What did you achieve in 2012?

Ah_Yeah

Was just reading through the "What are you looking forward to in 2013" thread, and thought that instead of just looking at what might be great in 2013, it might be nice to look things that happened to us in 2012, and how they changed us.

For me, on the outside 2012 wasn't a great year. I got my heart broken into a million pieces by someone I worked with, and I bought a lemon of a car. But when I look a bit closer, 2012 was probably one of the best years for me.

- I got into counselling and after a gruelling 6 months of ups and downs, dealing with all my issues, was dismissed by my counsellor, saying that I was more than capable of dealing with my own issues.

- I got a new job which I LOVE, and even when I'm stuck in the office late at night, I'm still loving every minute of it, and I made one of my best friends from it, with plenty opportunities to move up within the company

- I am happy single - I have a full life, and will only make room for someone who really proves he's worth it. I won't accept scraps from anyone, I know my worth

- I gave up smoking!

- I got a horse and pay for her with my own earned money - HUGE achievement for me as I have been waiting since I was 10 for my own four legged friend

Overall, while 2012 might have looked crap on the outside, it was the best year of my life so far. I learned a lot about who I am, what I need versus what I think I want, and most importantly, what I'm worth. I learned to love myself and take care of myself, and focus on the bigger picture instead of eating myself up over the little things. I'm going into 2013 a very happy and positive lady

jaja321

- Gave up smoking - one year off them this week!

- Finally undertook and completed a course that I wanted to do for years and loved it.

- Traveled quite a bit

- Boyfriend moved in (not sure that's actually an achievement, but still glad it happened!)

- Still trying to changes jobs, but I'm seriously hoping 2013 will be the year that I can achieve that (fingers and toes crossed ).

Princess Peach

It had some bad points alright!

-I went to counselling for a while for my eating habits and it went great, then I thought I was superwoman and cured or something so gave up and ended up relapsing for a long time.

-Trying to cope by myself, along with cooking for one on a student budget meant I gained loooooaaaads of weight! And that just got me really down and I stopped exercising too.

-Had issues with my anxiety and had to start another new medication to cope.

But there were lots of good achievements!

-Moved to a new country all by myself and was super brave in putting myself out there and made lots of great friends and had so much fun.

-Got my masters with great results and two scholarships and a place on the university team competing in an international competition next week.

-Worked a few jobs on campus, which was great experience.

-Overcame my deathly fear of the dentist!

-Moved in with my boyfriend and loving every minute of it.

It was a great year and I'll benefit from it forever!

kat.mac

I'm still in the process of analysing 2012 to be honest, but overall I think I can call it a good one, despite big challenges.

On the tough side, I was very stressed for a while early in the year trying to find a new job after leaving my old one. I know I brought it on myself but my mental health was suffering and I simply *had* to leave the other one. Once I did find the new job, there was a significant debt hangover that lasted until about September, so that was fairly stressful as well. I was also treated very badly by a man who I really should have gotten rid of in 2011, but I'm going to chalk that one down to experience and hopefully bounce back before too long.

The positives definitely outweigh the negatives though. I finally got my career on track in 2012, after a good spell of uncertainty and unhappiness. I'm really getting my teeth into it and despite being totally green in this new position, I think I've done a bloody good job so far. I've also secured a much better salary which was badly needed. So that's a huge achievement and I'm really proud of myself on that count.

The change of jobs has really been a catalyst for a lot of the other positives I can take from 2012. The better salary has allowed me to increase my standard of living greatly and I am now much more comfortable and content with my surroundings and my material possessions. I grew up in an old house that wasn't very comfortable and didn't have very much at all in the way of life's little luxuries so while it might sound silly, being in a position to afford the nicer things is a huge personal triumph for me. I'll never take it for granted.

I also managed to get myself a really decent car, which gives me a little smile on the inside every time I sit into it. I love driving, and now it's a total pleasure. So pleased I was able to do that and it definitely feels like an achievement.

