Suggestions Personal Development for New Year please

[Rhinohides]

Every year I try to develop myself in some way, it may be something new, such as learning a new skill like archery or a project such as committing to a reading and reflection linked to my religion. Last year I started to learn a language and had a Turor for 1 to 1 online lessons. ( I am a carer and due to the unpredictable nature of this hours was unable to commit to regular classes). I had to stop these as I ended regularly cancelling the lesson due to someone’s health needs, which are ongoing.
so, I am requesting please if anyone has any suggestions for what I can do for 2026 for personal development? Something along the lines of personal growth or learning new skills. It needs to be something I can dip in and out of and I can do in my own time and on my own. While I find being able to chat my progress motivating it isn’t necessary provided the journey itself is fulfilling.
Sorry to post on AIBU for traffic but it seems not completing this year‘s project has dumped me and I have run out of ideas for 2026

It's a cliche but crochet or knitting.

They're really good for relaxing and emptying your head of distractions.

My mum taught me crochet and I find it a nice way to keep my hands busy while watching tv. Stops doomscrolling

@randomchap -crochet is a great idea, thank you. I have done knitting in the Path, and wasn’t exactly thrilled with the results. 😂 I also really like proof matting when you use scraps of material to make something new and beautiful and love that.
Crochet is a really good idea, and I know there are a couple of groups locally I could get to when I have the chance for additional support. Thank you.

I found crochet easier and quicker but you do use more yarn than knitting.

I make my mum a new hat every Christmas as a thank you for teaching me

I'm doing an advancing driving course - ROSPA, I am Roadsmart, offer them.

@randomchap - this is a lovely idea ❤️I was thinking if I took a crochet, I would know when I was good enough if I could crochet hats and blankets for premature babies at the hospital

@BlueberryOats I have thought about doing this many times over the years, as I pass my test decades ago now and think an upgrade is probably well overdue. I know someone who did it and she actually ended up tutoring the police in the long run. Unfortunately, as things currently stand with my family, I wouldn’t be able to commit to something which required my regular attendance but it is definitely something I will put on the back burner. Thank you.

Learn Spanish

A lot of hot men in Spanish speaking countries girl 🥰

@mumofoneAloneandwell - THANK YOU 🤩. As I started to read your response, I was smiling and thinking oh yes, Spanish, then I read your ending and it made me grin. Thank you for making me smile.

@Rhinohides tried to Google proof matting but nothing. Have you got any more info please? Sounds perfect for me

😄😄 glad I could help

You deserve something new by the sounds of it - i'm only caring for my one autistic dd(6) and its not easy, let alone several people xx

Learn a musical instrument? I started with guitar a few years ago and am now an intermediate level player. I was not easy to get to this point, but it has definitely enriched my life.

@mumofoneAloneandwell - oh, that does sound incredibly tough. Especially given your username. I hope you are able to get some time out for yourself, and get to put those Spanish lessons to good use at some point ❤️

@Gallowayan - good idea! I have studied guitar in the past, back in the day when local authorities ran very reasonably priced group lessons. We had the most amazing tutor who wore a Che Guvera t-shirt and spotted the most appealing Spanish accent. Hmmm, @mumofoneAloneandwell - maybe this thread is trying to tell me something??? 😂

There's lots of art tutorials both on YouTube or you can buy them online. It's something you can do from home and pick it up when you have time and go at your own pace. Paint Coach is a good one to try.

😄😄😄 you and me both girl @Rhinohides

Its okay, honestly. We've had tougher times, so far its just prepping for christmas - she had a terrible time seeing Santa today, bless her 😄. She recovered after and happily munched on mcdonalds

Here's to a fun 2026 - i'm gonna take each day as it comes and take little moments of peace where I can xx

@Appalonia - oh, I love this idea! Painting is something I enjoy but never feel I’m good enough for. You are right, I can do it privately and with the help of online videos hopefully improve! He is doing an artistic 2026. 😀

@mumofoneAloneandwell - oh also, I can imagine it’s just very hyper stimulating for her.
Yes, this is what I am aiming for, getting a few moments of peace and trying to do something constructive with them during 2026 so I can have the satisfaction of feeling though I have achieved something or grown in someway by the end of the year.
Here too peaceful Christmas for us all xx

@BerfyTigot , Proof matting? | Mumsnet

For personal development journaling is good. Not necessarily writing, though there are lots of different ways of writing. Music or art/drawing journals can be good for creativity and help to put the world in it place.

Hello, @BerfyTigot - so sorry I didn’t reply- especially as I always try to reply to every post. Not an excuse, I know but have been a bit swamped with Christmas and caring. Again, very sorry.
so yes, as the posters on the new post kindly shared - it is proggy matting.
not proof mating, tho a proof reader would be helpful 😂
It originated from necessity within households, and the housewives took pride in creating something beautiful out of the dictates of a need and so a craft was born.
using oat scraps (so this can be anything from cut down jeans which are very useful to your children’s favourite clothes which they have outgrown but you cannot bear to part with) poured through a hessian mat base.
well, you learn the technique, I think it may be worth getting a kit which uses the same principle but wool and a smaller and more plastic type canvas.
if you check out your local area there are often group sessions offered where you can learn by working on a combined project.
Another option for up cycling old materials is patchwork but I am clumsy and get fed up stabbing myself with a needle after a while and proggy matting can give quite a quick and effective result for your efforts

@Rhinohides thanks so much for the very detailed reply! I'm going to have a go!
No apology needed - christmas tends to take over our lives at this time of year!

@BerfyTigot - thanks Lovely.
proggy matting runs very close to my heart.
I saw a lady doing it when I was 7 years old as part of a re- enactment and for the first time felt my calling.
My Granny used to proggy during the war so it I have a sensation of connection and joy that this craft unites us through the generations.
Hope you have a Happy Christmas- and maybe even get a few hours to explore a new hobby 😀

@Jellycatspyjamas - this is a good idea and would definitely push me out of my comfort zone, so hopefully lead to growth
i have looked at Julia Cameron’s books on amazon about the artists way-have you ever used them?

Ah I’ve got the artists way on my shelf, that’s going on my 2026 to do list!

In covid I learnt watercolours on YouTube, particularly through Ellen Crimi-Trent’s Mini Mondays, Emma Lefevre and Liron Yanil. Especially with minis you can create something lovely in 30 mins.

I would like to do more hiking/walking next year but takes up time!

@ResusciAnnie - walking and hiking are great ways to clear your head and see new places. I would like to add get fit as well but I tend to have too many coffee and cake stops 😂
some local authorities and employers offer health walks which can be a great way to exercise and meet others.
Thanks for the YouTube tips- going to check those out 😀