Hello my dear friend. I have been trying not to read between the lines but I have to admit to not being surprised by your thoughts at this stage. So many of us are re-evaluating our commitment to steemit in light of the decline in our accounts, low votes and general negativity as a result. I understand completely about the difficulty you face to get re-motivated after spending quality time away from the internet, with the people who mean the most to you. Even after a couple of days away, I go through exactly the same thing.

What keeps me coming back is not steemit necessarily as that is only the means with which I can derive more pleasure from my hobby, be inspired, encourage and be encouraged and keep in touch with my friends here. You and I both know how easy it is to slip into our self protective cocoons when life doesn't reward us for our efforts or when, what we have hoped for in certain areas appears to slip from our grasp.

The thing with steemit and cryptocurrency (which I still haven't got a handle on) is...….most of it is out of our control. And this is a real key as to whether or not we hang in here hoping for things to improve. As for me, I've adopted the attitude that I haven't put a cent into steemit. I've put a ton of hours and effort into my blogs and yes, I have taken trips for photography opportunities but as getting out and about amongst nature is something that gives me great pleasure, it has been most definitely worth it. I haven't a clue any more as to what our realistic or unrealistic goals should be for steemit, but I've stopped sweating those details.

You have to do what is right and healthy for you to do Keith and only you know what that is. I mentioned that we don't have much control over the outcome of cryptocurrency or steemit but what we do have control over is building our SP levels in the event that things turn around in the not too distant future. And I know I would regret pulling out when that happens. I can do a lot more with the money when that happens than with the small amount I have in my account at the moment. (Although a cruise sounds pretty cruisy right now) (lol)

Initially I was motivated by seeing how people have been able to make significant improvements to their financial situations. There is not a lot I can do to boost my financial situation but I still have a vision that steemit maybe a way to provide more financial freedom and I am not giving up on that dream. In recent weeks I stopped focusing on the monetary factors and have concentrated on getting my SP to 500. Anything else is a bonus.

The last few weeks have given me a sense of Deja Vu after what happened with Tsu. I ask myself, "What would I be doing with my time if I wasn't involved with steemit?" Lots of enjoyable things, for sure. But what I also realise is, that we all have creative urges within us and if we are able to cultivate and grow these passions, we are content...…..and fulfilled to a large degree.

Photography is not just about taking photos. It is appreciating the finer detail, striving to improve techniques, (of which I had very little when I joined Tsu) getting out of the house, interacting with like minded people, keeping my brain active and stimulated and enjoying the friendship of others who have invested time and energy into helping me keep my creative fires burning.

My advice to you, is to not stop doing what you have a tremendous talent for. If doing so daily is not enjoyable or taking you away from other priorities, post every 3 or 4 days...…..once a week or a fortnight if that suits you. Don't put yourself under any pressure or feel you have to interact more than what is comfortable for you.

Keep your creative passions alive my friend but do it your way. I will be very sad to see you go but ask yourself this question. "What have I got to loose by leaving?" (apart from some hard earned dollars.) Take them and put them to good use and don't feel bad about it. Do your camping trips...…..but please call in and share your amazing work with us from time to time.

Posting my work on FB does not inspire me. So, whatever happens here in Steemit, and despite the many setbacks I've endured in my life, I'll continue to do what inspires me for my personal growth and well being and I really hope you will do the same.

I send you friendly hugs and blessings and whatever you decide, I know we will keep in touch...….even if we have to do via (Choke, Cough, Splutter) FB. (lol)