It is no secret that I came to Steemit at the lowest point of my life. I am suffering from depression and there are some instances that it gets so bad that I don't want to go out at times. Locked away in my room I was in a perpetual loop of work, sleep, and brooding.
Steemit was just another blog platform for me to give shape to the demons in my head. It was a place to put words to the fears, to admit to myself that I am not doing okay. My mind a jumble of emotions and pain. My early months reflected this. The writing bad and all over the place. In a way, I forgot who I was and was focused too much on the pain and despair.
I found several individuals who shared the same pain and feeling lost. We were a ragtag group of individuals who were broken and found solace that we were not alone. That someone out there understood what I was going through.
It was a flicker of light amidst a sea of darkness. A spark that started a glow that led followers to a path. A vision of light in a fog of self-doubt and loneliness. It was a start.
December was supposed to be the end. Yet writing in Steemit awakened a need for me to stay and keep reading and engaging people especially those that were suffering like me. I felt there was a need to look forward to something and it was almost New Year already.
People make New Year's resolutions each year and break most of them. They create a list and forget about it as they lose traction or interest. One of the things that really worked for me was a Visionboard.
What is a visionboard?
it is a visual representation of your goals, hopes and dreams. It is your aspirations and what you want your life to be. It is the things that you want to achieve given enough time, patience and work
This was the way that I wanted to contribute. To engage people and have them look forward to the new year with hope. Now I didn't have the following yet and although I was in a community but then engagement is always a problem because as in most communities majority of the people are your drop linkers.
To be able to motivate people to do something you need a carrot to entice them. So a contest was a good way of doing things. I have seen people do contests that they want to earn a bigger prize pool, some also call for follows as a requirement and lastly to resteem for bigger exposure. It is not necessarily bad if those are what you are after but when I run contests it is a way for me to give back to the community and so I don't put a lot of these kinds of rules. I did have for this one resteem as a rule since I don't have a large enough audience.
My First Steemit Contest | A 2018 Vision Board | 8 SBD up for grabs
So there it was my first contest and I explained how to make a visionboard as well as shared mine. It made me pause and think what I wanted to be a reality for my 2018. It gave me purpose for what I wanted to do. I promoted it on a few communities I was in and expecting not a lot of entries because it entails more than a little work in listing, choosing images and consolidating it in their preferred medium. I would be lucky to even get five entries.
I woke up to congratulations from people. My messenger was bombarded by messages that said I was curied. At this point, I don't even know what @curie was.
When I opened the post It was over 250 in value and over 150 votes in. I was in trending for the tag of contest and people were seeing my Visionboard contest and leaving comments that they would join.
It remains one of the highest earning post that I have and most number of interactions. I also finished with 15 wonderful entries that embraced the spirit of the task and set out to create their visionboard with very doable goals.
One even said that it changed her outlook and made her look forward to 2018 with a little bit more hope. That was the best thing that I could hope for. To inspire people to see the future with hope. It was a way to give back to the community who have graciously supported me through my darkness and helped me step back into the light.
@futurethinker was the one that submitted my post and he always downplays the extraordinary thing that he did for me then. I didn't know him at that time but he would be instrumental in the change in me.
I saw that Steemit through getting that curie vote was life-changing. It made me realize that instead of being selfish and thinking only about myself that it was better to look outward and support people. It changed my perception of my purpose in Steemit. Sure to earn would be great but touching lives and making a difference in someone matters more. It made me embrace a pay-it-forward mentality which made me the person I am here in Steemit.
So who am I now in Steemit? Well, I am still a redfish but involved in community building and engagement.
I am part of the @promo-mentors movement by @futurethinker although I invited myself to that group and was not scouted. I work as both as a scout and moderator in that community looking for new steemians who needs a little mentoring.
I am also part of @newbieresteemday by @davemccoy who welcome new people and answer any questions that they may have with Steem,
I am in the top 10 of @abh12345 The Curation and Engagement Leagues - Sponsored by @carlgnash and @paulag!
Giving away over 800 votes which most of them are manual votes through posts, comments, and replies I have made while reading some of the people that add value to the Steem blockchain.
All of these was possible because one day in December @curie found my post and set me on the path I have today. That upvote made it possible for me to leash my first SP delegation that would help me spread my vote and give comments to those that need it.
I would like to think that curie had this butterfly effect that ripples outward as people become more grateful and embrace a more giving attitude. That curie vote not only saved me but possibly saved more lives that I have touched afterward.
