My introduction to Steemit: Hi, my name is Girlie!

Greetings everyone! My son introduced me to this amazing community, and since it's my first time, I'll be taking this chance to introduce myself.

I am Girlie Cacao, I am 44 years old now, I am from the Philippines and my family's roots were farmers. Although we lived a simple life when we were kids, we didn't care much about our status in life. The neighborhood's primary source of labor was farming in our place. Everyone works hard to yield a good harvest for the coming months. And although unexpected typhoons hit the ground and destroy everything, everyone stays positive and tries to do whatever they can to make use of what's left after the storm.

I think that's how resilient Filipinos are; by enduring countless typhoons, we've learned how to thrive as a proud community. I'm proud of my roots even though we don't have fancy things.

Why I decided to join Steemit?

I am a mother of 4, and I'm always trying my best to provide whatever I can for the family. I've been a sales lady to a public market in my teenage years. I had also tried to clean other houses before when we were starting our family. Over the years, I've also ventured into becoming a product dealer for a famous product manufacturer here in the Philippines.

For many years, a lot has happened. I had two kids who graduated from college, one still in college, and the youngest graduated from 12th grade. What's more, my husband became sick. He has asthma, and that worsened because he is a smoker.

I don't want to blame him anymore because of it. I feel sorry whenever I see him in pain. Right now, the doctor advised him to maintain an intake of oxygen for at least 16 hours a day. And that has been becoming heavy on our part. So that's why I decided to join Steemit. In hopes that the platform can support the expenses, I mustered the courage I need to be here and be in front of many people. I know I might look desperate for the rewards, I can't deny any of that because I know the community can help us. I'll set aside my pride for now and do what a mother should do for her family, and that is to become a beaon of hope.

Aside from that reality, my intention to be here and be heard is also another matter. And with my journey here, I want to learn and acquire the knowledge necessary for growth as an individual. I also want to hone my skills as I'm becoming a blogger. Since I didn't finish high school, I don't have much confidence to speak in front of many, so please bear with me.

^{Here is a throback photo of mine when we had the chance to visit Baguio.}

It was a fun memory from years ago, back when the pandemic wasn't existing. I hope this pandemic could come to an end sooner. It has made countless people suffer, those infected and affected by its effects on the economy. Let's all pray that everything would be better this coming months.

What can I share to the community?

My son introduced me here and thought if I could try it out. As a woman and a mother, I have a deep passion for cooking. I've been cooking food for my kids and the family ever since, so I think it is what I'm good at doing. And that means you will see me sharing content on #SteemFoods! Other than that, I hope I can explore and share a different variety of topics as I stay here in the community. I know I may fall short, but I can share anything where I'm good at the very least. And I hope someone would appreciate what I do in time.

I don't have any experience or any knowledge about crypto. All I know is that it is becoming a thing in the internet world today. I'm not smart, I can only share with you what I enjoy doing. And in the future, I might as well find a new hobby. Who knows? If given the chance, I wish to have all these worries in my heart be gone in the coming years.

I wish to learn from others as well. I hope to find other things that might spark an interest in me (although I'm old). Maybe get to try new recipes that looks tasty from other's posts here in the community.

There's a lot of things that can happen in a span of years or maybe even months. I've already prepared myself for the worst case scenarios. I put my trust to God, I know He gets to decide everything in our life. I submit everything to Him.

No matter how hard life gets, you can just smile.

Although we face a lot of difficulties in our everyday life, there are also times where we spend a good time not worrying about our problems. And with those precious moments, you must not forget to smile and take a picture.

I included this picture of my mother with me because it reminded me of that. I had so many hardships when I was young, and our family understands that we can someday live a good life. Some of my brothers were blessed to work as seaferers and provide for their families. While some others like me, just keeps living with the flow of life.

^{Here is another throback photo with my mother.}

“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”― Robert Frost

We're nothing special. We are just ordinary people trying to live without worries. Right now, with the pandemic around, all of my brothers were sent home taking away their jobs of almost a year. And it pains me a bit to see my mother also suffering from our loses. It's not that I blame the pandemic for all these, it's just that we weren't prepared for this time. It was unexpected and overwhelming to try to survive in the new normal.

As citizens of the world, we can just spread happiness and understanding to everyone lost. Give compassion to anybody who seems needed it the most. And become a beacon of hope to our loved ones.

Thank you to everyone who appreciate me and I hope we become friends. Always remember that life goes on, and believe that you are destined to be where you are. See you around! Thank you for reading!

P.S. I've edited some things since I wandered around Newcomers' Community and looked what is about Achievements. So I was able to edit things through mentor @cryptokannon's guide: Achievement 1 : Verification Through Introduction.