Achievements of 2018

I had completely forgotten about it, but last year I wrote a post titled Achievements of 2017, and it was so amazing to see it again a year later! I would have forgotten many of the items I listed on it had I not written them down, which is my whole purpose of blogging and writing: preserving memories. Since I enjoyed stumbling over that post so much, I thought I should write one for this year too! We should never forget to celebrate our achievements, however small they may be. 

Here we go, in no particular order:

- my parents started reading my blog! My mom casually mentioned it during our phone call today, and I almost fell off the bed when I heard it. We don't exactly have what you would call a close relationship, so that's huge for them! And for me! I think that may be my biggest achievement of the year. No scratch that, it is. 

- second to that: my book, obviously. Publishing something I have written to the world has been the fulfillment of my biggest dream to date. 

- gained 10 pounds and still LOVING my body unconditionally

- earned more this year than ever before (thanks to my new job)

- faced my fear of interacting with strangers by agreeing to do a book signing in a strange city where literally only one person showed up

- made a new friend this year

- reconnected with an old one

- embraced unexpected life changes

- battled depression like I haven't had to do since 2012 (current winner: me! it's a back-and-forth between us, but I'm always the ultimate winner, because I never give up!)

- my sister and I put all our demons behind us for good

- grew my newsletter by 50% (it's a monthly dose of feeling good about yourself, and if you're into that, you can subscribe here)

- grew my Facebook page from under 200 followers to close to 700

- signed up for a course to learn how to pitch and write for (women's) magazines

- resisted the temptation to cut my hair in October, and I'm so relieved I did! I love my silver-streaked long locks

- went into quite cold water in a cave, snorkelled in it and loved the hell out of that experience!

- learnt to love cats

- finally got over my prejudice about Grey's Anatomy, watched the whole thing twice, and can now freely admit that I was wrong and that yes, it is one of the best TV shows of all time

- stuck to my goal of filming one second every day for the whole year! I'm almost done, and I can't wait to show you the final product! That's the longest I have stuck to anything daily, ever!

- But: I wrote almost every day this year. I would confidently say that I wrote at least 300 out of 365 days, probably more. I've reached the point where I need to write to feel complete, and that's a huge achievement for me!

- despite losing my daily practice, I didn't lose yoga. I never will. 

- I'm now telling my youngest (step-)daughter on the phone that I love her. We never did before. Now we do it every time we talk, and it's the best thing ever. If you're not German you won't understand, but if you are: amazing, right??

- started wearing mascara again at work (occasionally)

- ate all my greens (most of the time)

- realized that I will never be a full-time writer, but always divide my time between x-ray and writing

- started my second book in earnest

What are some of your achievements? Did you learn a new, complicated recipe? Did you drop toxic friends? Make new ones? Decided to hell with tradition and skipped Thanksgiving? Are you skipping this Christmas? Please share!  I'd love to celebrate your achievements with you. Our journeys may be different at this point in time, but we are really much more alike than you think we are. We will only find out for sure if we share, but even if you don't, I know this for sure: You are strong, courageous, smart, and much more than what your mean inner voice is telling you. My suggestion? Get rid of that bitch. I did, and it's the best thing I've ever done. 

Love, Miriam  

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