A Steemit Heart "Steemit Ultimate Challenge 8 Weeks - Week #4"

in #steemitultimatechallenge7 years ago (edited)

I made more that 1000 USD in three months without spending a dime. Three months ago I was sick and stuck in a rut after teaching twenty years. Today I am hethy enough to hike mountains, paint pictures, write poems and sing songs. The government has been making plans to cut my position from the public schools and I knew I had to do something. I started to read about cryptocurrency mining. I mined a few alt coins from my cpu but after a month I made only three USD in coins. The electric costs more than that! I searched like crazy to find a good coin to mine and found myself reading a post on Steemit. The writer said all the money he made from mining could not compare to the money he made from Steemit.

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(Neil Young source)

At first I thought I had to write about crypto currency and computers. I made 15 posts and got upvotes of a total of 16 cents. I felt like I was posting into outer space. Then two months ago I posted about making ramen and got a comment from @moderndayhippie.
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I began to realize that Steemit was not really about computers or cryptocurrency but is really about people. In December 2017 I joined Peace, Abundance and Liberty and found minnow support. And got support from @clayboyn. In December I meet Santaggroed and found that @aggroed was the man behind Peace, Abundance and Liberty and @minnowsupport. Thanks to @aggroed I earned enough steem to join @qurator. @scrooger helped me with promotion and upvotes and answered my questions about Steem and crypto and life.

I was actually getting some upvotes for my posts in December but I found more upvotes from comments on other people’s posts. I found the biggest Christmas present from @khaleelkazi who rewarded anyone who gave a comment on his post. I had no idea that @khaleelkazi was a hometown friend. The ironic thing is that I left my hometown when he was born. He is the definition of entrepreneur and a great influence on Steemit. @khaleelkazi and @clayboyn supported some of my first posts. On of these posts was a poem called "The Steem Before Christmas."

At that time I found a poet I really liked and wrote a post about him called " @d-pend fan". I had no idea he was a dolphin swimming around. I just saw him as a friend. My own writing became influenced by some of his metaphysical pondering. From then on I realized that @mineopoly was not about mining crypto. @mineopoly is all about mining the heart. @d-pend has supported me since January in many ways that I'm really thankful for. Through reading his poems I have come to know more about myself and grow beyond my own limits. This is what Steemit is really about. It is not a way to get rich quick. It is the way to mine the heart. The Steem white paper says,

“proof of work enables a community to collectively fund the development of whatever it finds valuable.” (Steem Whitepaper)

Each community here funds development in the area it considers valuable. @dsound funds cool sounds. @busy.org provides a great platform for me to post. @sndbox funds creative communities. @justtryme90 supports science writers. @uptopian-io supports open source projects. @yoo1900 supports cool people. These are just a few supporters I ran into on Steemit. They encourage creative hard working people.

I got more than I ever expected in Steemit. I got a life turn around. Friends from @thesteemengine like @awakentolife were always there to encourage me and make comments and tell it like it is. I began painting, writing poems and even playing guitar and singing. I’m not a professional but I’m having fun. I overcame my limits and began to make comments in Korean. I'm so glad I met @happyworkingmom. Even though she has three kids she shares her wisdom with the world each day in her blog. I consider her a friend and am very thankful for her support.

Four months ago I was very sick and fed up with life and didn’t like going to school anymore. Now Steemit is part of my school and my school is part of Steemit. I got the idea to create a virtual school called Groovy School that allows students to drop in any time and learn something new and be rewarded. I met great people in Groovy School. @redheadpei gave great comments on every post. @mandelsage shares his creative work with me. @kiwdeb has supported me and show me some interesting things about Steemit. You can see Steemit is not about money but about life and friends. It's about growing and funding what you find valuable and providing valuable material to be funded. Steemit will continue to grow and I will grow with this crypto-organism.

I'm @mineopoly

MondayTuesdayWednesday
WisdomCreativityELS

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ThursdayFridaySaturday
TeachingLifeSong

Finally I want to thank my friend @dobartim who gave me the opportunity to participate in this great writing challenge.

I plan to us my first payout from Steemit to help a student with learning disabilities to receive counseling. The Steemit community has potential to go to the moon for sure.


