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The first blog of 2024

And then suddenly it is January 1, 2024, which means for me that I first want to wish you a wonderful and prosperous 2024. A new year lies ahead of us. And a new year brings new hopes, opportunities, and challenges. As we say goodbye to 2023, a year that was undoubtedly filled with highs and lows for everyone, on this first day of the new year we often look forward with anticipation to what 2024 will bring us.

Every Day Is A Good Day

Let me make it clear that I am normally not someone who makes New Year's resolutions. Let's be honest, you often keep this up for 2 weeks, and then they end up in the trash bin somewhere because all these good intentions are often resolutions that you make in an emotional mood. I believe more in the statement that EVERY day is a day to make changes. And that good intentions are nice, but if they only remain resolutions, you will not achieve anything. No matter how good they are. It is the actions that bring change. And whether it is on January 1 that you think of something or on March 14. If you cannot fulfill your intentions, they always leave you disappointed.

I Do Need To Change Up Things Drastically

No matter how realistic I look at these things, that doesn't mean that I don't foresee changes for myself, and for us, this year. Things will HAVE to change. And that doesn't have much to do with the 'good intentions' that I want to make. But more with a harsh reality that threatens to overtake us, especially me. 2023 has been a year of self-reflection, and personal growth, but also a year of realization of some hard truths. Living in the Netherlands, where the cost of living continues to rise, has confronted me time and time again with the importance of financial stability. Although we manage to make ends meet each month, our financial well-being hangs in the balance. And especially my financial well-being. I don't have a fixed income, and that needs to change. This requires me to reevaluate my priorities and also find the determination to change this situation. And unfortunately, I have to overcome some major obstacles to do this.

Hive Has Brought Me So Much

As many of you know, I got into the blockchain six years ago through Steemit. I was deeply disappointed by my inability to find a job after my contract was terminated in 2014, and I grabbed the opportunity to earn some extra money through blogging with both hands. All these years I have put most of my time, and my heart and soul, into Steemit, and later Hive. This has brought me a lot, and it was, and is, wonderful to have a place where I can express my passion for writing. It has given me valuable relationships and I have met like-minded people. The problem is that despite my deep love for Hive, I have to be honest with myself. A stable income that I can use to build up in the Netherlands by blogging on this platform has proven to be a bridge too far for me.

Reality Caught Up With Me

It's not fun to accept this reality. Despite all my efforts and dedication, the financial reality of living in the Netherlands has caught up with me and as much as I appreciate Hive, I cannot make a living here. You don't know how much I wish this were different, but it isn't (yet). Accepting this reality doesn't mean I'm turning my back on Hive! Not at all! Don't worry about that. On the contrary, I will always remain an active member of this wonderful community. But it does mean that I will have to shift my focus. And that I will have to find new avenues to explore. These financial goals will have to be achieved in any case.

No Matter What You Call This

Whether you want to call them "New Year's Resolutions" or "personal goals", it doesn't matter. But in 2024 I will have to focus on:

1. Financial Stability: The most important thing of all is that I can generate a stable and reliable income that provides the necessary security for both me and my partner. How I will do that is still written in the stars for me, but it will in any case mean that I can spend less time on Hive, unless a paid offer comes my way of course via Hive, I will also keep that option open. and I would grab it with both hands. Because even though my focus needs to be shifted, and 'monetization' is now at the top of my priority list, I certainly don't want to lose my involvement with the Hive community. So yes, I will continue to blog, comment, and actively participate in discussions, albeit possibly on a lower level. The balance will have to be found.
   
   

2. Personal Development: In addition to financial stability, I want to continue investing in my personal growth. Personal growth never stops, I don't need to say anything more about that. That goes without saying.
   
   

3. Enjoy: I consider myself a person who takes many things personally. I can get completely upset over the smallest things. Major events in the world affect me personally and drain me of an enormous amount of energy, which can very easily plunge me into depression. And depression soon lurks. Dealing with this in the current situation around the world is not easy. Also in 2023 there have been many events in the world that upset me. Even anxiety attacks. I turned into myself even more, and even going to the supermarket almost took too much of the energy I so desperately needed to keep myself afloat. The love for and from my partner and dogs kept me going. But it certainly wasn't always easy. And that also has to change, I have to learn that I have to stay in the 'here and now'. Enjoy what is NOW and HERE. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
   
   

Don't Overthink Things

I'm sure more will come to mind if I want to think about it longer, but I don't want to today. So now it remains for me to end this first blog of the new year with a New Year's wish straight from my heart.

My Wish For All Of You

I wish everyone at Hive a year full of health, happiness, and success, and of course a bull run later this year!

LET'S DO THIS!