To ask what the best thing is that's happened to you this year

[PennyPearl]

I can't sleep and thought we'd get some cheer from this thread as it's been an absolutely horrendous year for many so wanted to know the good things that's happened to you this year, it can be more than one:-

After a difficult unstable pregnancy, my beautiful daughter was born at 36+4 days and was absolutely healthy with nothing wrong with her and we got to leave the next day.

I reconnected with an old friend in January after a minor fall out and we've actually become best of friends.

My mum has been diagnosed with autism which doesn't sound good but actually it makes so much more sense now and she has access to the support she needs.

My DH has been accepted onto a university course he's been wanting to do to kick start a new career.

So please feel free to share yours, feel like we could do with a positive uplifting thread

Lovely thread!

I finished a postgrad qualification and was offered a place on a PhD. My family are wonderful.

I found a new friendship/craft group which is vital to me and so supportive.

I got married to the love of my life. I'm pregnant again after a sad and early loss earlier this year. Fingers crossed.

'Doesn’t sound like much but I did a lot of work on myself and have become much more aware of my thoughts and feelings. I still struggle mentally but it’s so good to be aware of what is happening and why.'

That's HUGE. I've been on a similar journey myself, and I know it takes serious hard work and determination. Be very proud of yourself, and keep going!

At the start of the year, we decided not to go abroad due to covid.

We went abroad twice

The second time we got engaged

We also enjoyed lots of good times with family & friends during the year

Merry Christmas to you all xxx

Being able to have proper foreign holidays again without any of the covid restrictions. We have been to south-west France, Ibiza & Bavaria this year. We probably took holidays for granted a bit pre-covid. Never again. It’s such a privilege to be able to travel to foreign countries whenever you want.

IDK what changed or how it happened but I finally started to lose weight. My trousers are loose. I also got an actual appointment to see a real live GP.
Its a flippin' Christmas miracle. Someone pinch me.

Going to all the sports and cultural events (& a wedding) that were postponed from 2020 and 2021. So a very busy year, but most of it paid for ages ago!

Oh yes, and foreign holidays of course!

I got a job after nearly ten years of being first trafficked, then homeless, then ill then just unemployed. It's not a big job nor a career but it's so much better.

A dangerous person has been removed permanently from mine and my kids' lives - it's a huge relief to know we are safe from him forever.

My dd who has had mental health issues has had the best 4 months in years. Best present ever.

My 16 year old has blossomed this year - finally being officially diagnosed autistic at the very end of 2021 made a huge difference after several years of very poor mental health.

they started making new friends in February (after a couple of years of being literally friendless) passed their GCSEs ( a year ago I didn't think they would be able to take any, never mind pass them!) and started an art diploma at college, where they are flying!

The transformation in them has been amazing, and I am so grateful they seem to have turned a corner.

My children's dad finally got a job and started paying maintenance. It's made a massive difference to our quality of life.

I had a gastric bypass in January and I’m now a healthy BMI, can finally wear whatever I want and it has changed my life beyond all words, I used to be miserable about my weight morning, noon and night. I am free at last and so, so happy!

I passed a really important exam and I bought a house. First Christmas in the new gaff and it's awesome 😊

My niece & my pet cat. They have both changed my world.

Lovely thread!

NC for this because it really is outing, but I found out 3 days ago that I am one of 38 women barristers to be appointed King’s Counsel in 2023.

Wow.

Doesn't matter what you're doing you've survived all that beforehand.

Well done

I started a new volunteering job, and absolutely love it. That is absolutely the stand out thing.

Discovered strength training. Best thing I've ever done for my physical and mental health and I absolutely love it!

My beloved cat survived and has completely recovered from, a 5 hour operation to remove a brain tumour.

Small things - the thanks I got from a little 4 year old (I think) when I helped her find the last clue on her Christmas trail in a building I was volunteering in,
DS’s BIL recovering miraculously from serious injuries suffered when knocked off his bike by a car

Sold our house at the wrong price. (Ie too much. Buyer has more money than sense)

This little munchkin.

Congratulations OP.

I am currently 38 weeks pregnant with my second child, who we conceived quickly and easily, after having had five losses trying to conceive our first.

I started the year nervously gearing up for another year of disappointment, pain and loss to try and have another child, and it didn't happen.