I think I spent most of my day feeling somewhat “dazed and confused” yesterday after the reality of winning the @theycallmedan 20k dpoll began to sink in. Also, I think the adrenaline started to drop me and I got so ridiculously tired that I could barely keep my eyes open anymore haha – and so yes, like the old person that I am (not)… I had an afternoon nap, which to be frank – could have lasted a LOT longer than the three hours that it did! Haha! I often considered throughout the term of the dpoll if the “onlookers” ever truly contemplate just how much dedication, effort, energy and resilience it takes to see something like that through from beginning to end without allowing the exhaustion of things to get the better of you, causing you to give up – probably not, lol – as they say “if you are not in it” – you seldom appreciate the detailed aspects. Well, let me be the one to inform you… it requires MOERSE levels of ALL OF THE ABOVE haha!! (For those unfamiliar with the term… “moerse” it is South African slang meaning really big or numerous.).

Yes, for those that were not aware – I am South African – I come from that little town at the bottom of the map that people generally refer to as “the Mother City” – Cape Town. As a South African “chikkie”, I am pretty accustomed to having to persevere… in fact I think it is safe to say that ALL South Africans are pretty “weathered” in the field of perseverance. South Africa only hosts about 1% of the economy, so we are not “big players” in the grand scheme of things, yet we have faced some of the greatest challenges any country ever has and we repeatedly walk out successful, despite the odds – and this speaks to the resilience of the people. It is a trait that is simply inherent in us – one which is acknowledged the world over. Internationals are ALWAYS happy to welcome a South African to come work for them as they know that nothing short of the best will be given to any task or endeavor.

This is precisely the mindset that I set out to seek and instil when I started the journey of the #powerhousecreatives (@steemitbloggers). It has been an amazing journey to where we are now. Not one filled solely with red roses and candy floss, no. But with every challenge overcome – I can honestly “stand” here and say that without a shadow of a doubt that we are a TRUE family! We don’t just “say” we are a family… we BEHAVE like one! I am one of four siblings, the youngest and the only girl! This comes with a separate set of challenges lol, but I can tell you… I know that no matter WHAT, my brothers will protect me to the death – as would my mother and father. Our team is NO different, and the most beautiful thing, is that it is demonstrated within our walls every SINGLE day!!!

There have been many people whinging and whining throughout this contest, saying things like it puts people against one another, brings out the worst in people…blah blah fish paste!!!! My opinion – what absolute RUBBISH! Life without challenges is no better than a stagnant puddle of water that goes nowhere, does nothing and serves no purpose! Nature in EVERY other facet is FILLED with challenges far greater than this poll – it is a FUNDAMENTAL requirement of “actually living”. It is what builds character, creates bonds, ignites change and ultimately pours a healthy dose of vitality into everything… the only reality which needs to be processed by some, is the fact that sometimes challenge, change and vitality don’t always “agree” with us at first… but that, is kind of the point – if you catch my drift.

MY DPOLL GRATITUDE

I would like to say an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to YOU @theycallmedan not only for your enormous passion, integrity and generosity but also for stirring things up around here – because daaamn this place has been in DIRE need of some “good vibrations” haha! Thank you SO VERY MUCH – I may not have met you, but you have my utmost respect – and that of my community. We are absolutely over the moon with this delegation and also the previous delegations that were VERY generously given by @bluemist (aka @appreciator) and @d-pend after the previous poll and ALSO… a VERY unexpected delegation and kind gesture from @barge during this dpoll. … And I do have to say… It felt SOOOOOO good giving out upvotes to our members today! Hehehe!!!

Apart from my respect, I must say that I also think that you are a total LEGEND @theycallmedan for being SUCH a good sport and reciting @quillfires completed ”They call him Dan” poem! You did it #LIKEABOSS!!!! @quillfire poured an enormous amount of LOVE into that lyrical work of art and I know he was grinning like a Cheshire cat when he heard your recital! For those of you that missed it... here it is –

MY COMMUNITY - MY FAMILY!!!!!

Speaking of the enormous effort poured into that poem, I would like to take a moment to say that absolutely NONE of this would have been possible, let alone achieved without all the one of a kind people in our community that gave EVERYTHING of themselves to ensure that this dream, turned into a goal – and then a reality. @zord189 – I would be lost without you sir! You are honestly the most magnificent human being and my “balance” in many heated situation haha!!! Your dedication to all of us is nothing short of admirable! To our team… thank you to each and every one of you!!! Over the last year, you guys and gals have become my WORLD!

At the beginning of 2018 I made the decision to dedicate my every hour to the #STEEM blockchain and I am so grateful I did. My life would no longer be complete without all of you! During this contest, I have seen some people refer to us as a “community” in inverted commas… they very clearly do NOT know how genuinely CLOSE we all are with one another – and just how SPECIAL our collective relationships are…. But WE DO! I am SO proud of what we have become… and what makes that even more special is that I know YOU are all EQUALLY as proud!!! - What a statement right there!

