Wow, 500 followers. I was happily surprised when we hit the first hundred. If you had told me last July, that in six short months I would have 400 MORE followers, I would not have believed it. All through the struggle to figure out this new social network, I've learned alot. The daily push to find time to write compelling posts that would attract an audience. The fact that this joyful exercise would finally result in a family receptive to my work fills me with gratitude.

Oh yes we can!

When I first began, I saw in Steemit an outlet for my love of writing. This is a forum that gives back rather than takes away from you like the Facebook's of the world. I've read so many stories of new people coming here and finding a home among this fantastic community of friends.

So If you're reading this and thinking "I can't make it, it’s too hard, I can't get there" I'm here to tell you: Yes we can! I did not get this far by myself, and I've learned the best way we all succeed is when we help each other. We grow together and support each other when the going gets tough. I want to thank each and every one of you for joining me on this journey.

I'd like to highlight a few people who stood out along the way:

@jerrybanfield There was a time in 2016 when I was skeptical about Steemit, and after a while, I began seeing Jerry everywhere on the net. If I was on YouTube, he was there with me. His passion for this platform ignited my interest in joining, and boy I'm glad I did! As I've said before, I'm one of "Jerry's kids" and for him to come through all of his personal struggles makes him a survivor and an inspiration to us all. Thank You, Jerry!

@samstonehill was an early influencer as well. As I was about to pull the trigger on signing up, Jerry's videos led me to Sam's tutorials providing invaluable tips that really helped get me up to speed. A proud father with an amazing family, Sam deserves all the great things that come his way. Let the good vibes roll!

@d-pend Daniel Pendergraft creates original works that stick in the mind like a movie with endless twists and turns. I had been away from poetry for a while when I ran across him on Steemit. I was immediately transfixed by the expertly chosen visuals accompanying his delicious tasting word-soup. When I see a new post, I always check it out, gobbling it up like a starving man at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Keep em' coming, Daniel!

@humanearl I just recently discovered this wonderful, selfless, giving human being. I will always think of him as the man who introduced the benefits of the "cold shower" to Steemit. It warms my heart to see the genuine love of humanity he shows not just in words, but in his actions as well. He walks the walk, and all of us should join Earl in paying it forward.

Thanks to all of you who've walked with me every step of the way. Let's keep putting one foot in front of the other! :)