I'm a year old! And I'm already speaking, writing and blogging! Wow babies these days are social media ready right from the get go! 

Okay, so I guess the more accurate title would be: 

#### Happy Steemit Birthday to Me - I'm a Year Old

<center>![elderly-enjoyment-facial-expression-2050991.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQochJhp5TRtFmZy7NEp1BuZkRmSgJgLXDvXpbTV4LA1E/elderly-enjoyment-facial-expression-2050991.jpg)
[image](https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-brown-overalls-near-brown-tree-2050991/)</center>

Three days ago, I got a message from @steemitboard saying I'm a year old now and of course the Steemit thing to do would be to write a post on how far I've come. So here goes. 

##### 1. Communities - an integral part of Steemit

It is nice to belong to a very strong community that believes in building people up like @teammalaysia. I am also in a social community group called @buddyup where we just hang out, shoot the breeze and do this thing called Drop in the Ocean - writing pieces on word of the week.  

But I have also come across lots of interesting communities on cleaning up the planet, homesteading, eco friendly communities, writing, exercise, cooking etc. It's really amazing to see how much passion people have in their hearts. And there are a lot of good people out here.

Some communities really dig deep to provide support, and it helps when a large portion of the community are generally giving. ON the flip side, there are some that feel the burn out because, well truth is not everyone plays nice or is on the same level of community mindset as the rest.

As I hang around them longer, I get to see a multicoloured facet. People will be people everywhere. The thing to stay focused on is to stay true to my heart, what I stand for and how I treat people - because we all have a choice, and it's simple we either choose to make our interactions empowering or we choose to gripe and bring people down. We all know the outcome of each one ;)

##### 2. Content - what makes this platform interesting

There are some amazing content on this platform, and some well - you know who they are. 

I've enjoyed a wide variety of talent and interests that land on this platform and share their work. It's amazing to "meet" these artists, creators and writers. 


There is a trend that I've noticed where people get tagged onto posts. I don't mind it when the content is my interest area and I have asked for it, but it seems some people like to pick up on existing tag lists and just continue building on them. Is this an effective way to build a following and build yourself up on this platform - personally not my cup of tea. However some others excel at this, so it really depends on your style. Being an introvert, it clearly doesn't work for me. 

##### 3. Crypto World - the technology that helps run this platform

I have gained a little bit more information and knowledge around this platform and other crypto currencies and how they operate, but I'm not entirely proficient in the field. I have much respect for people who are trying to use the blockchain technology to make this world a better place, but I also see a lot of adoption struggles, and sustainability struggles. It has great potential - but one thing that we all underestimate is the power of people. 

Whether it is machines, apps or other advanced technology - the final adopters are humans. Our choices, our behaviours and our attitudes effect a lot of where the technology goes. Globally, we are still having trouble with self governance - so until a large percentage of us wake up and stop pointing fingers at the world outside and look at how we need to change our thoughts and actions - we will continue hitting road bumps and stone walls on adoption successes for a decentralised system. 

We speak about how much we want it, but the truth is much of the world is still hard wired for a consumeristic mindset led by large monopolies, what's in it for me concept that doesn't allow for true collaboration and a"Will people like me" attitude to stay safe. I am no exception. If we analyse our choices more closely we will see the patterns running across all areas of our lives. 

So, though there is a huge aspect of technology that runs and supports this platform - us the users have the responsibility of how we use it and what we create out of it.


##### 4. Connections - the gems along the way

What I truly enjoy on this platform is the number of genuine people I've met here. Seems almost at odds with my earlier statement above, but the truth is - on a more personal note, we are all struggling humans here on this platform. When we connect and open up to each other we find friendships, working partnerships and support systems.  

I never imagined becoming friends with people in such faraway places. Hearing about their day, their aspirations, their daily struggles and their joys.

To me, this and coming across good content is what makes this platform work for me. 

I appreciate the people who work so hard in the back-end of the systems and flow - like the witnesses and the developers - without whom we won't have the social platform that we do. 

##### 5. C - this final C is for me Chitrah

I am just especially grateful for having found this platform, as it has been my foray into blogging. Steemit has been a kind place for that thanks to all the C's above. 

Finding my voice, beeing free to authentically write from my heart be it poetry, fiction pieces, personal accounts, blogs on my thoughts, or sharing some personal passion - this one year has been a journey of growth. 

Through some very challenging times, it is nice to have this one outlet here to express my realisations. It wasn't so much about the upvotes or how many followers to build up, rather it has been about that freedom to BE and the unexpected visitors it has brought into my life. It is heartwarming when someone stops by every now and then to tell me they resonate, connect and relate to a piece at a deeper level.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Well - today is a very honest and mellow kind of day. As is reflected in my writing. There's always going to be high points and low points for all of us. The same with Steemit. 

But as with Life it is not about what is given, but what you make of it. 

Blessed moments ahead. If you have stopped by to read this ALL the way - Thank You for your time and attention ;)

Steem On! You Awesome Person - You Rock.