It has been two years since I walked along the hallways of HubPages. And as I take a trip down memory lane I can’t help but smile because HubPages has become my home of sorts…online.

Hubber Susan Ng didn’t have to drag me here after her HubPages announcement. We have been looking for ways to earn extra money on the internet. And this one sounded feasible. I hear the words writing…hubs…any topic of your choice…part time or full time…Google adsense. It didn’t make much sense then but I heard myself say, “Sounds good. Yes, I’ll join.”

And just like anything else in life, saying “yes” started it all.

HubPages was like a blank slate beckoning to your soul to share that part of you that longed to express things in words. As I browsed through the topics, excitement bubbled up from my streams of consciousness. “I can write about this. I can write about that. I can! I know I can!” It was as if a whole new world had rolled open before my eyes and it was full of endless possibilities.

And just like anything else in life, the idea of endless possibilities brings about an excitement that propels you forward to greater heights.

HubPages became a venue to meet people from all walks of life. Anyone can be a member for free. When you sign up, it doesn’t matter what beliefs you have, what you eat for breakfast everyday, what kind of lingerie you wear when you sleep, whether you brush your teeth religiously or not, you can sign up and be officially called a Hubber.

I have enjoyed the interactions, the bantering, the exchange of ideas and opinions and getting to know different kinds of people. Oh yes! There are so many varied and interesting personalities and characters that you relate to; and each “relationship” has its own unique flavor to it.

For the most part, the hubbers I relate to have been very encouraging and supportive. Because of this, friendships have blossomed. Little successes can now be shared and celebrated. Prayers are asked during life’s challenges and problems. Laughter crosses the oceans and miles that seemingly separates us. Somewhere in between the writing, reading and leaving comments, your heart has opened up. In this bonding, I see myself grow. And I rejoice because I recognize the beauty of connecting with people and building bridges to each other’s lives.

And just like anything else in life, if you want to make friends then be a friend first. If you come barging in with an axe in your hand coupled with a battle cry on your lips, then you can be sure people with axes will appear too. But if you show kindness, compassion and love, then more of that will return to you.

HubPages to me became a place of learning. As I took the time to read the various hubs that intrigued me, my mind expanded in leaps and bounds. I traveled to different countries, immersed in other people’s cultures and customs, watched beautiful photos of festivities and sceneries, basking in the sun, learning how to watch my weight and eat what is right, tips and advice on all the topics you could think of and on and on and on. The heart was no exception. Reading inspirational articles is the one thing that brings light to my soul. And I read that the most.

And just like anything else in life, learning something new adds the thrill and spice to life. Knowledge opens your world. Wisdom gives you another perspective. Growth erases boredom.

Given the fact that I only wrote 38 hubs during the two years I’ve been with Hubpages; I cannot make heads or tails about keywords and SEO; and I haven’t been actively promoting my hubs in social bookmarking sites, but I have already received my Google adsense payout!

It is possible to earn! And I know many hubbers are earning regularly and with a higher rate too. Now don’t ask me how much because I absolutely have no idea. But working on this as part time, I am a happy hubber already. I can shout loud and clear. I am earning! Yippee!!!

And just like anything else in life, I jumped with glee at all my first time experiences -- the very first time I got my salary, the first time my article was published in the local newspaper, the first time it appeared in a magazine and of course, the first time I got my Google adsense payout!

One of these days, I see myself jump as high as I can the very first time I will have my first million dollars. Now wouldn’t that be something? Okay, I'm daydreaming... now where was I?

Life on HubPages has been an interesting journey.

I’ve participated in the Hubnuggets as the team’s official cheerleader, joined the Hubmobs when I have the time to research on specific topics and just said yes to the HubChallenge of writing 30 hubs in 30 days. There is always something new in HubPages.

The community on HubPages gives me the opportunity to accept people as they are; learn to respect each other for varying opinions and perspectives and allowing each person to be. And if we don't see things eye to eye, we just stay out of each other's way . Hahaha

Yes, HubPages made me define myself time and time again. Who am I? What am I doing? What ripples am I creating? Am I able to respond in love? Am I able to share my gift of healing? I watched myself as I respond to comments, read hubs and be consciously aware of where I am in my life.

I have come to recognize that writing to me is not about competing. It is not about impressing but expressing of oneself. And I have chosen the path to share and express all things that gives me hope, which brings me joy and inspires me to be a better person. I joyfully wish that it will touch people’s lives as it did mine.

HubPages gave me that and more. It also taught me to love.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

By: Michelle Simtoco