What was your greatest accomplishment in 2017?

[stracci2000]

I'll share that 2017 was a year of a lot of personal growth, despite all the stress of this year I was able to stop two horrible habits I've had since childhood.

One is nail biting, I have tried so many times to stop biting my nails to no avail but this year I just stopped out of the blue and had no desire to do it anymore.

Also related but my main vice for the past 32 years has been picking at my fingers, I used to pick at all of my fingers but the past 5 years has just been both of my thumbs. It's amazing in all those years they never got infected! My brother has the same compulsion. Well along with the nails I decided I had enough and stopped the picking, it was never a self harm thing but a comfort thing but I don't need it anymore. It's great not having to hide my hands

Yay for you!!!
Stephanie, I have struggled with OCD/compulsion stuff my whole life! I know all about it, believe me.
The finger thing is sooooo hard. I stopped biting my nails in my 20s, but the cuticle picking thing is still ongoing. It has subsided alot as I've gotten older. Don't beat yourself up if you fall backwards once in a while.
I paint my nails often, and that helps. Makes you stop and think before you ruin your paint job!
And wearing pretty pink sapphire rings will be a constant inspiration to stay vigilant!

 

[monarch64]

Easy: I let go of hoping that my fellow humans had brains, post-election. So liberating!!!

 

[Arcadian]

Biggest accomplishment; not getting arrested.

 

[luv2sparkle]

My first thought was my biggest accomplishment of 2017 was that I survived it. What a year of tragedy and turmoil in our country and around the world.

The last few months has been a battle for my husband to get a day off. Recall after recall, we can't count on any day, make any plans for anything. Hopefully that changes soon.

In 2017 I switched to a keto lifestyle. Not a diet for me. I lost weight and joint aches and gained health. The biggest plus for me was realizing the struggle that I have had with weight was not from eating too much or lacking discipline but what I was actually eating. I switched from eating carbs to eating fat and the benefits have been remarkable. I lost weight and a sense of hopelessness and shame and realized that I didn't have to make a single resolution to lose weight or get healthy because I have done it and know I can continue to do it. It is a freedom that I can't even find adequate words to express.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Austina, that is one big truck, wow I can't imagine navigating something that large, you could always get your license and drive the big trucks full time!

Stracci, thank you for the kind words and encouragement, you know the worst thing about nail biting and finger picking is you always have your fingers right there, it is just so easy to get in the zone and then your fingers are looking a mess. Worst part of mine is I used to have to type for work and my fingers would be throbbing (because I peeled the skin on the pads as well as around the nails). The pretty jewelry helps though for sure.

Monarch, I think the key to happiness is having low expectations of others, not even being sarcastic or mean but if we expect too much and our standards are too high, that is when we get disappointed and jaded.

Arcadian, have to admit, that gave me a chuckle. Sometimes when my kids get going I think well if I went to jail I would have time away and a meal all by myself lol! Hey some people can't claim they didn't get arrested so that is something to be proud of!

luv2sparkle, I greatly admire your dedication to your keto lifestyle and the positive benefits you are experiencing by sticking with it. Especially in a year of stress it is just so easy to want to eat the bad, comforting carbs.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Have you considered trying a balance bike to start?

I haven't since he is older and he can ride a bike with training wheels, it's just of matter of time before he can do it. We had the same problem with swimming, I had him in swimming lessons at a young age and he just couldn't get a handle on it. Until I signed him up for summer camp several consecutive years at a lake where they swam everyday, now he swims like a champ!

 

[ringbling17]

2017 was definitely a wonderful year for me. I landed my dream job among other things.
But I would have to say my biggest accomplishment was learning how to run! I’ve never been a runner and I can’t say that I complete love it, but I love the results.
I went from not being able to run for longer than one to two minutes to now being able to run for 70 minutes straight.

 

[Missy]

I think the key to happiness is having low expectations of others, not even being sarcastic or mean but if we expect too much and our standards are too high, that is when we get disappointed and jaded.

StephanieLynn you are a very wise person that you have accepted and internalized this concept at your young age. It took me decades and decades to appreciate the truth of this statement. My dh kept telling me this throughout the decades but I kept refusing to accept it but yes this is truth. Expect less and you will not be disappointed. The less you expect the less your disappointment will be. Of course I still always hope people won't disappoint but we are all human and I guess that is the definition of being human. We are imperfect in so many ways.

