I remember a year ago.

A year ago I was at crisis point in my life. We lived in a house I loathed in so many ways, estranged from my family, just found out my daughter has scoliosis, I had broken my engagement ring and my relationship was on the rocks.

This time last year was a huge steaming pile of wtfs.

Even registering to Steemit wasn't easy but I remember getting on here to escape, maybe even start over again.

The first time I blogged was in 2000. I was pregnant with my daughter, quit my job in the city and was brushing up on my web design. I was using Dreamweaver to create my content before I found Moveable Type in 2001 and eventually moved to a much easier to use WordPress.

And although I have occasionally used my WordPress accounts in the years that followed, it wasn't until I joined Steemit that I truly began to write again.

There are things I go through. I have demons, lots of them, that I battle with every day. Writing/venting has always been my way of releasing and a way to express my thoughts and share my self. So in a lot of ways blogging, for me, is therapy.

At the time I needed it the most Steemit came into my life and I remember my first few blogs reflecting the misery I felt at that moment. As depressing as they were I was surprised, amazed and thankful that people stopped by to comment and say a kind word.

That's when I fell in love with Steemit.

Everywhere I looked on Steemit I saw wide open hearts and enthusiasm for this amazing platform. I couldnt help but be swept up feeling like I have found a home here.

I came to learn about crypto but I ended up learning about myself.

It's true. The Steemit bait for me was the crypto aspect. Like many others who could have bought Bitcoin when it was dirt cheap, I had major regrets. And when I was told there's more to crypto than Bitcoin, I wanted to know more.

Little did I know this new adventure would soon become a huge part of me and my life.

On Steemit I feel like I belong. Like I have a place in this world where I can express myself, be understood and have beautiful people around me that I have come to consider family.

We all know Steemit is all about learning curves. The moment we land in these waters instantly there's at least 5 things we need to figure out.

1. What is Steem/SBD
2. Upvotes & Flags
3. How to use your passwords
4. How to power up
5. What to post

But even in the early stages of my Steemit career, I saw the lesson I learnt about myself, that I truly am determined. As foreign as Steemit was to me, I was determined to keep going if anything just to see where the road will lead me.

A year later here I am.

We've moved, I love our house, Hubby and I are closer than ever, I'm a very happy member of the @TeamAustralia, @SteemPh, @TheAlliance, @Sndbox and @Ssg-community communities, I gained new families, I am rewarded for doing what I love to do and I have the opportunity to help so many people all thanks to Steemit.

To say Steemit changed my life is a total understatement. It's like I went from black and white to technicolour, from 2D to 3D. I see so many doors open, so many opportunities to make a difference in this world.

Just to top it all off we have this amazing Steemit community that has always been extremely supportive from the moment I got here.

Special shout out to my communities, homies, families... Having you guys.. I have no words... I really wouldn't have lasted this long without you guys...

It's an honor to be here. Thank you all so much for your support, love and acceptance.

It's been an amazing year.

❤ Arly