Another year is ending, and one is beginning. I’m sitting here today, thinking of what I have accomplished this year. I started feeling disappointed and discouraged because I felt like I’d done absolutely nothing! Mostly because someone had made me feel like I was just wasting time, using excuses to not do anything. But then…

I realized someone else’s unkind and judgemental words were stuck in my mind. A person who was supposed to be understanding, non-judgmental, and kind had tried to make me feel like I was lazy; that I should be doing what she thought I should be able to do. I shook my head and said, “NO!” Maybe I haven’t gone hiking, run a marathon, or climbed a mountain. She hasn’t done any of those things either. I haven’t taken a class, earned a degree, or started a new job. She hasn’t done any of those things either. She has the use of her legs; I have limited mobility in mine. She hasn’t done much of anything this year, either.

I started thinking about the things I have done this year and they may not be BIG things, they may not even be important or on anyone else’s list, but they are still accomplishments. Some are bigger than others, and some are small but even little things count, right?

1. I managed to keep Dad out of the hospital for another year. He’s going on 88 now so that’s important.
2. I got Dad through a very stressful financial uncertainty.
3. I managed to get Dad up off the floor numerous times this year. He escaped major injury, thank goodness.
4. I survived a fall myself. It could have been catastrophic, as Dad’s could have been.
5. I finished writing my cookbook after many years and had it published.
6. I have learned to prioritize myself and Dad when others expect more from me than I can give. Boundaries are important.
7. I have worked on my mental strength and I am stronger now than I have ever been.
8. I saved money for higher-priced items that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to buy.
9. I have learned new crochet skills and have applied them to projects.
10. I have finished 12 crocheted blankets, 3 scarves, 8 beanies, 4 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 tote bags, and 6 sets of 4 coasters.
11. I have learned a lesson in friendship. I will never apply the label “best friends” to any friendship because it has never ended well in the past.
12. I have taken an online course in self-publishing in hopes of making my next book (3rd one) the best one yet.
13. I found things I could do that align with bringing me closer to my values.
14. I have started working with plastic canvas and learning the amazing things that can be created.
15. I have completed 4 years of bullet journaling.

This list would be completely different if I had full mobility in my legs. I do what I can do. Since I can’t do things that involve the use of my legs, I do what I can do with my hands and my mind. Simple as that.

So, my friends. Don’t let anyone make you feel that you’ve accomplished nothing this year. No matter your circumstances, you have accomplished many things. It doesn’t matter what some judgemental, thoughtless person says.

Say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with a smile on your face!