What began as a persuasion from my friends and then my own later compliance brought me into this space, this blockchain, where I don't think I'm ever leaving. Not now, not later. For someone who didn't show much effort or enthusiasm initially about joining this Web3 space, it's funny now that I talk of never leaving. Well, except it leaves me, which I don't know how that would happen.
Image created on Canva.
About a month ago, I celebrated my Hiversary; marking a year here on the blockchain. It was a monumental achievement for me because it reflected my effort and growth on the blockchain. I didn't casually stroll into the blockchain, but then, I didn't expect to be so captivated by it that it would become a part of my daily activities. Through the one year here, I've published several pieces of content that left me mesmerised when I got such notifications.
My little stay of a year on Hive has been nothing short of a gain and a blessing. I've been inspired by the works of many here; be it writing, crafts and DIY projects, music, photography and the lot that the blockchain offers and encourages. I've also seen myself grow and become more deliberate in the art of writing, which I haven't really been in my journey as a writer. Well, except it was for a contest. However, this space made me more intentional about this skill.
With all that, would you expect me to leave such a space? No. I don't think I'm doing that. Not when I'm getting a good hang of things around here. At first, it was about blogging for me and hopefully gaining some rewards. I did get through the wonderful curation work of 
Screenshot; when I hit 1K HP.
I must say kudos to those who have spent multiple years on this blockchain. Having people like that still around is an encouragement to keep going in the blockchain. Through that, I got to realise and even experience one of the beauties of Hive which I consider keeps them around and is sure keeping me too. That's the opportunity and platform to connect with people from several parts of the world that my earthly sojourn wouldn't probably ever take me.
Hive has turned out to be like an “online home” for me, and I have some of these friendships and connections to thank for it. That's one reason I know I'll be staying here on Hive. I didn't really expect something like that when I came in. I understood the rules of the blockchain, and maybe I took it too far by thinking such wouldn't likely exist. Today, it's one of the things that keep me on Hive, even when I'm not making a post. This is where the conversations on Discord servers come in as well.
Nonetheless, this will be incomplete if I fail to mention that one of the encouragements to stay on Hive is the reward. I've seen growth, and connections established, undeniable. Nevertheless, I've seen rewards that have translated to a financial gain for me. I've been able to meet a lot of personal needs from the rewards that come from this blockchain. It isn't the total motivation to stay here, but for sure it's one. And this goes beyond just the reward, but the idea that my efforts and skills, even in the most unrefined nature, are well appreciated and rewarded.
Day by day, time to time, I keep getting a catch of something new or unknown to me about the blockchain. Since I have much to learn and gain as well, I see myself staying here on Hive, not leaving now or later. The Hive ecosystem encapsulates a lot even beyond the normal convention of what Hive is, and I want to be here to see and know it all. To see more of it and grow with it. And for someone who's doing well to spread the news about Hive to bring others in, don't expect me to leave. Nah! I'm staying here.
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Images are mine.