To share how far I've come

[lolastheme9]

Because it isn't really something I talk about in real life, but am reflecting and feeling proud of myself today. 30 years old, 2 young children, was severely depressed for years. Kids were running feral, house was a tip, I couldn't drag myself out of bed. Bailiffs turning up at the door because I didn't pay my bills and I had no motivation to sort it. All 3 of us living off crap food. Fast forward to now, I love spending quality time with my children, I have learnt how to keep an organised home. I adore our cosy flat. I get up every morning and put a home cooked meal in the slow cooker for us. I don't have a lot of money, but that is because I am repaying my debts. I no longer have the worry of bailiffs turning up to take our things. I'm even starting driving lessons next month. I know most of these are just basic to most people, but to me, after my life being such a mess, they seem a massive achievement. This morning I was feeling a little down about being single at 30, and I think it is helpful to look back at how much things have changed for me over the past couple of years. Good things take time. For anyone currently suffering with depression, I hope this post helps you ❤

Ah lovely post op - well done you. Getting out of depression and turning your life around is something to be very proud of. What a great role model and example you’ve set for your kids as well.

You're blooming brilliant and you should tell yourself that every day

There are some cracking positive mental attitude examples in here OP. I really hope more people read this thread- lots on here people can learn from.

OP I am smiling so broadly at my phone! You have got such a fantastic attitude. Running a home, managing domestic budgets, bringing up kids and so on is a job in itself. Well done you.

Have you thought about writing your experiences up? You've obviously been on quite a journey (excuse that awful modern phrase ) I'm sure there's a huge amount you could pass on to other people who are in the place you once were. Often it's hearing from someone else who has been through difficult times & come out the other side that helps people address their own lives & make improvements. You could be a great mentor 👍🏻

put a home cooked meal in the slow cooker for us

OP, I’ve been been thinking about getting a slow cooker. Can you recommend some of your favourite recipes for me please?

So enjoyed reading this, lolastheme9. You have done a fantastic job of taking charge of your life and overcoming obstacles.
Bloody well done!

Amazing OP! Well done😊 💐

Well done, you have made it sound easy but I bet you have really worked hard to turn things around. You should be very proud of yourself. A lovely uplifting post, thank you for sharing x

Thanks for sharing - it's lovely to hear positive stories 🌷😊

You've done so well for yourself & your children! You have improved their lives do much more than you even realise.

Well done lovely!! 🥂🍾

This is wonderful. I’m so happy for you OP. X

This is just lovely to hear. Well done OP 👏

What a lovely thread. You should be very proud of yourself.

Thanks again everyone I am adding things that I have done as they come to my head. I really hope this helps others in a similar situation. Taking care of my personal appearance was also a biggie. At first I started very small. My goal was to change in to clean clothes every day (at my lowest I would wear the same outfit for a week at a time). I then upped this to sorting out my hair. I vividly remember sitting in the bath and brushing matted knots out my hair with a wet brush and coconut oil for 3 hours as I had not brushed my hair in one month. My first trip to the hairdresser after that felt amazing. Now it is a regular occurrence and I have worked up to hair appts, eyebrow threading, leg shaving, nails, makeup, etc. I love taking care of myself now. It makes me feel really good.

What a lovely thread.
Oh and being single is hugely underrated!

So great to hear OP, well done 👍.

It feels great to come out the other side, and you will feel so much the better and stronger for it 💪🏻. Sometimes when life feels a bit shite I remember where I was 17 years ago feeling all hope gone and nothing would get better, well it did and it can do again if things go tits up.

You are not being unreasonable. Congratulations, you’re doing excellently!

Well done! X

Amazing, thank you for sharing OP, sounds like you have made some incredible changes

Amazing!! Well done for taking control over your life! Yes, you should be proud yourself!

P.S. I'm going to try your checklist system for every room for de-cluttering. Thank you :)

Well done OP xx

Wonderful post OP
Those little things (food, self care, organisation) may seem basic but they are the soul and centre, and when they are taken care of that lets all of you enjoy life and develop and think about the future.

I think your Facebook decision was a really good one, its old fashioned to say 'Comparison is the thief of joy' but you really have done yourself a favor by moving away from it, and just concentrating on your own families needs and what you are achieving now.

Also - you seem to have created a unanimously positive AIBU post
which is also amazing

Well done op, I like this thread :)

Congratulations, I bet it's weird looking back at the person you were, and I bet it seems so far away.
You should be so proud of yourself, what an amazing mum you are to have done this for your children.
Long may it last, and I'm so pleased for you.

This thread has really cheered me up!

Am off to get a oad and pen to brainstorm some small changes we can make

Pad even