This post was originally published on 9th December 2018 and updated on 25th February 2024.

A few years ago, my parents brought me a book that opened my eyes to the importance of self-care: ‘Self-Care for the Real World’ by Nadia Narain & Katia Narain Phillips. My biggest takeaway from the book, was to write down 5 achievements that make you feel proud of yourself.

Taking time to review and celebrate our achievements is something that can easily slip through the net in our busy lives. But as this exercise proved, it’s a wonderful thing to do.

In this week’s blog post, I’m excited to share my Top 5 achievements that make me feel proud of myself.

1. I have a degree in Geography with Third World Development

It’s been 19 years since I graduated from the University of Northampton (then known as University College of Northampton/UCN) with a degree in Geography with Third World Development.

I had no plans to go to university, but as the end of sixth form approached, I started to think going to uni might be worth considering after all. I didn’t feel ready to get a job, so I started exploring courses in Geography. Pairing it with Third World Development, my ideal course awaited me in my hometown.

Despite my initial shyness, I embraced university life, residing in halls and taking my first trips abroad on field trips to Majorca, Amsterdam, Valencia, and South West America.

The experience transformed me from a shy individual to the more confident and outgoing person I am today. And without a doubt, it’s one of my top 5 achievements.

2. I completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

In June 2006, my dad and I embarked on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, an idea sparked by Dad’s involvement with the Motor Neurone Disease Association, whom we raised money for during the challenge.

We implemented a rigorous training plan, including hill climbs and long distances. Notably, our training weekend in Derbyshire included navigating Kinder Scout in the snow and ice, an adventure which will forever remain in memory!

To prepare ourselves for the length of the challenge, we decided to walk 26 miles around Rutland Water. However, five miles from completion, the weather turned, and I felt something pop in my calf. Persisting through the pain, we made it back to the car. Thankfully the pain eased a few days later and we were finally ready to take part in the challenge.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge entails walking up Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m), and Ingleborough (723m), covering 24.5 miles (though my pedometer insisted it was more). Crawling out of bed at dawn, we joined our fellow hikers who were also raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, aiming to complete the peaks within 12 hours. With my dad by my side, we supported each other and finished with 11 hours and 40 minutes.

Completing this challenge filled me with pride and would later be the inspiration behind taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in 2023.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks wouldn’t have been the same without my dad by my side – our physical preparation proved crucial, but mentally, we leaned on each other for strength throughout the experience.

This one was tough, and is still one of my biggest physical achievements to date.

3. I moved to London

A decade ago, the idea of living and working in London would have made me belly laugh. As a complete country bumpkin, London was somewhere I ventured to on the rare occasion to do the tourist thing or to meet up with friends. But I always loved returning home to the fresh country air.

However, my move to London nearly 9 years ago, though somewhat impulsive, turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

Although my move came as a result of a job offer, initially, I wasn’t sure how it would pan out. Being naturally reserved and not particularly adventurous at the time, the opportunity seemed daunting. Despite uncertainties, I recognized it as an offer too good to turn down.

There were moments when I contemplated giving up the job, not due to the city itself, but because of the stresses associated with the workload. Yet, even in the darkest days, I never once considered leaving London.

Fast forward nine years, and I can say with certainty that living in London, the place I now call home, has made me more confident, more resilient, and someone who never turns down an adventure!

It’s safe to say that this has been one of the most life-changing achievements and experiences of my life so far.

4. I’ve embraced solo travel

Not long after moving to London, I found myself at a crossroads. While most of my friends were settling into married life or starting families, I, on the other hand, was single and desperately in need of a holiday after a year in London. The choice came down to taking another week off to stay in the UK or embarking on my first solo trip abroad. Craving the sun and some much-needed relaxation, I opted for the latter.

Tenerife

I was keen to go somewhere that wasn’t too exotic and where English was widely spoken. I settled on Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife. Navigating the unfamiliar territory of solo travel, I braved the flight in September 2016, despite being a relatively inexperienced flyer with only a handful of flights under my belt.

While nervous about transfers and finding the right coach, both the flight and transfers turned out to be smooth experiences. The real surprise came in the form of the limited English speakers at the hotel, which mostly comprised of Spanish locals. There was also an unexpected glitch in my return transfers, which were mysteriously absent from the tour operators’ list despite being on my booking form!

Nevertheless, the holiday unfolded without too much drama. I formed connections with fellow solo travellers during an excursion to Mount Teide and spent my days exploring the town of Puerto de la Cruz, lounging by the pool, and delving into a stack of books. Despite the initial challenges, the decision to take that solo trip makes me incredibly proud of myself. It was a leap of faith that enriched my experiences and broadened my horizons.

Portugal, Italy, India & beyond

Since that trip, I’ve also spent time in Portugal and Italy as a solo traveller, and I’m about to embark on my first solo UK holiday.

While we’re on the subject of travel, I have to mention my trip to India in 2019. Although I travelled to and from India alone, I met with the rest of the group in Delhi. We then spent 15 days travelling around India together with a guide. Although technically not a solo trip, I’m incredibly proud that I found the confidence to do it. Younger me would not have seen that coming. Yet, it transpired to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Learning to travel solo is not only one of my biggest achievements, my younger self would be in absolute awe!

5. I started my own business

In 2020, mid-pandemic, the stressful job I had been in since arriving in London was about to be made redundant. I didn’t have a plan, but I had a gut feeling. I just knew it was my time to leave the job and find something new.

After reflecting and speaking to people within my network, I was offered some work as a freelancer. Someone I knew was looking for a Freelance Social Media Manager, and wondered if I fancied being ‘it’. Working for them alone wasn’t going to pay the bills. But it was a start, and I decided I had nothing to lose.

The idea of venturing into the world of self-employment was exciting but terrifying. I had many sleepless nights about whether I would be able to cope financially. But I was excited about being my own boss and getting to unleash my creative streak again.

I’m now three years into freelance life. Running my own business has been a rollercoaster, marked by a whole load of wins, setbacks, and lessons learnt.

I’ve just had my biggest ever tax bill as a freelancer (ouch!) and I’m currently developing some new services. I’ve even managed some time working abroad, testing out this digital nomad malarkey!

I’ll always be grateful to my old job for helping me find my way to London. But, I’m also grateful to them for making my role redundant. It was the push I needed to find a career that really works for me.

So there we have it. My top 5 proudest achievements. It would be lovely to hear what your 5 things would be too. Feel free to share yours below.