I know it's not quite 2024, but I'd love to start out the new year with a new thread and a place to share our favorite memories from 2023. Admittedly, 2023 hasn't been the kindest year to me, but there are still moments of beauty and accomplishments I'm happy with.

Sending all the best wishes to each of you! <3

2023 was... interesting. I... finally broke. In April I had a really painful stomach for 5 days and my doctor, my therapist and my boss all signed me off with work related stress and burnout for a month. During that month I finally achieved my diploma in health and safety. In fact, the diploma was part of the reason I burned out because studying university level material while working 40+ hours a week is a really bad idea. One made worse by the crew I was working for at the time deciding that the loss of the previous provider of this qualification (they got sued into nonexistance and I'm still waiting for them to pay me back 2k worth of my money because they never told the group that gives the qualification that I'd signed up and PAID FOR more than one year) was somthing I had to resolve. Result: I was given 3 days to catch up on 6 months worth of material or I would be disciplined. So I worked late, made myself so much worse and ended up burned out. The other thing that happened during that month is I was told to get tested for autisim. Something I had to pay for myself. Luckily I was able to get that sorted out and it was confirmed that I am autistic. After all these years of saying that things were too much, that I was too tired to do what was demanded of me, ending up in therapy with mental illness and taking medicine in order to function, it took this diagnosis to finally be heard. I'm not going to lie, I'm still angry about this. I've given so much but wasn't heard or given the support I needed until I was diagnoised with a "condition" that is protected by law. So, I took this news back to work along with the form saying I'd completed their insane work schedule and got my diploma. They informed me that they couldn't give me the support I need as an autistic person. Given I asked for clearer instructions, no more forced unpaid overtime and a little more time to do the work they wanted me to do as the support I needed, this wasn't helpful or kind. They agreed to write off the money they'd spent for me to get the diploma, wished me good luck and I found myself in June unemployed and still in recovery. Much of this year has been spent searching for work (I now I have a much better job than at the start of this year) and in study. I'm being pushed by various groups to go back to how I was working before. Ignoring my autisim and the needs of my mind and body since that worked before and it's easier to manage someone like that. I'm learning to say no, who I am, what I need day to day and what I want from life. I'm done being worked so much I can't think or plan what I want longer term. Up until now, the most I've been able to plan for is my career and where I go next as a professional. But that isn't making me happy and if no one is willing to listen to me when I say I don't want to, then there's no point carrying on in this way. 2024 I really hope to move forward in a direction I want to go in. It'd going to be tough but I want to feel tired and not be guilt tripped for slowing down and looking after myself. It's not been a great year, but it's given me an understanding of myself that finally, FINALLY, confirms that I was never in the wrong. It's taken way too long to get to this point and it shouldn't have cost what it has. But I'm finally here, me, angry, clear on what I need and done with the refusal of the work culture to understand that working someone until they break, ignoring them when they try to fix the problems hurting them. Or say that they just need training. Enough. I'm changing things. I'm not going to be the one forced to change for the sake of a broken system. I'm greatful for what I know now, for what I have and the reality that I wasn't wrong to ask. There's a lot more that 2023 has given me and I'll probably update on that more later. For now, Happy New Year and my 2024 have more chances at happiness.

My truth is that I am retired at 62, looking for some new purpose in 2024, and slightly scared of all of it. Society changes and the politics scare me. And my joints hurt. I love junk food. I completely understand the connection. Why can’t I find the will power to change it? I don’t want to return to ANYONE dictating where I have to be or what I must do at any given time. I did that already for 45 years. But some compromise has to be made within myself and I just keep stalling…

as someone with neurodivergent tendencies, a neurodivergent spouse and a child with high functioning autism, I absolutely am angry for you that you could not get the support you needed or for this to be a really terrible way to get answers you need.

This world is not kind to those who have legitimate needs that aren't "in the box". It shouldn't be that way. I'm hoping for you a 2024 of healing, progress and restoration. <3

<3 May the purpose you seek be apparent as the year unfolds. Be kind to yourself. Explore the thing you have never been able to explore. Be free, and may hope cirlce you close.

What a lovely poem. I also find that positivity is healing and has carried me through so many hard thing. Happy New Year!

Thank you. I must admit, I'm getting tired of people saying: "Well, at least you have answers now." I do and I'm greatful. It was such a wonderful feeling to know I was right all along. But after everything I have endured and gone through to get to this point, I am angry and I'm not going to ignore that anger or try to push it aside. Until I can square with it, I'm not going to not be angry. It is so good to know others understand why I'm feeling the way I am. It will pass and I'll probably use it to push for better. At least I feel confident enough now to go meet new people.

How has the new year treated you so far? I hope you're staying warm.