After my breakup, I found the balls to chop my long hair up into a bob, and it's one of the best things I've ever done. Honestly, I had no idea a haircut could make such a positive difference! Apart from feeling like a new, better me every time I see my reflection, I get no end of compliments which is just amazing, especially after being made to feel like sh*t by my ex. Definitely one of the highlights of the year and it's made me realise two things which I'll take with me for the rest of my life: the value of taking pride in your personal appearance, and the value of doing something that scares you!

Finally, something which I consider an achievement, is the continuation of the most important relationships in my life. Four of the most amazing women in the world are my best friends, and despite the fact that three of them live very, very far away, those friendships are just as strong today as they were when we saw each other nearly every day. They might even be stronger because of the challenge. My relationships with my mom and my sister get better every year and I know with absolute certainty that there is *literally* nothing that I couldn't get through because I know I'll have the love and support of all these amazing women. I consider it a huge achievement that I can say a thing like that.

Oh - and I also figured out fake tan after all these years!

Ella

I got through 2012 without breaking any part of my body. Pretty chuffed with that

RubyWoo83

Hmmm, 2012 started disastrously but ended pretty well. Had a very sick baby and post-natal depression and was engaged to someone that I really didn't want to marry.

Fastforward to the end of the year and I have a very happy, thriving little girl who is the light of my life, and the cutest most intelligently child ever to grace the earth lol and I am single(ish)(not with the previous fiancé I should add) and very, very happy!

Twee.

Ms Twee BA (Hons) Business Studies & Arts Management

tiny_penguin

I had a great 2012 when I look back on it

- got myself out of a temp job I hated with a passion into a new perm job that will hopefully turn into a full on career path for me. Its a job a love with great people and something I think i can be good at, still learning but its good.

- lost over 50lbs and on my way to losing the last few. Didn't realise just how unhappy I was with the weight on until I started losing it.

- moved into an apartment with my amazing boyfirned. As others mentioned maybe not an achievement as such, but having a successful relationship with a great guy is something I am very happy about.

Overall through all of these things and just life in general feeling pretty great and optimistic about 2013 - hopefully not much will change for me but continue on the way they are going now.

Ah_Yeah

You guys are all so amazing!

The thread is supposed to be a celebration of 2012, to remind yourself that even though you may want to make improvements and resolutions in 2013, you should celebrate the great things of 2012 so you can see how far you've come and the great things you already have

Moving in with a boyfriend is so exciting and that should be celebrated
Maybe a better title is needed instead of "achieve"?

kat.mac

Writing all of that down and reading other posts has given me a lovely little boost for the day!

Ah_Yeah

kat.mac wrote: »

Writing all of that down and reading other posts has given me a lovely little boost for the day!

That was the aim

Too many of us go into a New Year thinking that we get to wipe the slate clean, start over, change things, making us think that we have been useless individuals the previous year.

When you stop and think about it, there are always great things happen, they just often get swallowed up by our warped perceptions of ourselves.

My favourite quote:

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them". - Henry Matisse.

Pembily

I took cycling and cycled 2,700km from April to December. This included 2 * 100km cycles and a 140km cycle!

I started running to help my fitness and ran 5k in 37min. I never thought that was possible.

I had great nights out with friends.

I relaxed a bit in general and feel more confident in myself.

I met an amazing guy, just took me a while to realise I wanted to be with him!

I started saving

I wore proper high heels

I tried new things and now wear pink clothes!!

Great thread AY!

xLexie

I cut some toxic people out of my life. Most proud of it, I'm sure he's a good person we just brought out the worst in each other. I'm hoping in 2013 ill be stronger and better able to deal with things solo for it.

I stood up for myself a lot more than I would have in the past. Still walked on but nowhere near as much.

I know it's not really an achievement but I finally got to go to the zoo, and as sad as it is that was one of the major highlights of my year ha

I met some fantastic new people who are great friends and I have an honoury neice

2012 was a good year for me

jaja321

xLexie wrote: »

I cut some toxic people out of my life. Most proud of it, I'm sure he's a good person we just brought out the worst in each other. I'm hoping in 2013 ill be stronger and better able to deal with things solo for it.

I stood up for myself a lot more than I would have in the past. Still walked on but nowhere near as much.