Original Poem @mineopoly

I registered on Thanksgiving Day
Thank you gobble gobble
Thank you for the edible delectable

Three months from nothing to something
A voice resounds connecting heart to heart
The barrier is broken and walls are torn down

There are no more borders
The thoughts of man combine
Collaborations of art and music
Open sourced programs give power to all

Donations spread to hungry mouths
Wells are dug in the desert
Books to those who need to read
Trees planted in the jungles

A crypto to give and not to destroy
Giving is rewarded and love is spread
Blockchains contain the minings of the heart
For generations will see and hold what we cheerish
We share now but forever will know.

Undisturbed by centralized bureaucracies
Red tape is cut to provide direct production and support
to share this love for everyone who enters

It was just the night before Christmas
But now I am Groovin' on Steemit
Thanks to you
Please join me on Groovy School.


Thanks for reading. There is just on more friend who makes Steemit a real fun place to be @dreemsteem.

This post is an official stop on @dreemsteem's "X Marks the Post" Treasure Hunt.  If you'd like to become a treasure hunter, an official stop, or a sponsor - Follow the map to begin your journey! By the way, she loves good comments even more than upvotes - so be sure to say Hi! 

I love you all.

Upvote and Leave a comment.

Thank you all my friends.

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Thanks for sharing your awesome journey with us, it's impressive the love and support I see here on a day to day basis. We are all here for different reasons, but to be a part of the wonderful growing community, is the best thing. I don't know the first thing about crypto but it's been pretty exciting to learn from everyone and to see and follow the stories of the lives of the people we've grown to know and love, that's my favorite part.

Thanks for stopping by and taking time to read this post @monchhichi23. That number is one of my favorite numbers #23. I decided to continue this story so stay tuned. Don't ever be disappointed if posts don't pay off. As time goes on I find a lot of time invested here so it should be valuable first to you then it is time well spent. After that others will pick up and follow.

I'm so glad that you and I share love for the number 23, it's awesome to me that sometimes it's the smallest things that connect us. Honestly, the disappointment doesn't come from not getting upvotes, it comes more from me feeling like I have a story to tell, and I believe that my story could possibly help someone who is going through what I'm going through, and being a newbie, it's not reaching enough people. But, I am starting to understand how all of this works, and I know that it takes time. And I am more than willing to put my time in. It's people like you and many other people that I've met so far, that make Steemit such a wonderful place to be. Thank you for your encouraging words, and your awesome posts that allow me and other newbies to have better understanding of the Steemit world. This helps all of us to be successful and that's always a great thing!!

Ah. Keep most of that story for now. Reveal a little bit at a time. At first you should post twice a day something interesting. About a month later people will listen. Make a lot of good comments like this with sincerity and people will reach out to you. Every comment is locked in the block chains and people read them honestly more than your posts or my posts. The comments are where it is at. If you have a story share as a comment to another post. Be free and sincere and keep exploring. You are totally welcome here. I'm kind of a 70s kid but close enough to 80s. I just posted my story if you have time it is the first post on my blog now. Take a minute to read it. I think you will probably have something to share.

https://steemit.com/writing/@mineopoly/creativity-in-the-box

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Incredible advice! and "comment section" - we are twins in that hehehehe
it's really where it is :)

and i so appreciate your desire to connect through comments - it's so apparent as i scroll through your posts :)

Ah.. Steemit? I own the place.

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heheheheh well thank you for letting me dwell here. it's a beautiful place you own! LOL

well... there is a seedy section. that's not so beautiful ;)

well... there is a seedy section. that's not so beautiful ;)

I know what you mean @dreemsteem. I feel like the Hobbit ring bearer. I have this powerful ring I carry around and I know how to use it. The more I carry it the more I am sucked into its power. It is called temptation. Today there are several ways people abuse Steemit as it is decentralized. An obvious thing is to start a new account with an attractive introduction, upvote it and make a similar posts a few times and then transfer the earnings to block chain a week later and don't touch it. There are other ways. I have been relatively reclusive this week and I enjoy it. I don't care if a day goes by and I don't get even one comment. I'm taking some time off but still posting once a day. I don't deliberately chase people down or try to promote my posts even on discord. I'm just taking it easy for a while to see who follows me consistently then in a little while when I feel real comfortable with my writing and music and recording I may get a delegation and just upvote that one follower like crazy and upvote myself. That is a less seedy temptation that has crossed my mind. I turn down any seedy temptations which I will not even talk about but am completely aware of. Even if I was never caught I would not do it because I have to live with myself and I know where the money came from.

