Over the last few weeks I have been blown away from the support I have received. As someone who is normally behind the scenes, it’s not something I am use to. So, I just really wanted to take a minute to say Thank You. Even though I don’t think that those words could really do any justice to how I feel in reality.. but I’ll do my best to express it.

It started when I decided to take an Unexpected Journey and get out of my comfort zone. I decided to share more of myself, try new things and just ultimately be real.. the response I have gotten has meant the world to me.

One of the unexpected things that I decided to do was go to #SteemFest 3 this November. I decided that it was something I wanted to do, but just not something I would normally follow through with. The idea of putting myself out there in that sort of situation is not something I normally would have the guts to do.. I’d much rather sit in a corner and observe.. BUT, I had this desire to.. so, I’m doing it.

In fact, I am actually going to be presenting at the festival about something that I am truly passionate about; Curation. A few months ago that thought alone would have made me laugh... not only going to SteemFest, but presenting!?! No way. But, funny what can happen when you decide to get out of your comfort zone a bit.. opportunities start to open up.

Since announcing that I was in fact attending, the support came flowing in.. not just in upvotes, fundraising efforts and actual donations (which have been mind blowing), but in such supportive and encouraging comments. I think that this was the most apparent in This Post, which is a contest I entered for a ticket/accommodation at Steemfest. The second round of the contest involved the community coming to support you through comments of why they thought you should win.. and my jaw dropped.

I have never in my life seen that sort of support, ever. I was speechless and quite frankly I still am. I love this place and the people I have met here, but have never really thought that I contributed much on a large scale. I figured, I do what I can and it is what it is.. doesn’t make a huge difference.

While I still don’t think I am vital to this place, those comments made me feel like the small things I have done meant something.. and that is the absolute best feeling in the world.

So, to all of you.. Thank you, thank you for taking the time to say something... because it meant the world to me. Seriously, the outpouring of love has been so meaningful.

In fact, those comments and the support shown is more valuable to me than any contest I could ever win... I really feel like I already won something much more important.

Thank you for that ❤️

I know these are just words, but please know that they are so heartfelt.. and I appreciate you all more than you know. Maybe one day I’ll be able to properly thank you, until then.. these words are all I can give.

Much Love,

Justine