Hopes for 2025

Best wishes for 2025 - I can understand the mixed feelings. I was dealing with PTSD for a lot of 2022 and 2023 and it was only in 2024 that I really started to emerge from all of that. Lots of complicated feelings still continue for me - and I have good and bad days. 
My hopes for 2025 are to stay well, and continue to build on my ability to enjoy life again, and not feel so scared. To just be able to find happiness in normal, everyday life. Peace and contentment - lots of time in nature, a bit of travel and to enjoy creative projects. And also - very importantly - for my loved ones to be happy and well also. 
I was diagnosed as autistic in 2022 - and it takes a while to fully process it doesn’t it? It certainly gave me a lot to think about and reflect on. 
I hope you find the love you’re looking to find - it definitely helps to have that in one’s life. At the same time I hope you can find happiness with or without that. Happy New Year :) 

My hopes for 2025 would be firstly to get my newly diagnosed son to be proud of his differences and express himself more openly. He has had a tough 12-18 months bless him and my work continues to support him in every way I can. 
I must also try to be a little kinder to myself as I put many others needs before mine but I love to try and make people feel better. 

Oh and world peace would be nice as well

Thank you again! What you’re saying makes sense and deep down, I know that I have to step back. It’s hard to do so, but I’ll try. Thank you for those kind words. Maybe it’ll make a difference that I’m not breaking down in silence this time.

I hope to finish my second and last year of studying of this course, this time with the only goal of finishing instead of pressuring myself to get somewhere further. I find it unrealistic as I always end up in burnout.

What I also hope is to learn skills that let me experience a happier life as an autistic person. And last, to be brave enough to make my life decisions for myself, instead of what they tell me to do.

I'm more hopeful than last year, as I know myself better, but I've got a lot to learn. 

It sounds like you’ve been juggling a lot for a long time, and it’s completely understandable that you’re feeling stuck. Maybe focusing on one small thing to adjust and prioritising your well-being, even if it’s just tiny breaks or moments for yourself, could help. The time you gained after stepping back from competitive swimming seemed to give you some relief before, even if unintentionally.

Taking a break from some responsibilities isn’t quitting, it’s allowing yourself the space to recover mentally. It’s easy to fill recovery time with practical tasks, but by doing so, you might be avoiding the chance to truly recharge. Looking after yourself isn’t quitting, it’s an important step toward feeling better.

Also, remember you’re not alone. Posting here and talking to others can help a lot. You deserve to care for yourself as much as you care about keeping everything else going. 

Thank you so much! This means a lot to me and I’m honestly at the verge of tears. 
I don’t know what got me through the last time. I basically worked myself to the point where my body couldn’t put up with it anymore and I frequently fainted and had meltdowns. I was then forced to quit competitive swimming which got me two free days a week with basically no responsibilities other than going to school and walking the dog. I somehow managed to fill those days again and finding myself in a position where it would break me to quit anything but it’ll also much likely break me to continue like this. My body will continue to walk around “zombie-style” but my mind will at some point be exhausted with no chance to recover over night.

What you’ve said doesn’t sound pathetic or irrelevant at all. Burnout can be incredibly overwhelming, and the fact that you’re recognising it and speaking about it shows a lot of self awareness and courage. Your struggles are valid, no matter how they compare to anyone else’s. Just because someone else might be facing different challenges doesn’t make yours any less important.

You deserve support and care just as much as anyone else. If you’re feeling like burnout might be creeping in again, it might help to think about what got you through the last time, any small comforts, supports, or strategies that worked last time. And you’re definitely not complaining… you’re sharing how you feel, which is absolutely okay here, it’s one of the purposes of this community. Please know that you’re not alone, and there are people who understand and will help you through.

I just hope that I’ll be able to push through for a little longer. It sounds so pathetic, but I’m really scared that I’m going into a burnout again. I have it so much easier than so many others and still… A while ago, I really struggled for half a year or so. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and I don’t know if I would be able to push through something like that again. Sorry for complaining, it sounds so irrelevant in comparison to so many so much more difficult fates.

I hope the same thing, Debbie.

I hope that this forum is mended or one that works properly is found/made.

All the very best with yours.

Thank you for this thread.