And one corollary to that if I may...just because we would do something a certain way doesn't mean others will. For example making a long trip to pay our respects to someone but not even getting a thank you or so glad you came and if the shoe was on the other foot they wouldn't make that effort. I would often get disappointed when someone wouldn't do something the way I would have done it and my dh says not everyone operates with the same standards as I do and that I shouldn't be disappointed by that. And he is right. No expectations means no disappointments.

But yes that is still IMO a jaded view. An accurate and truthful POV one but yes still a cynical POV.

 

[Missy]

Biggest accomplishment; not getting arrested.

Hahahaha what a teaser statement...please share details. LOL.

Easy: I let go of hoping that my fellow humans had brains, post-election. So liberating!!!

Haha yes well I am ahead of you Monnie. I let go of that concept a long time ago. That most people are smart. Or even care about anyone but themselves Nope. Sadly no.

 

[KaeKae]

We moved cross country. This was not a move I wanted to make, it was emotionally very difficult.

It's still difficult. I am happy to be closer to extended family, but wish I was still in CA. This weather is NOT helping. But, the distance from my daughters, one in college, one just out of college, is the worst. I take it day by day.

The week before Christmas, DD2 was already home from school, that was great, but then DD1 called and told us she'd been injured at work. It was all I could do not to drive to Newark and get on the first flight to LA. Long story, short, we were able to get her onto a plane (early, she was coming here on Christmas Eve) with wheelchair assistance there, and she will be okay. Just
needed time to heal.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

KaeKae, I hope your daughter makes a speedy recovery. Can't imagine the stress of a cross country move although I always say I would give my left foot to move out of CT but the stress would probably do me in!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Finally deciding to change my life and health for the better by having gastric sleeve surgery. I had surgery in October and it's going very well so far!

 

[Missy]

Finally deciding to change my life and health for the better by having gastric sleeve surgery. I had surgery in October and it's going very well so far!

Sending you lots of healing vibes and glad you’re doing well!!!

 

[Missy]

We moved cross country. This was not a move I wanted to make, it was emotionally very difficult.

It's still difficult. I am happy to be closer to extended family, but wish I was still in CA. This weather is NOT helping. But, the distance from my daughters, one in college, one just out of college, is the worst. I take it day by day.

The week before Christmas, DD2 was already home from school, that was great, but then DD1 called and told us she'd been injured at work. It was all I could do not to drive to Newark and get on the first flight to LA. Long story, short, we were able to get her onto a plane (early, she was coming here on Christmas Eve) with wheelchair assistance there, and she will be okay. Just
needed time to heal.

Hugs KaeKae. And sending your DD buckets of healing dust!!!

 

[Matata]

I bought a smart TV UHD 4k with all the built in streaming services and a blu ray player; cut the cable & joined Hulu & Netflix. The old TV and DVD/VCR player were about 10 yrs old. Lots of catching up to do technology-wise. Loving it so far.

 

[KaeKae]

Hugs KaeKae. And sending your DD buckets of healing dust!!!

Thank you, Missy!
She goes back to the doctor tomorrow. What's the dust equivalent of crossing my fingers that she's is either ready to go back to work, or the doctor approves her for more time on workmans comp?

 

[Missy]

I bought a smart TV UHD 4k with all the built in streaming services and a blu ray player; cut the cable & joined Hulu & Netflix. The old TV and DVD/VCR player were about 10 yrs old. Lots of catching up to do technology-wise. Loving it so far.

Oh I wanted to do this but at the last minute put it on hold because we have so much going on I was hesitant to add it to the unknown mix. I’m terrible with technology and learning new things related to it. Glad it’s workimg out well for you!

Thank you, Missy!
She goes back to the doctor tomorrow. What's the dust equivalent of crossing my fingers that she's is either ready to go back to work, or the doctor approves her for more time on workmans comp?

KaeKae sending her healing vibes for her complete recovery and hope she gets a clean bill of health from her doctor tomorrow. Yes to her being 100% well and able to return to work. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for her! I’ve got plenty of dust to spare for her. The benefit of having 4 kitties lol.

 

[Matata]

Oh I wanted to do this but at the last minute put it on hold because we have so much going on I was hesitant to add it to the unknown mix. I’m terrible with technology and learning new things related to it. Glad it’s workimg out well for you!

I feel as though I've evolved for the 20th century. Maybe I'll elevate to the 21st before it's over!

