Cheers to 365 days of blogging & 🐬🐬 Diving

Well, my title gives away what I am going to write, but let's just make it clear: neither do I drink (I mean, not drink drink), nor do I know how to swim, so yes, no diving either. But yes, it's been a year, to be exact, on this platform. I joined exactly on this date, October 2, 2023. But yes, it's been a year—exactly on this date, October 2, 2023—since I joined this platform. So, as you all call it, it's a Steemversary (a year and a month, considering that I started proper blogging a little later). I seldom post twice a day; okay, just once before. But this has to be special—it’s a significant moment for me, at least, for being so consistent. And also because I became a double Dolphin today.

I am almost sure nobody is going to read yet another update or Dolphin post, but do I always write for that reason? No. With the Steem price and the overall inflation in cryptocurrency, it might not feel like a celebration, or who really cares if I'm a double Dolphin? Or maybe I just wanted a big vote. It’s nothing like that, though. As I said, who is even reading my posts? Ok I know, a few users will be reading it :)

This is a reflection of those 365 days. I looked back at my posts, and I am kind of happy with myself. I have stayed true to who I am. If not for you, then for myself. I have played nice, square, and fair. I have restrained myself from saying anything (very) negative. I have learned to jot down my thoughts on paper. I have (tried to) improve my writing. I have sealed my memories because this autoimmune thing is making my memory hazy every day.

I have learned to accept different opinions. In short, this experience has helped me during my lowest days. Bambuka's reply has made my day on so many days. O1eh's optimism and humility have made me rethink my own pessimism. And then there were days of curation. I learnt a lot from him and loved working with him as part of a team. I enjoyed following Chriddi's sheep and their updates, keeping up with their names. Weisser-rabe’s stories of relocation… and most recently, stalking users with event-horizon. We keep sharing the screenshots of those comments through WhatsApp. We have had so much fun doing that ;))

My blogs are a reflection of my life. I'm so happy I was able to capture the highlights of those days. Oh, I especially loved jotting down my travel diaries. I now know that they are safe. Maybe my kids will stumble upon them one day when I am no longer alive. I do hope we have a better search engine function—I don't know the right term—but yes, we can Google our Steem posts more easily.

Well, I will also have to keep reminding them of my username: @soulfuldreamer. What was I thinking when I chose this username while signing up? To be honest, I didn't give it much thought. But now, it is a part of me, an integral part of my life.

What else? Hmmm… I am thankful to Hira for introducing me to this platform. I really am. It has been a sanctuary for my thoughts, a refuge from the trivialities of life and the noise of unworthy distractions. In countless ways, it has nurtured my growth: not just intellectually, but as a person.

The most precious commodity I’ve earned here is my Steem friends. They know who they are, the kindred spirits who light up my journey. I won’t name them, for their essence transcends mere words, yet they are the jewels in my Steemverse, the most cherished gifts I have gathered along the way...

Last but not least, how can I forget to mention @xpilar Wox, which has always provided me with a safe space to write? I don't know why it always feels so easy to write here. It feels like home, a safe haven where I can express my thoughts freely. Wox is like a big part of steemit for me. It has become an integral part of my writing journey, allowing me to connect with others and share my experiences.