I know it's not really an achievement but I finally got to go to the zoo, and as sad as it is that was one of the major highlights of my year ha

I met some fantastic new people who are great friends and I have an honoury neice

2012 was a good year for me

Cutting toxic people out of your life is good, have had to do that myself before. Its tough, mentally exhausting, and upsetting... but overall necessary.. and it made me happier anyway. Well done

pampootie

Ah_Yeah wrote: »

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them". - Henry Matisse.

Nice quote!

Good things for me from 2012-
-Got my dog last Jan. Happier and healthier since from all the walking, all the love and all the lunacy that having him entails. He's awesome.
-Reached a milestone in work that I wanted to get to. Will almost certainly be taking my career in a different direction next year but this milestone means I'm better qualified should I return to this career path.
-Made some good friends, had some laughs with older friends, went on some great holidays, got a new niece, spent lots of time with family and had lots of fun with my boyfriend.
-Got quite fit over the summer. It's all gone pear shaped (literally) over the past few months again but looking forward to getting back into it!
-I hated my job for most of the year but weirdly it helped me build my confidence and become more assertive. I got so sick of all the nonsense I started speaking up for myself and realised my own self worth a bit more. I'm really excited about 2013 because I've got a better attitude now, last Jan I wouldn't have had the self esteem to believe I deserve a better job or the confidence to go and get one, whereas I'm determined this year.

So I finished 2012 much happier, healthier, relaxed and confident than I started it. Thanks for making me think about that ah yeah!

homemadecider

I had a very eventful year, enjoyed (most of) it!

• Moved home from Asia after a year on my own in a fairly rural location
• Got super brilliant job in amazing organisation which I love
• Moved in with OH (same house, same country - the joy!)
• Celebrated 5 years with himself
• Travelled to Africa for the first time (and second and third time!)
• Stayed awake listening to gunshots up a lawless mountain in Congo, practically ****ting myself
• Had my first non-family Xmas, just myself and himself with lots of cooking, wine and silly movies
• Less specifically, I learned to relax more which has been wonderful. I also realised I like wearing perfume and that it's okay to spend money on myself sometimes.

Whatsernamex33

I got over my fear of being hurt again, and found the most amazing boyfriend ever.

I learned how to control my money spending properly. :P

Nothing seriously major, but it was a good year altogether with great memories. :P

Semele

I hated 2012, which is strange since its been an amazing year on paper! Hoping 2013 will be less stressful.

- The big one...I got onto a clinical psychology doctorate course, which has been my dream forever! I don't have a massive amount of experience compared to many applicants and only got one interview out of applying to 8 unis over 2 years, but must have done well enough at that interview to be offered a place the same day:D

- I moved to the other side of the country to start my course. I'm living on my own for the first time and am very proud of the fact that for the first time ever I had enough money saved to fund the move, buying furniture etc without needing my parents help.

- I'm on placement and working as a trainee psychologist. I was terrified to begin with but every day I'm there confirms that actually, I'm pretty good at what I do and I can't wait to learn more! I've liked other jobs, but I've never loved anything to the point that I don't watch the clock all day before.

- I ended a relationship that wasn't working (used to be rubbish at this) and did it in a firm, kind as possible and dignified way. I also had a farewell fling with a VERY unsuitable guy from my old work, who every other girl was after:D.

- I passed my driving test just before I moved, on my first go and with only 1 minor fault. I bought a car and I love it!

- I finally took proper action over my lifelong bouts of depression, after years of just waiting episodes out and silently powering through in the knowledge I'd feel better at some point. I had a course of therapy with a lovely counsellor and am currently on medication. Both have been amazing and in totally different ways. Should have done it years ago, especially considering my career choice!:o

- I bought a pet hedgehog! Always wanted one!

Hope you all get what you want/need out of this year.xx

Neyite

I had a baby

Its not for everyone, but is the best thing I ever did.

BlueValkyrie

Great thread idea OP

- Learnt to drive (finally!) and passed my test first time

- Rediscovered my love of rock climbing, which in turn has led to a fitter, happier me, who spends more time with friends, and has made new ones

- Had a very exciting new career opportunity, which I had been working towards for some time

- Spent a lot of time with my dad, from whom I had become quite distant

- Began the process of trying to improve my work-life balance - an uphill struggle, and a really important one for my relationship. Lots more work to do there though...

meeeeh

Lost some weight and started working out again but then I got pregnant. Now I am fatter than last year and the little gangster has cute baby sister.

