This post is in response to 
Hive account@malloryblythe's contest for newbies. She's giving away all of her curie prize in the form of steem basic income. What a great way to pay-it-forward! Here's the link to her contest https://steemit.com/newbieresteemday/@malloryblythe/contest-giving-away-at-least-24-sbd-worth-of-steembasicincome-shares-in-honor-of-curie-and-newbieresteemday
Image Source
Let me tell you the story about when I decided that I wanted to keep on steeming. I initially joined Steemit because I love to write and I also need to earn a few extra bucks--because raising a toddler doesn't come cheap. But after my #introduceyourself post, I soon realized how difficult it is to make it big in Steemit. I mean, how do you become rich when you barely earn $3 per post? I still continued writing, anyway. I convinced myself that it was just gonna be for fun. But, who am I kidding? It's difficult to go on when nobody appreciates your work.
Then one day, this kind lady found me and showed me that I am appreciated and I do have a voice. Yes, I'm talking about you 
Hive account@beeyou. :)
Source
I'm not sure what she saw in me but she even submitted one of my posts to curie. Sadly, I didn't quite make the cut. That would have been the end of my story had it not been for 
Hive account@randomwanderings. Instead of letting it rot away into obscurity, he submitted it to 
Hive account@sneakyninja's The Daily Sneak to get curated--and it got featured! Best. Feeling. Ever. I also got a nice share of SBI as a prize for being featured. Well, it wasn't curie but it still meant the world to me. It was so surreal because I wasn't really expecting to get noticed. I have confidence issues. lol Here's a link to the post in question if you're curious about it.
From then on Hive account@beeyou became (sort of) my cheerleader. I could really feel her sincerity in wanting me to succeed. It's hard to give up when you know that there is someone who actually enjoys your writing. I mean I'm a bit insecure about my writing skills because I'm not as good as some other writers. Yes, I do tend to compare myself with others (which is not a very good practice, I know!) But, she believes in me even on days I do not believe in myself--and it made me want to prove that her belief in me is not misplaced.
I still make just a pittance but Steemit became more than just a place to earn money. It became a place where I can share my thoughts and ideas without being judged--well, hopefully without being judged.
-
Hive account@chineyes