So when I received a call for delegations from curie A call for delegation I did not hesitate for a moment and delegated all that I could send to them. It is not much as I am just merely a redfish but I am a redfish that cares enough to see that it continues to find and support undervalued authors who write exceptional posts that enriches the quality and value of the Steem Blockchain.
If Steem Inc. doesn't see the value of curation guilds like Curie and OCD let our support prove them wrong. Delegate SP that you can afford to send, vote for Curie as a witness and help them get back to the top 20. Even if our vote is just 1 Mega Vest or lower but with enough numbers, we can make a difference.
So you have not received a curie vote so you they have no use for you? Or you have received a curie vote but don't feel to be obligated to vote for them. It is your choice but don't think what Curie can or have done for you but think of what Curie stands for.
It stands for exceptional quality posts that cover most tags except Steemit, religious and political posts. It finds these posts and rewards them and should be the ones trending because it shows some pretty awesome articles that leave you speechless.
Maybe that next Curie vote would save someone's life as it did mine. That I think is beautiful.
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Wow, this thread really took off. I didn't know that Curie's vote was so big! About your efforts for curation and taking minnows to the front-page, I think that if Curie were bigger or if there were more projects like Curie, it would be more than possible to achieve this.
But as things stand now, we need a lot of money to promote our posts and there is so much paid content on the front page that it's really hard for whales to curate deserving minnows and collectively bring the best quality up for everyone to see.
I didn't know any of this about you and it's a really touching topic. I myself suffer from depression too and I've been struggling here on Steemit to stay motivated and to keep producing great quality content (sometimes, depression just kills any inspiration that I may have).
But I think that, as you have found selfless help to be what helps you move forward, I have found myself imposing goals on myself and these are actually very helpful. I post one article a day, for example, and I don't slack on picking the right bots and promotion channels, lest I devolve into my starting days where I could barely get one comment on my posts.
Thank you for sharing this. <3 It fills me with warmth to know that Steemit can bring so much good into someone.
Thanks Sharon and know that I might not always comment but I always read your stuff especially the fiction.
Curie recently lost its place in the top 20 when it started to miss blocks but was able to bounce back and get back to 20 last Sunday but yes with all the delegations of the bid bots its hard to get to the trending even with a post upvoted by curie.
I know Sharon that is why you resonate with me so well because we both know how it feels to be so down and suffering from depression.
Thanks for sharing your #mycuriestory boss Judd. I remember that curie moment quite well. I just started following you (being new on Steemit) and was epically amazed by that post's massive upvote and payout. You truly deserved that one.
Oh, now that I think about it, that post may have been the one which led me to the path of being a curie curator :) As that was my first encounter with curie.
Thanks for all the support! Cheers and more power!
Yeah I think that was the time and I even remember you telling me that you wanted to why in curie and there was a contest for looking for curie curators and that you got in.
Such good times.
Hello @maverickinvictus
The first time this username rung the Bell was the 500 SP delegation for a greater purpose here on steemit. Checked who this guy is and now I must say definitely worth it.
The greatest purpose achieved in life is to bring people where they can ultimately get the satisfaction they all wanted in life.
I attest to this genuine sense of selflessness guiding, giving complete and accurate info to everyone who asks. With this post, it gives us hope that someday we will all be capable of creating our success stories to share to other members, encourage them and prove to them that these are not just virtual, it is really achievable.
Thank you sir. It has always been a pure pleasure (kinikiliti ang pagkatao) to me everytime you post a comment to my piece in which I know I have exerted effort.
Thank you and more power.
You do have this writing spice that makes every readers wanna read every lines up to the end.
Thank you so much and indeed it has been a wonderful feeling helping people realize that there is so much more in Steemit.
I just want to help people realize their potential.
@maverickinvictus You're an inspiration. Thanks for sharing this kababayan. You're not alone.. Upvoted and followed! :)
Thank you for that and I am happy that you got inspired from my tale.
Now that's what I call an inspiring story! Your idea of building a visionboard is really good actually and I'm going to make on for myself to keep my goals clear. This also gives me some ideas to create a contest of my own!
Thanks man. Yes a visionboard is awesome way of setting your goals and following through.
Of I would be interested to see your contest.
Indeed @curie and @ocd have help the community alot. I will delegate my SP soon. Although I am still a plankton. A little is better than none.