Time to start a diet and no plans of getting pregnant this time.

baby and crumble

In all honesty 2012 was an awful, awful year for me. It's been difficult to pick out the things I have achieved or done well... But here goes;

Got myself a pet hamster. Small but mighty! It might sound silly but I think she helped me through the worst of my depression.

Got to see play on Centre court at Wimbledon- admittedly for the Olympics but I don't care!

Got one step closer to my goal of seeing tennis played at all 4 grand slams by going to the US Open.

Realised I'm actually pretty good at sewing and crafts- started by making sock monkeys and ended the year hand sewing a hexagon patchwork quilt for my gf for Christmas!

Became a lot more comfortable with my personal style, which is what I like to call "dapper butch". I resisted for a long time. Finally got up the courage to wear bowties and get my hair cut in a barbers, and it was incredible.

Marched in my first ever Pride march, with a new group I helped set up.

I guess the year could have been worse...

Lyaiera

2012 was literally the most significant and important year of my life.

- I lost quite a bit of weight.
- I moved out of home for the first time and had the most enjoyable few months of my life.
- I realised and accepted I am trans (hence the most significant and important year of my life.)
- I made amazing new friends who are amazing and the best. My new friends and old friends all get on, so our collective social circle has widened pretty much 100% and it's like a big happy family. One of the old friends is going out with one of the new friends and I don't think he's ever been as happy. And this is all fantastic and

I accepted myself. Finally.
That's all I need really.

rainbow kirby

- Moved job, into a role which is much more in line with my career goals
- 4 fairly decent running PBs before I got injured, and struggled through another half-marathon at one of my lowest points
- Got to do something I'd wanted to do for 20 years when I got tickets for athletics at the Olympics
- Celebrated a year with the OH on Dec 30

sophya

2012 was a good year for me on the career front.

Graduated from UCD with my LLM, love that I can now refer to myself as a Master of Law haha.

Got a jobbridge internship which is giving me loads of experience and allowing me to learn a lot.

Started internet dating and chatting to people / trying to make friends etc. I had let that slip a lot during 2012 and by October or November all my old friends had drifted away or emigrated.

So for 2013 my plan is to start dating, try and have my first relationship and start my FE1's in October. Also booked myself in to see a therapist because I need to get my head sorted.

gillapino

I passed my Driving test first time.

Passed my first year of my course in college and made a good few new friends.

Completely gave up drinking alcohol, and feel so much healthier and happier.

IvyTheTerrible

Neyite wrote: »

I had a baby

Its not for everyone, but is the best thing I ever did.

That's my big one for 2012 too!

Also:
- I got fit, lost weight, and feel better about my appearance than I have in a decade.
- I got serious about looking for a job and improving my career prospects. I did a TEFL course too. No job yet, but I'm hoping that will sort itself out early 2013
- I did a lot of lovely crafty things and got more familiar with my sewing machine.

Ah_Yeah

baby and crumble wrote: »

In all honesty 2012 was an awful, awful year for me. It's been difficult to pick out the things I have achieved or done well... But here goes;

Got myself a pet hamster. Small but mighty! It might sound silly but I think she helped me through the worst of my depression.

Got to see play on Centre court at Wimbledon- admittedly for the Olympics but I don't care!

Got one step closer to my goal of seeing tennis played at all 4 grand slams by going to the US Open.

Realised I'm actually pretty good at sewing and crafts- started by making sock monkeys and ended the year hand sewing a hexagon patchwork quilt for my gf for Christmas!

Became a lot more comfortable with my personal style, which is what I like to call "dapper butch". I resisted for a long time. Finally got up the courage to wear bowties and get my hair cut in a barbers, and it was incredible.

Marched in my first ever Pride march, with a new group I helped set up.

I guess the year could have been worse...

Baby and crumble, you are a really good example of the exact reason I wanted to start this thread. You started out saying that you felt it wasn't a good year, then once you looked back on all the great things that happened (no achievement is small, btw, as it's yours), it doesn't seem so bad in the end does it

Animals are great for helping you through rough patches! And well done on the pride march and your personal style

lazygal

Had a baby. Became perfect parent. Also passed driving test first time, go me!

