You are right, all of the self-help DOES help a little at a time.
I know what you mean about belonging here....I feel the same way, like I've finally found my place and it's such a combination of different things in steemit and in me that makes it the right fit.
I agree, this IS the great thing about technology and I would never have imagined something rich and wonderful opening up in my life because of the new technological access. And I'm so glad to meet friends like you!