I'm humbled by your complements @mineopoly, thank you for building this community and supporting others as well. This post is a true inspiration for all Steemians, whether they're aspiring minnows or full-grown whales! This post really shows what Steemit is about and I hope new Steemians alike will also find this post and learn what this great ecosystem is about and how it can and has changed many lives such as yours and such as mine! The future will be even brighter my friend, keep up the good work!

It is all true @khaleelkazi. Thanks for your encouraging words and hope my friend. Yes ecosystem is another way to describe the steemit organism because it feeds outside of the network and block chain into the lives of many. I'm glad you are growing as well. We all need balance. If I'm not careful I would spend all day with Steemit but good friends keep me in check. Blessings to your future and success. You are really going to the moon one day. No kidding.

Thanks @mineopoly! Balancing business and my personal life is something that I’ve never been good at and it is something that I really need to improve on. My life right now is solely focused on working and building my businesses. I love what I do, but many of my friends and family tell me to work less and party more 😂. I’m just a pure bred workaholic I guess! I wish you nothing but success as well my friend, we’ll see each other on that Steem shaped moon in no time!

Thanks my friend. The party thing is way overrated, empty and consuming. You are developing not only in business but in heart. Already 1000 times past them. This is basically my topic for the next post on thinking out of the box. Overcoming the naysayers.

I am rooting for you. I am looking forward to hearing good news from you. cheer up!!

Thanks @happyworkingmom for your comment in English. Feel to write any time. I'm really happy to hear that your son and daughter play well. I like to read your updates and get your opinion about Korean news, work, family and life-hacks (like the bookshelves).

My son became a teenager and it happened so fast (사춘기) I hope your lovely kids always know their mom is their friend and loves them.

It is so amazing to read about how Steemit is literally changing people lives. Loved reading about your journey and the people you met on your Steemit journey. I am sorry to hear about you may be losing your public school job, but I guess these plans made you think about the other ways to make a living. It lead you to Steemit.

Which is awesome and Steemit truly has potential to be your next source of income. But, just like you said, it is not get rich quick kind of platform. You have to earn every penny in here. Just like you are doing with your writing. :)

If people would focus on making true lasting relationships on here and meeting some amazing people around the world Steemit would not be just a place to make extra income. It is much more than that. At least for me, and from I can read you as well. :)

Great post brother. Keep writing and keep making amazing friends. :)

Thanks always for your encouragement my friend and brother @awakentolife. There are so many great people I met. Three months is like a year on Steemit.

Don't worry about my school. I think I will be one of the chosen ones to stay in the public schools as long as I keep growing and love the kids then there will be a place there or in the worse case scenario I will move to a private school.

Good news is I did get my contract renewed this year and I would never have consider Steemit if the job was perfect.

If people would focus on making true lasting relationships on here and meeting some amazing people around the world Steemit would not be just a place to make extra income. It is much more than that.

This is what the real ironic thing about Steemit. We all come in to make some extra money but stay for the community and platform. I'm just glad to be hear.

the feels brother @mineopoly :)
i really felt it. congrats to you my friend. this only shows your character as a person and your passion for teaching. Giving back to the community is nothing more than a reward and fulfillment in oneself.
Continue inspiring other @mineopoly :D
Have a great day ahead!

Thanks for reading @iamkuyaj. I really like your attitude to Steemit and your invitation to the Phillipines. You are one of the examples of the one who crossed over national barriers to be friends with me. I like the way you research your posts that are not just about information but about things that are important to you. You will make it big on Steemit brother. You have been with me since Dolphin School and are doing great here. If there is anything I can do for you let me know. You are teaching English these days too? Do you like translating? Sometimes translations are included as open source projects on utopia.

I'm glad you like my style @mineopoly :)
I'm just trying to spread awareness to everybody especially on health issues because as we say in the Philippines "Ligtas ang may alam.", this means that knowledge can keep you safe. hehe

I also hope to succeed in this platform so that i can use the funds someday to build projects in my community here in the Philippines and help my fellow Filipino especially my less fortunate brothers and sisters.

