...as we approach the New Year, I'm wondering what you have learned about yourself over the last year?

I've learned that a small amount of structure in my life can go a long way, and that I wilt under total freedom. I've learned that friendships can be found in unexpected places.

And I'm learning my limits and growing edges, sometimes painfully.

That I'm definitely getting old! Young people have started to offer me their seat on public transport from time to time.

That after 22 years, I'm more Swiss than Irish in attitude! This year I've been told "but you think like us" and complement on my ability to speak English

I've learnt that, no matter what people think, you can live in Switzerland (and reasonably comfortably, cooking meat and travelling even) on half what an average Swiss earns!

I have learnt that I am not super woman nor shall I try to be. I have to know my limits, also that I should stop feeling responsible for other people's problems....

Why did I wait?

i've learnt that just because someone moves away, it's not goodbye...

I have learnt my rational brain is very effective blocking the unconscious one. Also, that my unconscious brain has a better judgment than my rational one. To sum it up: I have made a couple of really bad rational decisions that hurt me to end this year. Should have followed my instincts.

Oh, and I also learnt I have better friends than I thought I had...

Reminding myself of independence and using oneseself as a point of reference. Kindness matters even if it is not reciprocated. Nothing ever gets wasted on troubled teens.

And I never actually knew I can speak the local lingo, magic.

I don't have "weight fluctuation" issues anymore

...... there is only further expansion now

I have learnt not to be afraid, the future happens anyway - good or bad.
If you don't ask you don't get, and sometimes if you do ask for amazing things to happen, then amazing things do happen. If you don't ask then forget it.

For becoming more and more relaxed about myself and realizing that getting older isn't all bad.

Stop listening to other peoples opinions about what I should do or how I should be. Be who I want to be.

I have done that over the last few months and its wonderful

I've learned that I'm a lot stronger than I thought I could ever be, I've learned the difference between a positive attitude and magical thinking, I've learned to be grateful, to ask for help, and I really like my gray hair.

There are only so many beautiful sunrises and sunsets to enjoy in the mountains; so many trails to run and explore, so dropping the world and getting out there is no longer just an option, rather a necessity.

That when you are young and think you have all the time to follow your dreams, the time goes in a flash, so do it now.

And surround yourself with people who make you happy and if they give you a bad time - move on.

I have learnt that whatever you do, just be honest to yourself.

I also learned another thing, raw-ish meat and oysters are not going to kill me..

I have found I'm almost in the identical place I was a year ago. Just more bitter cynical with experience. Life goes on....

That love still hurts like hell, and to be a lot more careful about where I let it out.

I learnt to love this country and to be happy with my lot. Enormous progress, I think.

And, like Oldhand, I'm quite enjoying growing older.