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 though love may be natural and real, it is not for me.

I've learnt it's important to step back from your life, look at it and makes sure it's still the life you want and that you're being treated as you should.
I've just come out of a 17 year relationship and I'm happier than I've been in years. I should have done it a few years ago.

Love this thread.

Mine is that happiness is not some future goal that you’ll never reach because it takes too much hard work to get there, instead you can cultivate little moments of happiness in to your day and they all add up and snowball and all of a sudden, you love your life again.

Also what a healthy relationship feels like. I’m in my early 40s and only just experiencing it for the first time.

Jeez! This year has been the weirdest year so far - I've managed to lose my job, I'm now taking my ex employer to tribunal, I have become a grandparent (whist has been a saving grace!), I've got all sorts of family issues going on with my parents, I am totally skint, and I have completely lost myself.

I am hoping to God that this is some kind of strange life storm I have to work through before something realllly good happens to me!

I was raised to ignore my gut instincts I have learned to trust them far more.

That I should have left my husband a lot earlier than I did.

Love this!

People don’t change. Be wary.

Have courage. Do the stuff that makes you scared and anxious.

You can’t outrun your problems. Even if you move to a different continent.

I learn this lesson a long time ago. When she died I grieved for her what I’d never have rather than what I’d lost .

Nothing is certain, life is fragile, and you should try to enjoy it as much as you can.

Don't beat yourself up @Owninterpreter. I was a blood donor in the UK but I live in France now and France doesn't want my blood.

Life is short.

At least I'm 62 so have lived a long life. I hope you're recovering well. Don't overdo things.

Things can change very quickly. One minute we were bobbing about ok and a few months later I am looking after a sick husband and I'm starting to worry about how we'll pay our bills. I've never worried about it before.

We shouldn't have taken everything for granted.

I feel the opposite to you, OP.

You cant live your life waiting or expecting something awful to happen. That doesnt mean awful things never happen of course but if you are constantly worried about tomorrow, you rob today of any joy.

I have spent a lot of time catastrophising about the future and its made me utterly miserable at times when actually, nothing was actually wrong at all so I dont do it any more. My life is much more joyful now.

Chose your friends carefully because many people are just shit.

mine is that whole swathes of society are filled with hate and prepared to.ellect someone who.is basically mad to terrorise other sectors of society to please them.
And that people can ignore all evidence to the contrary to convince themselves that wrong is right.

Consistency in strength training actually works and being stronger makes me less hungry.

That bravery comes in many forms. Sometimes putting one front of the other everyday is a true act of heroism.

Try pink port...even better!

I didn't know there was such a thing. I shall go looking.

I think the tawny is more my wavelength as it is matured in sherry barrels along the same lines as bourbon so doesn't taste like wine.

I lost my dad 2 months ago. My mother and him split when I was 8, in now 45. She asked for two items from his home less than 24 hours after he died, and she didn't text me the day of the funeral or since to see how I am. That's how much I matter to her.

That I'm ready to work for myself not a company.
That if you think a job isnt going to work out, it probably won't.
Reading for pleasure enhances life.

Having sepsis in January which has resulted in me needing more major surgery this year, has taught me that you cannot take life for granted.
One day I was feeling a bit headachy, two days later I was in a hospital bed attached to the strongest antibiotics, soaring temperature, in pain, feeling absolutely dreadful and worrying that I may not get out.
This year has has several milestone dates which we just haven't been able to celebrate, so it will hopefully be next year we can get back to life.

Days are not promised