaining people

Had a life saving operation and missed death by a matter of hours ( no word of a lie)

Got two mad cats from CPL

Wow - some amazing and inspiring stories on here.

We've had a difficult year. DH has been sick. Yes, all year. We think he is slowly recovering but he's been unable to work and has not been the man he was. He has just been granted permanent disability.

Despite this, and now as the only earner, I have supported him and DD, smashed it at work in a very demanding job that involves international travel, and taken a substantial and concrete step towards achieving my long term life goals. Considering how hard it's been some days to hold it together, it could have been a lot worse!

Did the couch to 5k. Struggled to run for a minute when I started, did the 5K in 40 minutes at the end.
Swam 64 lengths- a whole mile!
Got promoted.
Managed to save some money.

Passed a course and got a new job on the back of it.

Such a good thread!!

Not big things for me but began spending dedicated time with my Mum each week (dementia). It has improved our relationship no end (and made it less scary for me).

Also I began counselling relating to the death of my brother recently which I already feel is helping.

Started carving out some more time for myself too...maybe need a bit more effort in this area actually! 😐

Such great achievements on this thread and doesn't it feel good to think over them!!

What a brilliant thread, well done everyone.
I got fit
I left a job without a job to go to because my manager was a dick.
I found my happy again.

I left a job that was making me very unwell. In the midst of what I now realise was pretty much a breakdown interviewed and got a new and much better job. Am so much happier. The old job nearly broke me and I got out just in time.

Battled quite severe anxiety (from the afore mentioned job). Am getting there and I can normally deal with it.

Started running and did a 10k and a night trail run this year. Never thought I'd do that.

I took a demoralised, failing team and made it awesome. New titles, new responsibilities, new processes. We saved the company over half a million dollars. And I did it remotely and working 85%.

My boss doesn't care at all

Had a baby!

What a great thread!
I didn’t think I was proud of much but it hit me thinking.
I’m proud that I’ve learnt to say no.
I’m proud that I’ve got through a very gruelling year.
I’m proud that I have starting asking for help when I need it.
I’m proud that I have been able to improve the lives of some others (I can’t post anymore as it might be outing).
I’m incredibly proud that my dc and I are still close despite the teenage years and some challenging stiff they’ve had thrown at them.

I’m proud of what my dc have achieved, and my role in helping them achieve it.
I was only a teenager when Ds1 was born, and we went through a lot of poop, but I get so many compliments on him, and he’s going off to uni after the summer.
I home ed ds2, and he’s made so much progress, and achieved so much this year, and I love that I’m learning new things right there with him, and the closeness of relationship it gives us.
Healed a family rift, and started gradually rebuilding that relationship.
I do a crafty hobby, and I’m proud to have made some beautiful things, and several people have suggested they’re good enough to sell.

I’m still alive (lots of health problems/complications/hospital stays/near death misses) that’s my greatest so far...I’m actually quite chuffed I’ve made it this far I think it’s by sheer determination I’m at home with my kids for Christmas.

Survived 2 lots of 6 weeks of radiotherapy, smiling and laughing throughout whilst having to live a long way from home.

Arranged to return to work after almost 1 year off.

Started driving again (illness stopped me, 3 times!)

Just started with a personal trainer to get fit and in shape again.

For the madness I've been through for 3 years, I feel bloody amazing and am just so proud with how I've coped and reacted to it all 🧠

Well done ladies.

I have sold the former marital home, currently in crappy rented house, but have no financial ties with cockwomble.

Got a band 6 nursing post at the age of 46

Starting palliative care module

Made palliative care champion at work

Safely delivered my oldest daughter to university

Graduated from my Masters with a distinction, course award for academic achievement and a paper published.

Got a job and been offered two others when temping.

Proud of my dc. Ds 1 (yr10) just won an award for academic achievement at school. He is at a grammar school and is definitely not the most academic but worked really hard this last term so I am pleased they recognised his effort.

My dd has moved up to secondary. She is thriving. She has been selected for 3 sports at county level. She is not the best at anything but she's so tenacious.

I never tell anyone these things in real life so sometimes it's nice to be able to share.