[NatalieJastrow]

I tell you, I never thought I would be working at home for 2021. But I have been home all year. We are set to go back in Jan but I don't think that is going to happen as numbers in my state are high. I had a good year though and I thought everyone could post their accomplishments.

1. I lost 50 lbs. I put my mind to it and did ADF and lost 50 lbs. I still have 20 more to lose but I am desperately trying to maintain, something that has always been difficult.

2. I did well on savings and hit my budget markers this year. Though inflation isn't great I have managed to save money but eating less (ADF) and not having to spend money on going to work.

3. I got vaccinated and had no side effects that I know of. I really worried about it because I generally don't do well with vaccination but, I didn't notice much of anything and subsequent tests show me as having antibodies.

4. Work was good. At one point I was wayyyy behind on my work, but they sent me a laptop and things slowed down and now, I am 100% caught up and have instituted some tricks to make things easier. I set records this year for most work so I am hoping that will be recognized.

And you?

[splitimage]

Great idea NathalieJastrow,

I got a part time job and have held onto it for 6 months.

I was interviewed for an international health technology journal about the patient experience at my psych hospital.

I continue to be appointed to new committees representing patients at my psych hospital.

I moved and it wasn't too traumatic

I've slowly started walking regularly and am trying to get into better shape.

I started an intensive trauma program, which I feel is the last major piece in my healing journey..

I came off one med completely and tapered another one down.

splitimage

[unaluna]

The year is not over yet!

[downandlonely]

That's awesome @NatalieJastrow

Very curious to know what ADF is.

My mental health has been more stable during this pandemic than it has ever been in my whole life. I attend a lot of virtual peer support groups and joined Overeaters Anonymous. Going through the 12 steps has been far more effective than therapy ever was. I'm still obese, but I feel recovered emotionally and spiritually. I have also been able to reduce my anti-depressants with no withdrawals and the depression hasn't returned.

[NatalieJastrow]

Originally Posted by downandlonely

That's awesome @NatalieJastrow

Very curious to know what ADF is.

Sorry.. Alternate Day Fasting.. You eat to fullness one day and then eat nothing but water the next.

[Mountaindewed]

I got vaccinated and I got my booster. All my family did too and now my 5 and 8 year old nephews are also vaccinated

I moved in May

I had 2 succesful surgeries one in June and one in October

I lost some weight

I stayed healthy for the most part

Everyone I knew stayed healthy

I went on a few small trips

All the therapists I've met with since moving have done in person sessions instead of remote

[divine1966]

We bought a new condo past summer. Moved rather fast and now mostly settled. I am still decorating a bit but mostly it’s all looking good.

Vaccinated and got booster too. I was sick after second dose and after booster. I had to take day off work both times. But that’s no big deal

I work in person with vulnerable population and manage to stay healthy

Travelled overseas in the summer when borders finally opened (seeing family otherwise we’d wait to travel)

Got a new 2021 car. Well it’s a lease, but it’s a lucky thing as there’s huge shortage of cars. I was excited I didn’t have to wait

[LiteraryLark]

1. I took care of business all on my own after the house burnt down...AKA all the phone calls to insurance, cancelling bills, contacting American Red Cross, renting a storage shed, etc

2. I made a committment to quit smoking...essentially, I did one full week then realized I needed extra help...so on the 16th I am seeing the Psych to hopefully be put on Wellbutrin and then aiming to actually quit by New Year's.

3. I quit a physically and emotionally exhausting job and immediately found a new job that I love even more that is not so draining and taxing on my mind and body...with a bonus of seeing puppies, kitties, chameleons, rats, birds, and even a sugar glider and pet possum on a daily basis!

4. I made friends with the people I work...and for the first time in three years I hung out with a new friend/girl coworker one on one! AND she wants to have another girl's day!!!

5. Since I moved back in with my parents I am staying on top of cleaning the house.

6. I moved out for the first time this year and hoping in January I'll find a new place again!

7. I lost 35 pounds this year--30 pounds in three months as a caregiver and 5 at the pet store!

8. I rediscovered my sexual/gender identity after I lost a friendship with someone I realized I hid my true self from.

9. I did a good job taking care of myself. Every week I did facials and nails, lots of bubble baths, kept up on appearance and grooming, etc.

10. I cooked a lot of meals for my family and learned how to cook while living on my own.

11. I read a few books and many magazines and I also read my devotionals and bible on a regular basis.

[downandlonely]

@LiteraryLark those are amazing accomplishments!

I was very impressed by how well you handled the fire emotionally. You didn't freak out and just did what needed to be done. Seems that you have matured a lot this year.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by downandlonely

@LiteraryLark those are amazing accomplishments!

I was very impressed by how well you handled the fire emotionally. You didn't freak out and just did what needed to be done. Seems that you have matured a lot this year.

Thank you so much downandlonely!

It's always good to put things in perspective. I will admit I'm struggling to cope with the fire and the loss in friendship and the loss of my furbaby. Last night Evy came to me in my dreams and it was like watching a movie of our life together and she told me she is in heaven and no longer suffering and loves me very much. I haven't truly grieved for her yet.

A close friend wrote me a letter describing the stages of grief...I didn't realize it but I am still in denial of these events and it's slowly overcoming me. I scheduled a sooner appt with my T and I'll bring some thoughts on paper and see if she can help me through the grieving process.

And it's a new idea to think about my maturity. This year I've had my ID rejected three times and have had several managers brought over to question my age for wanting to buy alcohol and cigarettes and I turn 29 this month...and everyone thinks I'm much younger than I am, so it's a nice compliment to hear that I'm growing older and more mature.

[Blue_Bird]

Some things that I’ve accomplished this year are:

-Called bingo at one of my apartment complexes bingo games. This may sound silly but I have a massive fear of any form of public speaking, and of course I was supposed to speak loudly which is hard for me to do around people too.

-I started going to a self-care art group once a month

-I got a cat for an emotional support buddy. Pictured below is Miss Mustachio I just got her a week before Thanksgiving this year.

-I’ve read a lot, over 60 books so far this year

-I’ve started using my crockpot to make meals. I’m not big into cooking so this is a pretty big accomplishment for me.

That’s really about it, it hasn’t been the best year, I’m hoping for a better/more productive 2022

[NatalieJastrow]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

-I got a cat for an emotional support buddy. Pictured below is Miss Mustachio I just got her a week before Thanksgiving this year.

What a cutie!

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

Some things that I’ve accomplished this year are:

-Called bingo at one of my apartment complexes bingo games. This may sound silly but I have a massive fear of any form of public speaking, and of course I was supposed to speak loudly which is hard for me to do around people too.

-I started going to a self-care art group once a month

-I got a cat for an emotional support buddy. Pictured below is Miss Mustachio I just got her a week before Thanksgiving this year.

-I’ve read a lot, over 60 books so far this year

-I’ve started using my crockpot to make meals. I’m not big into cooking so this is a pretty big accomplishment for me.

That’s really about it, it hasn’t been the best year, I’m hoping for a better/more productive 2022

Blue Bird, this is an amazing list! Despite it not being the best year, congrats on all you have accomplished.