 

[Arcadian]

I work in...high stress situations. And I generally am quite good at keeping my cool. But the last part of 2017 I was working 80 hours a week with some people that stranglation would have been too kind. And there's been a day or 2 (or 4) where if I had snapped and went postal I would not have regretted it, just sayin. The goal became to finish the job, stay sane, not stomp a bitch, and not go to jail.

i met the goal

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Asscher, congrats on your weight loss and improved health, that is a major accomplishment and something to be very proud of

Matata, I can so relate because I shun most technology unless I am forced but getting rid of cable, isn't that the best? All that money you'll be saving is so worth having to acclimate to all the new devices.

Arcadian, 80 hours a week good grief you deserve heap loads of credit for managing that whether you lost it or not! Sometimes though stressed or not, you just gotta stomp a bitch

 

[Missy]

I work in...high stress situations. And I generally am quite good at keeping my cool. But the last part of 2017 I was working 80 hours a week with some people that stranglation would have been too kind. And there's been a day or 2 (or 4) where if I had snapped and went postal I would not have regretted it, just sayin. The goal became to finish the job, stay sane, not stomp a bitch, and not go to jail.

i met the goal

Thanks for your reply and that is quite commendable Arcadian. I am not sure I could have behaved as well as you in that situation. Way to go!


Hope 2018 is a calmer year for you at work.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Buying a house alone was a pretty big (and scary) deal.

2017 had ups and downs for me. A relationship ended, a new one began...Overall I was reminded that I'm going to be okay no matter what. That's a pretty great feeling.

 

[t-c]

I work in...high stress situations. And I generally am quite good at keeping my cool. But the last part of 2017 I was working 80 hours a week with some people that stranglation would have been too kind. And there's been a day or 2 (or 4) where if I had snapped and went postal I would not have regretted it, just sayin. The goal became to finish the job, stay sane, not stomp a bitch, and not go to jail.

i met the goal

I can relate. So I'll say not going to jail this year is my big accomplishment as well

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Tacori, so you made roots and found that your roots will always hold you up no matter the situation. It was a tough year for so many, here is hoping this year is a little easier.

t-c, on my worst day a little time in the slammer with no kids and a meal I didn't have to cook myself looks pretty good. Glad you avoided it though and here is hoping the only metal on your wrists is a cool bracelet and not handcuffs!

 

[Calliecake]

Buying a house alone was a pretty big (and scary) deal.

2017 had ups and downs for me. A relationship ended, a new one began...Overall I was reminded that I'm going to be okay no matter what. That's a pretty great feeling.

Congratulations on your new home @Tacori E-ring !!!

 

[Polished]

My husband works as a contractor and occasionally has bouts of time off work. His last bout of five months off work coincided with his sister and her husband leaving a country property, that had been bought by their father in the 1960's, and they had been living in for the past 30 years. The place was huge (it had been the headquarters of a mine back in the 1930's. A beautiful, elegant building that had fallen into serious disrepair. We decided not to sit around becoming more despondent over unemployment blues and set about rescuing the family property.

The outside weatherboard walls needed to be scraped of it's existing paint before we could undercoat and paint the walls. Inside the paint was hanging off the ceilings, so they needed to be scraped before work could commence on those walls. The kitchen needed to be scoured before we could commence painting, to remove soot from an open fire and grease.

The house resembled that of a hoarder - so much stuff both inside and out. We have got rid of a lot of stuff with the help of two industrial sized skips but there is at least the same again needed to clear the place of stuff that just detracts from the beauty of the place and surrounding countryside.

My husband is back in employment now but it is still an every weekend job for at least another month or two. We had help intermittently from our son and two daughters when they were around. They also organized a paint party where friends and relatives came out for a day and helped in return for food, companionship, walks and a camp fire. We also have a very good friend who is now helping us finish the project. We're paying her but many wouldn't do this job even for monetary reward. She is a gem.

I learned in 2017 that my husband is dogged when it comes to completing a large and arduous project and that, while difficult it is fun to bring a property back to life.

 

[Marquise_Madness]

- I got married
- I worked on therapy and bettering myself
- I advanced professionally and became more accountable
- I'm getting better at chores/routines

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Polished, that is both fantastic and terrifying, I wouldn't know where to begin with restoring a building of that size. Think of all the new things you learned along the way and when it is finished you'll have to post a before and after!

Marquise, congrats on being a newlywed, it sounds like you had a busy and productive year. I hear you about chores and routines, finding a balance is tough sometimes.