2017 – I Knew You So Well
Well 2017 has turned out to be an interesting year. A year of dramatic changes, contemplation, and exploration – both at a physical and soul level. At a macro level we have all certainly felt the shifting energies and observed the changes taking place all around us. And been swamped by other people's opinions of what all of that meant. Good, bad, indifferent? I have my own opinions, but I generally keep those to myself. And besides they change, as circumstances change. Life is like that. Well mine is anyway.
But this is more of a review of things at a personal level. At least as it relates to Steemit and the nature of what I post here. I feel like I have achieved so much over these past 12 months. And yet in other ways, I feel like I failed to achieve what I had set out to do. This isn't so much about setting resolutions, but taking stock and reviewing.
Writing
In November of 2016 I wrote a 50,000 word novel called My Sister's Keeper as part of NaNoWriMo. I predominately 'pantsed' (made it up as I went) that experience. But I completed it, and thought that I had the bare bones of a decent story there. One to work on and rewrite in the future. The future being 2017. And yet 2017 came, and went, and I never put pen to paper (finger to keyboard, more appropriately). In fact I never even reread the story. I kept telling myself I would. I did intend to. And it is still on my list of things I wish to accomplish. Lets see what 2018 brings.
I also started a new novel called The Memoirs of a Forgotten Man but ran out of steam and motivation part way through it. This, I have found, was a product of trying to make it up as you go. The story just seemed to fall apart in my head, and I became distracted, and disillusioned by it. This lead to me eventually (after returning to Steemit) taking my writing education more seriously. I decided to make a concerted effort to read as much as I could, to write more often, and to study the art and craft of writing. So the experience wasn't a total waste, and the story will be revisited in the future at some point (not certain when exactly).
On a positive note, with regards to writing, I did complete 30 days of posting everyday. This lead to the creation of the Notes From An Amateur Writer series, and a foundation of what I wish this blog to be about – writing in general, my exploration of the topic, and my experiences in pursuit of becoming an author. These 30 consecutive posts amounted to approximately 30,000 words published, so it did end up being quite an achievement. This included several short stories, most of which I am happy with.
I have observed with interest the growth in the number of writers here at Steemit, and the number of writing groups. Discord has been a big part of facilitating that. Unfortunately I am not the most active user of these chat services. I am hoping to change that, but it is an area I struggle with. I can be a bit too unsocial for my good. But these groups are beneficial, as writing can be a solitary experience, and receiving valuable feedback from other writers is a core part of trying to grow as a writer. As with all other areas of my life, all I can do is best, and try to improve upon that as time and opportunity allows.
Health
I did end up having two periods of time where I was absent from Steemit. Both due to health issues. The same particular one, and it probably affects me more at a mental level than physical. I have discussed the health issues in the past, and I don't wish to make those a central part of this post, but for any new readers, I have cancer (for the second time), so I can cycle through high energy times, and low energy times – both physical and emotional. Writing has helped a lot with getting through all of that. And Steemit is at the core of all of my writing. So in effect, Steemit is a form of therapy for me.
Spain
I moved to Spain recently, with a view to possibly settling in Ireland. There is a lot more I could say about this, but will keep it brief for the time being. My wife is from Ireland, and her mother currently resides in Spain, so this has been a central part of those decisions. She hadn't seen her mother for too long, so a decision was made to live near her in Spain, and take it from there. My health issues do need to be taken into consideration, so some things are still uncertain and undecided.
I have enjoyed my time in Spain. I like the country, and the Spanish people. I will have to wait and see what the future hold with regards to my time here.
Cryptocurrencies
I have been very positively impacted by the upwards momentum of the cryptocurrencies throughout 2017. I have had to dip into them, unfortunately. But it has helped with the financial pressures due to the health situation. I am a firm believer in the continuation in these moves (not necessarily at the extreme levels of growth we saw in 2017, but who knows), but I continue to study this topic a lot in my spare time. I do try to stay up to date on the field and the dynamics that are impacting upon it.
I do believe that the next decade will be a time of radical change, and the cryptocurrencies in general, and Bitcoin in particular, will play a major role in those changes. Just as the internet brought changes, and those changes are still rippling through society at so many levels, so too will the evolution in our monetary system see radical and beneficial changes to society.
From the opportunity to self publish as an author (the micro level), a very real opportunity these days, all the way through to a shift in the financial balance of the world around us (the macro level), I have benefited from these changes in a small way, and intend to stay in a position where I can benefit from them into the future. This is my wish for 2018. For both myself and my friends here at Steemit.
On To 2018
So that was my 2017, as it relates to Steemit. So much more happened, but I won't bore you with the details. I have enjoyed my time here (and yes, it will continue – hopefully with fewer silences), and reading through the many and varied posts of those I follow (and who follow me).
Adios amigos.
Image used with permission, and thanks to unsplash.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you liked it then please like, comment, and follow.
@naquoya
Links to earlier works