I would also like to make a shout out to all the people that voted for us... MANY are not direct community members of ours but they supported us throughout everything! You guys are simply AMAZING!!!! (I have added your list at the end of this post because well, it's pretty long and spammy haha) - but, you know... it's one of those "times" when APPRECIATION and GRATITUDE to every SINGLE person is of the utmost importance, because it is because of all of YOU that we got the win! We called on you - and you ABSOLUTELY came to the party!!!!

MY 25K #STEEMRECRUIT MISSION

Just before this dpoll started, I announced the launch of my #steemrecruit mission, which somewhat de-railed as we entered the “poll arena” haha – but I am SUPER excited to jump back on that bandwagon, which I have done today. It is not going to be a quick nor easy task… as there are approx. 25k bloggers that I need to connect with and bring to the #steem blockchain. I am VERY pleased to say that in the mere hour or two that I have dedicated to this initiative today, I already have 6 potentials. Yes, six is a FAR CRY from 25k and will be a mammoth challenge… – but so was winning the 20k dpoll haha!!! – And as you have no doubt gathered, I quite like a challenge haha!!!

You can read the "launch" post for this initiative - HERE

SAVING ONE OF THE BEST FOR LAST....

Last, but DEFINITELY not least... I would like to highlight someone VERY SPECIAL and also a man which very CLEARLY shares a very similar vision to mine of sharing STEEM with the world. IT was the ENTIRE reason I made the decision to rebrand and start an entirely new server - from @steemitbloggers to #powerhousecreatives, so that we could begin to encompass, educate, inform and INSPIRE people to get involved with Steem!

@nathanmars - You my friend are an absolute LEGEND!!!!!!! a RARITY among men! I hope your light continues to shine bright for a VERY LONG, LONG, LOOOONG time to come!!!!

IN CLOSING...

I think I have waffled an adequate amount for one evening lol! I feel incredibly blessed to make a post like this because it is filled with SO MUUUUCH love - not from me, but from every other direction TOWARDS us and me. So again, thank you to EVERYONE!!!! I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!! Be we close or not, whether we engage often or not - you ALL impact my experience here and are "one" of MANY "facets" which comprise the complete reason which I stick around.

And now, it is WINE TIME!!!!! hahahaha!!! CHEERS PEEPS!!!

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Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx

^{Posted from Instagram via Share2Steem}

WHO ARE THE

The Power House Creatives is a discord community of individuals who are committed to producing content which adds value across multiple platforms. We are STRONGLY focused on supporting our fellow members individual growth as well as offering support to those that are still trying to get ahead. We are a CLOSE KNIT community of individuals, each with our own strengths, passions and input, yet ALL willing to go the extra mile for our family members... WHY? - because, simply put - we CARE about one another and MANY HANDS make light work! - THAT is what FAMILY is about! - To infinity and beyond...

INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING CURATION INITIATIVES?

@theluvbug regularly supports the Steemit community with upvotes and resteems of great content which is really adding value to this platform, but in order to grow and be able to offer MORE SUPPORT, @theluvbug needs your help - with upvotes and resteems of the latest curation announcements on that profile.

THE AMAZING PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR US!!!

_{^{@appreciator
@appreciator
@adetorrent
@cryptomancer
@flipstar
@meesterboom
@nuthman
@davedickeyyall
@bitrocker2020
@abh12345
@isaria
@amico
@blewitt
@project7
@macoolette
@pixelfan
@improv
@kenny-crane
@pouchon
@boxcarblue
@sardrt
@daltono
@runicar
@simplymike
@phortun
@c0ff33a
@delishtreats
@zord189
@algo.coder
@tibfox
@jaynie
@morkrock
@bafi
@princessmewmew
@tomhall
@azizbd
@nikv
@felt.buzz
@buttcoins
@immanuel94
@arunava
@georgeboya
@reinhard-schmid
@abitcoinskeptic
@blanchy
@giantbear
@livvu
@masterthematrix
@mariannewest
@apolymask
@girlbeforemirror
@thekitchenfairy
@trincowski
@clixmoney
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@nomadicsoul
@kimzwarch
@mvd
@onepercentbetter
@veryspider
@shadowspub
@condeas
@djlethalskillz
@dswigle
@derangedvisions
@atomcollector
@superoo7
@steemflow
@steemcommunity
@goldendawne
@snook
@kaelci
@iamjadeline
@zen-art
@azurejasper
@saffisara
@bengy
@arbitrarykitten
@camuel
@matkodurko
@schoolforsdg4
@balticbadger
@oscarps
@emsonic
@brittandjosie
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@cryptogee
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@nmcdougal94
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@fernando.lubezki
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@olaexcel
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@aziz-socialshare
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@gg2
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@musicfan
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@savagekathryn
@abellehera
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@largefarva
@resteempro
@steemaddiction
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@sunset
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@matuca
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@larasbpn
@layneebug
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@maitre
@melissamyra
@yelbosco
@erlina-aurora
@kristaldiva
@pedronel
@the.punisher
@ambergrace
@aron117
@vangie}}