Tigger99

Finally fell out of love with a horrible man who I adored.

For the first time in my life I started to value myself and recognised that i seek validation from people that dont matter.

I rebuilt my relationship with my family and made a concentrated effort to be a better friend.

I started dating again & much to my surprise I'm enjoying it and having fun. I don't feel broken anymore.

Sorry, that ended up being v long & personal.

Tigger99

P.s Ah yeah, thanks for this thread, its a lovely positive thread

Lola92

I finished the first year of my degree, which is something that for quite a while I didn't know I would ever be able to achieve with a baby in tow.

I got a full-time job for the summer and discovered that I am damn good at what I do.

I accepted myself for me and am finally comfortable with myself, my body and talking about my depression. I think that is one I am most proud of.

I also lost 2.5 stone.

So yeah, all in all 2012 has been a pretty good year. Bring on 2013, onwards and upwards.

Pythia

I do actuarial exams and for me, one of the biggest things was passing an exam called CA1 first time. It's seen as a stepping stone between junior and senior student and can be notoriously difficult to pass. I put a huge amount of work into it and was delighted to get through it (only about 50% of people pass the exam). I also passed another exam later in the year.

I started a new job in 2012 and it has gone amazingly well. Much better than I would have hoped. A year on, I feel so lucky to have found this job and I am really succeeding in it. I am even being sent to Canada to teach them some of the things I've developed so I am delighted.

Sunshineboo

Lovely thread. Looking back I thought I had a pretty bad year but if I look a bit closer it was actually good in some ways.

I moved out of home and got myself an apartment, which was a big step.

I finally decided to go the doctor and it turns out I was very anemic now I'm not as tired and my hair is growing back yay! (shallow I know but cheered me up).

I finally know I'm worth more than 2am hook up's with my ex, I deserve better than that! slowly working on loving/liking myself before and if I have a relationship again.

Having a better relationship with my sister, it wasn't that we didn't get on but this year we have become closer.

pansophelia

To echo some of the other posters here, I think it's so much easier sometimes to focus on what we haven't done, and the things we want to change, than relish in our successes! Feeling a little lost in a couple of aspects of my life, so this was a good positive exercise!
I don't have a long list, but
- I took up running at the end of 2011, and consistently keeping this going throughout 2012 has probably been by biggest achievement. I started to lose weight and get a bit fitter, but I think now I'm officially obsessed! I completed two half marathons, and a good few 5ks and am getting faster all the time. This new hobby has brought me a lot of joy!
- Passed two notoriously difficult exams while keeping up a stressful and time consuming full time job, passing them both was a nice surprise.
- Cut down my drinking a little
- Supported a family member through a difficult time, don't know if I did this as well as I could have, but I did my best.

woodchuck

2012 was a bit of a miserable year for me, but there definitely some positives:

- Passed my driving test
- Got a job... that I didn't really like, but I was able to use it as a stepping stone to get into my new job which I started a few days ago
- 2 publications
- Learned to stand up for myself a bit more and use the 'no' word

LegacyUser

Broke up with someone I shouldn't have been seeing in the first place. Good

Met someone new who I thought wanted the same things as me....but didn't. Bad
Still kinda pine after her to be honest.

Other than that it was a year of ups and downs..... a lot more downs from October onwards. I was never as disinterested in Christmas and New Year festivities before as I was this year.

here's hoping to 2013. It can't really be any worse than 2012. I hope

Pomplamousse

I was unemployed at the beginning of 2012 so I decided I wasn't gonna let it get me down too much & make the most of my 'free time' since I had no idea how long it would last.
So I
-took driving lessons and passed my test first time, no idea how I survived without my licence til now:)
-took up running and got fit. Aimed to be able to run 10k, which I did, and then went beyond. Ran in a few 5k and 10k races. Got a bit of an injury but hopefully ready to get back to it now.
-Did some voluntary work
-Finally got a new job

I have plenty of resolutions for 2013 so hopefully I can achieve lots in the new year.