True enough we can make a little contribution but as more heed the call then that little will grow.
wow amazing story! you got so much support from curie :D! Curie is reallya great support to people who struggle to keep in steemit. And yes I'm sure they will continue helping more and more people every time
Thanks man and yes they even curied a couple of entries in your webcomics and so they have a diversity of different things that they support.
It's excelent all the support they give :)
Great post, brave steps & really inspiring for others to find their light too! #keepgoing DJ
Thanks I appreciate the kind words
I can see why people followed you. I know how hard depression can be and not wanting to leave the safety of the walls separating you from...everything. It is also hard to break out of that and to open yourself up to be raw in front of others.
I commend you for your perseverance. More than that, though, I commend you for not allowing it to swallow you and using the light of helping others to help bring you back.
I'm still learning the ropes around here, but one of the first things I learned was the boost getting a curie vote could give a person. Now I see it is way more than just rep and money. It's hope.
Thank you for your post, your openness, and your heart. I look forward to watching you continue to succeed.
And if you do another vision board contest, I'm there - I was just saying the other day how I really want to finally create one. My b/f looked at me like I had an alien on my head lol so it would be nice to have that push and be able to share with people that get it 😊
Thank you so much for this awesome comment! I did not really expect Steem to help me this much and give me a renewed sense of purpose in building communities and relationship with people.
It was when I stopped being selfish and seeing the beauty and good of people that I came to see their light and in away that scattered the darkness in me.
Absolutely it is hope that was the most important thing that curie gave me.
Ha! everytime I run a visionboard class people roll their eyes but I know how effective they are especially when you believe it!
So don't let your BF's scepticism stop you! Go for it and make one!
I'm glad you found what you needed. I know it is a long, hard road; I wish I had this site and the people in it at certain times in my life. I've only been active for a little over a week (and was so excited to get my first payout yesterday even though it was tiny lol), but I am thankful for finding it now.
I have a law of attraction planner that has a lot in it to do, including a vision board, so I am definitely going to be getting on that soon. Skepticism be damned! 😆
Keep on doing what you're doing. You're awesome! 😊
I wish you the best in life and good luck with your account !
You have been upvoted by @rentmoney because @julimattos nominated your post in our Followers Appreciation Promotion
Thank you so much and Thank you to skyline for nominating me
What you are doing is a great thing and I might copy it haha
You're amazing @maverickinvictus... keep doing what you're doing and have you applied to be a Curie curator? You should ;)
Well I went under training and it is hard and found I don't have the eye to see exceptional talent.
I see the human nature and struggles though so that I support and do my way of trying to support people and create deep human connections.
I am happy that you liked my story.
This was really awesome to read. Hearing the real world impact that Curie has made on people is just reinforcing how proud I am to be a part of this. Resteemed. Much love - Carl
Thanks Carl it was indeed life-changing and the impact it had in me in Steemit was wonderful.
Thus sharing my story and inspiring people is the least I could do for Curie.
I'm not surprised that you got curie's vote. Your writings are just really great, also inspirational and motivational. I didn't know that you were under depression, that's tough. I am happy that you overcame it and now you are using it to inspire others. Keep on inspiring us. :-)
I've never experienced getting curie's vote but you and sir @futurethinker helped me to get ocd's vote. Hehehe. I'm very thankful to that.
Well I am still am but Steemit helps.
You will get that chance one day as I see that you write well and with authenticity.
It's good to hear that Steemit helps you lots trying to get through with it. Hoping one day your depression will vanish.
I don't think so. Hahaha. I am not confident with that.
Wooohhhhhh! Our good old days! <3 We have come a long way eh? And I was so proud of you and your curie-d post because it was so well-thought-out, well, it's expected from you, Mav!
P.S. Thank you for mentioning curie delegation, I have given them mine, too!
Indeed we have come a long way and let us continue our journey as we get better and better.
I am so glad that you decided to delegate some to curie! You are just awesome.
Thanks for sharing your curied story @maverickinvictus! Everytime I read a post of yours, it's like my time stops. Always motivating and inspiring.
In 25 days using with my new steemit account, some of my post was featured in different steemit community groups & challenges that I joined and just the other day, it was the first time my post was curie-d. Curie didn't just change my rep score but also made me realized things such as "authentic & quality over quantity kind of posts", more "time management" and now I'm thinking of doing my own #newbieresteemday initiative to give the love back to the community , atleast on that way I can help my co minnows 💕
Cheers! & more power!
Awww thank you. It is indeed life changing when you get a curie vote and makes you realize that quality is more important.
