What’s the biggest life lesson you’ve learned so far this year?

[ThatQuickLimePombear]

For me, hands down: never think it can’t happen to you.

I don’t mean karma exactly, more that I genuinely never expected to experience some of the things I did this year. It’s been eye-opening, humbling, and definitely changed how I see life and people.

Curious what others’ biggest lessons have been this year, big or small.

AIBU to think some years just fundamentally change you?

That I am a fucking bad ass and can & will do anything, anything in my world.

Yes, I think you're right @ThatQuickLimePombear

I've had years of caring for my nearest and dearest and they're no longer here. It's been a huge lifestyle change, living alone with very few responsibilities

So the main thing I've learned is that other people have their lives and I can't expect them to make me happy. It's always lovely when family & friends invite me to do things, or I invite them to my house or for coffee or the cinema. But it's fundamentally down to me to make my own life and make my own happiness IYSWIM

I agree. Left field can hit you when you least expect. Be ready for the rollercoaster and to learn who your friends really are, and who are not.

Probably my boggest life lesson ever was this week

That I don't matter to my mum

I can be totally honest that I'm drowning, screaming, crying down the phone that i cant cope and my mum won't come
She lives 5 minutes up the road

Part of me had been grieving this week for the mum I wish I had

That I like tawny port. Technically, I discovered this last year, but I don't drink wine, and don't like ruby or white port so was expecting not to like tawny either. It's fucking lovely. Just goes to show that one should always try it.

That if you feel like you’re going to have a breakdown you probably should take some time out.

That my soon-to-be-one grandson is the new joy in my life x

That I will get interviews for jobs outside of teaching after believing I never would!

That family can stab your heart. But I knew that already. I seem to keep hoping that it isn’t so. Then they go and do it again.

That just because you were assaulted by one medical clinician and you think that’s the worst thing doesn’t mean another one won’t do it. I’m still in shock I think.

Some people really will never change, and will remain oblivious to very urgent, pressing matters due to their own narcissism and learned helplessness.

Things don't ever just get better on their own. It's all you and you can only ever depend on yourself.

Colleagues are colleagues, not friends, friends don't throw you in front of a bus to save themselves.

Garlic bread is elite.

That I am really good at my job after being made to feel worthless for years.

That some people find it very easy to be cruel and either don't realise or don't care. Empathy bypassers.

That friends are just acquaintances and cannot be relied upon. You rely on your partner and your family. They will look out for me no matter what, and vice versa. Friends are not reliable, since they prioritise their own partner and family more, which is what I do too!

When you least expect it, something good will happen, and the bad days will pass eventually.

Biggest life lesson
Not everyone who is supposed to love and cherish you ,will do .
And we really are ..on our own

That people will eventually die, even though it seems as if they will be stuck in a living death forever.

The stronger I get the easier it is to get things done and the happier I am. 💪🤸

That only weak, incompetent parents end up with children who go off the rails (see username 😂😳)

That most people actually don’t know how to, or don’t care about doing a good job.
It’s actually a surprise when something works well.

That I actually want to keep working and not retire early.

Oh god. I'm so sorry to read this. Sending you love.

That I was born to be retired.
Took early retirement in January at age 58.9 and haven't looked back.

That things can seem to be going really well and then life comes at you and everything changes. You are living in uncharted territory trying to navigate the new normal. That some people actually enjoy kicking others when they are down.

Life really is too short for things to get you down. I lost my Dad 3 years ago due to a brutal and aggressive cancer, and it's made me seriously take stock. I find that I can switch off to most annoyances these days as they don't just matter.

None, I’m thankfully having a quiet peaceful year, no trauma, no loss, no debt, fingers crossed that it stays that way.

Occasionally it pays to lose my temper. (I’m very mild-mannered and very very rarely get angry so when I do, people take notice).