Happy Friday everyone! I've seen a lot of these lately, so I'm happy to be in great company sharing my Steemit 1-year anniversary. Or really a birthday if you will, as I do feel like this experience really was the birth of a new side of myself both personally and professionally! I am so thankful that 
Hive account@dksart twisted my arm into making an account last August because I have met so many wonderful people all across the globe that I never would have met otherwise. There are definitely highs and lows to any adventure, but I think I can say for sure most of this blogging experience has been extremely positive and rewarding.
It is quite funny looking back now, but I started out as quite unsure of myself and a bit fearful to share the bits and pieces of my world with strangers. Even just sharing recipes was a totally new experience for me. I think I started my Wordpress page just a few weeks before I started on here, so Steemit really has been a huge part of my whole blogging progression. I came into it thinking Hive account@dksart was nuts as I had (still have) very little experience with cryptocurrency and had no clue what a blockchain was. Luckily I've got him to guide me through the technical stuff, so I can enjoy my favorite part of this--the people!
Though I may not be a part of as many groups as some, the ones I do take part in along with the amazing individual bonds I have made are very dear to me. So much so I am going to highlight the big ones next week for a little September anniversary challenge! Get ready 
Hive account@steemusa, 
Hive account@vegansofsteemit and 
Hive account@runningproject to join in on some fitness fun. ;) I'll save the specifics for my challenge announcement post, but the point is to give back a bit to those groups that have really supported me as well as make sure I keep up the connections within them. If you have followed me long enough to remember my pumpkin challenge, the one coming up will have a similar flair!
One of the things that has helped me connect the most and really push myself to try new things has been joining in on the neat challenges that some of my favorite friends have hosted in the past or still host. My dear friend 
Hive account@lenasveganliving is just about to hit a full year hosting her ever-positive and inspiring #fruitsandveggiesmonday challenge. I can't thank Lena enough for all of her support and kind words over the year. Two ladies who also hosted challenges that I joined in on early on are 
Hive account@woman-onthe-wing and 
Hive account@heart-to-heart. Though they are not as active on here at the moment, they are two wonderfully talented and driven ladies that helped boost my confidence early on. I know life needs to be lived outside of the screen, but I hope to see both my girls back here soon. ;) The 
Hive account@cookwithus crew is also really fantastic. Tons of amazing entries every week, but even more so the community is another gem with all of the kind words and support. The terrific trio of 
Hive account@chefsteve, 
Hive account@pandamama and 
Hive account@offoodandart do a wonderful job of running a stand-up contest.
I also need to give a little credit to 
Hive account@jumowa for hosting the #runforsteem for quite a stretch! 
Hive account@chelsea88 who I think I originally came across in the USA group, was the first one to introduce me to the initiative. It was a fantastic way to connect with the other runners on here, and ultimately with 
Hive account@toofasteddie's baby the Hive account@runningproject. I have enjoyed running for quite a while, but I totally got a renewed boost of enthusiasm from connecting with these guys and gals. I am inspired by all of the hard work everyone puts in, and I know it has kept me more consistent in blazing my own trails here in my own town.
Though the Hive account@vegansofsteemit started by 
Hive account@evecab is a fairly new group page, the Discord channel has been going strong for a while now and I am constantly finding new people to connect with through that group. I still don't know a lot of other vegheads in person, so that has been another really rewarding experience on here. Connecting with other people who have similar stances on such big things like the quality of our food and animal rights has been such a boost to my confidence that I have picked the right path. I don't even know where to begin with all of the killer (but not killers, ha) individuals I have met that show how delicious, beautiful, strong, and fulfilling the plant-based life can be. You all continue to make me want to be a better person.
Hive account@steemusa was actually the first group I officially became a part of (outside of contests), which is a big deal for an introvert like me who is not always much of a joiner. ;) It is probably the most diverse group I am a part of since we are tied by geography but not necessarily by our passions we share in blogging. I do very much enjoy meeting people I would not normally come across in my usually food and fitness sphere. So many amazing photographers, homesteaders, comedians, musicians and all kinds of different specialties. I don't always get a chance to scope out what everyone is sharing, but perhaps this is a good time to make my rounds again in case I'm missing some quality work!
I could go on, but I think you all get the idea! Thank you all who read this or who have every shared a kind word on any of my posts. I appreciate it more than you know. I hope to continue creating content, making connections, and supporting others for many more years to come! Cheers!
(Banners by @woman-onthe-wing, @dksart and @bearone for @steemusa)