It is great that you think of doing something like that and I would support you on your initiative.
Curie is doing a lot of good here, along with many of the other curation guilds and individuals with higher SP that still do curate and try to do their part to keep Steemit true to its original intent.
I'm glad, once again, that you are personally finding your way and that even little things have impact and provide reason for moving forward. With just the little I know about what's gone on in your life, there's enough trials there for at least three people, let alone one.
Keep going. That's all I can say. Keep going. :)
Thanks Glen and indeed Curie and OCD will always have my vote because of what they stand for.
I just hope that someday Ned and steem inc will realize how important they are in the platform.
Haha I have barely scratched the surface and my life is hard but so far I am still here.
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Thank you and your message is always well appreciated and what you do for the platform that is why you have my vote.
Aww Mav! Your post made me cry; somehow I missed your whole story here, probably because you and I have recently began our connection, although you've been in my peripheral vision for sometime. I already appreciated @curie for all they do here, but I am now beyond thankful for their existence, because to me now, @curie equates to your existence as well, and for that alone, I will be forever grateful to them!
Aww Lynn I did not want to make you cry and I'm so glad that you liked my Curie story.
I am thankful for what they did and I can say that it changed my life and helped saved me.
Don't feel bad Mav, because it really was a happy cry, a thankful cry, and a why-haven't-I-been-curied cry haha
Really just the first two:)
You are an amazing author I know it will happen soon :) Thank you Lynn and see you in the league in one more day haha but Glen has been typing novels disguised as comments again haha
Thank you! That's very kind of you to say :)
And Yes, I have a feeling he'll be carrying the crown for another week!
Yes indeed hahhaa he seems unstoppable now with those novel like comments hahah
I submitted a last minute entry to this contest. Nahiya pa aq sa mga pinagsasabi q dun 😂🤣 But it was fun and I had reflected a lot because of that contest.
This is a wonderful curie story sir Mav! And, thank you for supporting curie's cause by delegating some of ur SP!
Hahha and you are wonderful for joining because it is not an easy thing to do.
Thank you for liking my story and indeed it is something that I like to share because if an untalented because like me can be curied then anyone can if they exert effort.
Thanks for the great post @maverickinvictus. So grateful you had an exceptional life-changing experience and that now you are able to pass it forward. may you be at peace.
Thank you so much and indeed it is hard not to be thankful when you experience such a life changing experience like that.
More than the money it is the fact that someone saw my potential and unlocked it and thus making me feel the same and pay it forward.
This is beautiful!!! I love your story and honesty on this post. One idea I have for a blog post touches some of the points you made... Great minds think alike huh :)
I love the fact that you use Steemit for the good, supporting minnows (like me!), appreciating good content and just uplifting people/helping whenever you can. It's such a great thing to do!!! I hope one day I can be a great redfish as you are. I think that's my late (not so late actually) 2018 resolution :D Your visionboard is supah cute. I'm glad your post got curated and you were able to help so many people with it. Thank you for taking care of this community!
Thank you Juli! I am glad that you liked my story. Most of my writing comes from the heart. I am not a technical writer nor the most grammatically correct but I write from the heart.
I am looking forward to that post then my redfish!
I know you are going to be awesome as you reflect that potential now.
Wow! That was a lot of money right there.. :) I think it will really feel so awesome to be curated. Haha. I hope one day I will be able to experience that, too. :)
The money was good but more than that was the engagement that I got on that post, transforming readers to followers.
Great post, inspiring
Thank you.
...my account was hacked last night and the bot created a phishing site link here in the comments from my account ... the link is now removed... Today I got my account back.. sorry about that :( :( :( thanks. please help me to regain my reputation and funds that is stolen by hackers please give your support 🙏🏻🙏🏻
https://steemit.com/steemit/@prashant/i-just-recovered-my-stolen-account...my account was hacked last night and the bot created a phishing site link here in the comments from my account ... the link is now removed... Today I got my account back.. sorry about that :( :( :( thanks. please help me to regain my reputation and funds that is stolen by hackers please give your support 🙏🏻🙏🏻
https://steemit.com/steemit/@prashant/i-just-recovered-my-stolen-account
This has been flagged in other threads as a scam and leads to a virus. I'm not following it to find out. At the very least it is @steemflagrewards comment spam
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Thanks man for seeing that
Wow! What a cutie story...Kaka enganyo! Lalo sa newbie like me...
I am happy that you found my story inspiring . Go and write your own curie story someday