Another synonym would be "same as before" or "Same as always"

Yes, I would say "kept" more naturally. Like the person below, using the word "kept" means that you did it on purpose.

Help OUT!

Oh <strike>gods</strike> <font style="background-color: yellow;">God</font>, can anyone help me out and practise (this is British spelling)<strike> </strike><font style="background-color: yellow;">practice</font>  (this is the American spelling of the word) <font style="background-color: yellow;">E</font><strike>e</strike>nglish with me<font style="background-color: yellow;">?</font> :D

Make your roots stronger (A small story)

One day a man lost his hope in his life and decided to quit his job, his relationship, and he wanted to quit his life. He went to a forest to have one last talk with God.

He asked, ”Dear God, why should I live? Can you give me one good reason to live?”

God said ”Look around. Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

He replied ”Yes”.

God said ”When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the land, but nothing came from the bamboo seeds. But However, I did not quit give up on the bamboo seeds.

In the second year, the fFern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seeds. But I did not quit give up on the bamboo.

Even In the third year, there was nothing from the bamboo seeds. But I did not quit. Even in the forth year, there was nothing from the bamboo seeds. But I did not quit.

Then in the fifth year, very small sprouts emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, they were very small and unimportant. But just 6 months later the bamboo trees grew 100 feet tall. They had spent the last five years growing roots.
Those roots made themselves stronger and stronger for the future development. Now see these greenish bamboo trees. These are the tallest in this forest.

Dear child, I do not give you anything which you cannot handle.

Did you know, my child? You have been struggling for a long time. You are facing so many difficulties in your life. It means actually you are growing your roots for your beautiful future. I did not give up on the bamboo. Similarly I will never give up on you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Your time will come. You will rise high."

The man asked, ”How long should I wait?”

God said "Don't wait without trying. Concentrate on making your roots stronger and stronger. Surprisingly and unexpectedly you will rise high. Your rising high is unstoppable. Nobody can stop your growth. You will become a winner very soon."

With a strong decision, the man said “Thanks a lot, dear God. I will make my roots stronger and stronger. I will work hard. I will do what I have to do."

The man started coming back to his home with a lot of new self confidence.