After pretending not to see politely declining various Steemit challenge requests in the past, I've finally given in to 'girlpowa' and have a different kind of blog to which you would normally see from @abh12345 on your feed.

@limabeing aka Capn GirlPowa recently wrote a blog titled '5 Blockchain dudes That Give Me Hope (For Gender Equality) #womenspeakout de limabeing- UNO' in which she gave props to guys here on the Steem Blockchain, and 'gave permission' to us dudes to use the #womenspeakout tag.

I actually wasn't one of the 5 but did appear in the footnotes (pshhh!), and 'stupidly' added a comment to which the challenge request was reiterated.

So, I will leave my sarcastic, male ego at the door and attempt to write about about 'the women that inspire me to cry or cheer-lead'.

And don't worry lima, when you said 'get some tissues' - us men always have tissues handy :p

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Dear Mum

Before opening my heart out to the key person in my post today, I have to first mention my lovely mother who has recently (after at least 5 link sends) found my blog, as is following silently from Mallorca, Spain.

I want to say, thank you for making me... ok, ok!

Thank you for making me and raising me to be the person I am today. Your tireless effort and walks up and down the stairs with breakfast and cups of tea, to encourage both me and your other son out of bed for school each day, gave us the energy and motivation we needed to perform.

As with your mother, your kind heart and caring thoughts and actions will never be forgotten, and I love you very much.

<3 (This means 'love' mum, because it looks like a heart) xxxxxx

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Brief introduction

About 16 months ago, I moved to Valencia on the east coast of Spain. Nervous, feeling lost, and still with many doubts over my ability in the field of IT and general well-being in the mind and soul, I met a woman who was to change all that, and much else too.

Back in the UK, I'd been struggling with 'life', and many factors had combined to leave me feeling generally down. Without going into to much detail and too far off track (this blog is not about me), I suffered anxiety and depression which first affected my mental stability, and then my physical health.

I made huge changes, including leaving the UK for more vitamin D and this seems to have helped greatly. However, I still had many barriers and frailties to overcome, some of which were built many years ago.

Describing myself, I'd say shy, sensitive, and generally lacking a bit of drive to get the best out of myself, and this one life you get to live. This is where you come in...

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... mon amour aka Shifu

We met at the north gate of the Tower de Serrano and talked non-stop all evening over drinks in the heat of the long Valencian summer. I remember your eyes, such a pale colour of blue, and very focused on me - I ended up doing what I usually do when that happens, smile and look to the floor. I think you wondered, 'is he a man or a mouse', I'd go for mouse.

During our time together though, you have shown me so much. Your fierce desire not to stand still, to seek adventure and beauty every single day, and to not bow down to anyone, has livened my soul and given me many things I was lacking from my former self.

Over a year later and look where we have been. We have seen many towns, cities, and countries in our short time together and I know I wouldn't have experienced even a half of this, if I hadn't met you.

You are the spark I have so desperately needed in my life. You see beauty in things I would pass by without a thought, and your desire to get the most out of each day, makes me feel so lucky to be a part of your life. For this, I thank you.

And, I also want to thank you for:

• Cycling with me, including the wrong way down many one way streets and pedestrian zones, just because

• Building my confidence by exuding it yourself

• Beating me at table-tennis, and losing a 'few' games at Pool to make me feel better

• Pointing out my frequent dickish behavior and showing me my mistakes

• Correcting my spelling and grammar, even though English is not your first language (but mine!)

• And lastly but most importantly, thank you for showing me how to love and live each day

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You are a teacher by trade and a teacher in life, and the quote at the foot of your blogs gives the reader more insight into who you are, and what you are about:

'Learning is not a race for information, it is a walk of discovery' - Jane Healy

Thank you for choosing to walk and discover with me.

Asher x

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_{Sylvia and Asher}