It always awesome to see someone appreciate generosity like this! I don't think there's anything wrong with cashing a little out for yourself. Like you said, it's reinvesting in yourself and your future content by upgrading things to help out. You deserve the success my friend, I'm fairly new here as well so we're all dreaming of full time steeming.
In fact, I'm treating myself to a new camera this weekend, full on Steem purchase, because even though you work for the rewards, the rewards should work for you as well.
See ya round bud!