I want to do something impressive.

[DuffyFluckling]

But what?

I need something for me.

Partly inspired by the 'what are you most proud of' thread recently.

I want to do something that I can say "oh yes, and then of course I " and people will say "Cor! Really? Well done you!"

I was thinking maybe

getting BSL qualifications?
or starting up a toddler 'sing and bash tambourines' group?
or getting a qualification in religeous studies or greek mythology or anthropology or something of that ilk.

What of those would be the most impressive? Or are none of them particularly impressive at all?
Have you got any better suggestions?
What have you done that is impressive?

Who are you trying to impress?

Good question.

I do want to do something for me. But it is motivated by the glazing of eyes when people realise I'm 'just' a sahm who never really had much of a career before kids.

My MIL is a very motivated woman who (although we often don't get on) I do admire. She is a benchmark. If what I am doing impresses her, that would be good. BUT this isn't really about impressing her. We hardly ever see her. She is a benchmark.

Lol. Did I mention she is a benchmark?

Thats the wrong reason to do something though, you might hate it and be unhappy!
Be proud of what you are, and who you are.

I do however know where you are coming from, I am a part time sales agent with a dd, my friend, who I was senior to pre kiddie, is now a director and on mega wages, megga important in my company and sigh - sometimes I feel inferior

A benchmark - a standard to measure against.

Yes, but I'm NOT currently proud of me. I mean, I am proud of being a good mum, and I am insanely proud of my children, and I like my family life. But I know I can do something more. I want to do something more. Something interesting. Something so that I can think "hey! I did that!"

Do a sponsored walk or run. All that training will give you a boost.

Or write a book (about benchmarks

It could be the benchmark of books about benchmarks .

A sponsored walk or run is a great idea. I did the 5k RfL last year and felt GREAT about it. The trouble is that circumstances make it really hard to exercise at the moment. Not impossible though, and I'm working on it.

How about online courses? Are there online courses worth doing?

Riven, you speak sense. The trouble is that regardless of the rightness or wrongness of my influences, the end result is that I would feel a massive boost by doing something to feel proud of. That's not such a bad thing.

Look at the OU courses available for the things you've listed in your OP. Then go for it.

Welldone for the 5K

Yes online courses, plenty available.

Also do you like music? Would you like to learn to play something? I am learning bouzouki at the moment and enjoy it.
I need to keep learning something new or having a hobby/challenge as well as looking after the children. I know how you feel