I'm not exactly teaching English but I've been an article writer when i was in college so that i can help my parents with the expenses. Does utopia have existing projects now?

This is another swell post @mineopoly. Nice hearing about your journey and the wonderful people you have connected with here on Steemit.
Thanks for the mention. Keep mining the ♥️, dear friend.

Thank you @redheadpei. I'll be completely honest. I keep typing "redheadpie" and have to edit. Congratulations... you haven't missed a post yet. I pray for a heart of gold.

Too funny...I was thinking,redheadsweetiepie would make a good name.😊😂🙀, One person asked me, “Is redheadpei really your handle”. Not knowing pei stands for Prince Edward Island, not as it sounds..pei.
I think you already have a heart of gold. I also like Neil Young’s song “Old Man take a look at my life.”

I like that song a lot too.

I loved getting a walk-through of your Steemit journey and truly seeing how it's the connections, the real relationships, that moved you forward (not only in Steemit but in your life)! It's exciting! Looking forward to my journey. Thanks for sharing :)

Thanks so much @coachjj for being with me through my journey. I can see you are already into Steemit and post well and support others. I honestly find challenges here everyday and want to quit. But that is the time I need to examine myself and mine the heart. I usually come up with a new treasure. You will find many I'm sure. Did you do anything creative this week or post anything creative?

I you did then just put in the corner of the post proof of creativity and send me a link and I will resteem one of you post or send you a reward for creativity. I know it must be something you are working on. And I'll do my best to be your coach on this point if you like. And you can be my coach on getting my back restored. I need to get a regular exercise routine restored that includes 30 minutes of cardio, push ups, back exercise and yoga. So if you see my post again ask me did you exercise today and I will give you my report.

OMG! Yes, please hold me accountable and coach me on this creativity thing because I HAVEN'T been creating this week. This will be good. And I will do my best to hold you accountable to your program.

So, what did you do to your back? What is the diagnosis (if you don't mind sharing)? What kind of professionals are you working with? PT? Chiro? And what exactly does your exercise program look like as far as what kind of cardio? How many push-ups? How often? How often yoga? Etc.

I fell out of a tree about 8 years ago and landed on the lower back. I went to a chiropractor and worked with a PT in the past and for a while stopped bc I couldn't visit the gym. I have everything at home except a coach.

I should do the cobra position and also strengthen the back by lying flat on a chair and lifting my upper body up. I should do three sets of 20 pushups and run for at least 30 minutes. Maybe now is the time to start. Yoga I should do in the morning when I first wake up.

Simple review

  1. Morning yoga
  2. Cardio 30"
  3. Pushups 20×3
  4. Back exercise twice daily

This is a great plan! One thing I would add to this that won't take too much time, is abdominal work, such as Plank and Hollow Body holds. Strengthening the abs will help take the lead off the lower back.

Ok, so is this program every day? Every other? What are you doing today toward this goal?

Yesterday 30 minutes running that's it.

Today 30 minutes run
60 pushups
Sun Salutation
Leg lifts stomach crunch
Still can't hold plank long but had fun trying

Did you try one new thing?

That's excellent! I'm so proud of you! Keep it up. Consistency is the KEY.

So, I'm working on something creative-ish. But, it's not too far out of my comfort zone. I'm working to create a group for the Fitness Community on Steemit.

But, I need to think further outside my box. I'm going to meditate right now, and then come back to this idea. Maybe we could follow up with each other in DM?

This is OK. Then I can upvote you. Check my next post on creativity.

It's amazing to hear your story and how you changed your perspective about crypto/mining because of Steemit.

This is what Steemit is about and what is missing from the mainstream social media! When everybody realizes that it's about making strong connections and having fun rather than making money, not just Steemit but the world will be a much better place!

I will be swinging by your Groovy School for sure, get ma groove on!

100% agree!!!! After I read this post - i just wanted MORE @mineopoly! hahahaha we've been talking in discord a bit - but i just want to find out more of his journey!!!! I hope that we keep finding these kindred spirits all around steemit and link arms :)

what a force we'll be!!!!!

I think we will! There is a lot of people out there who want to do good and spread good vibes :)

We just have to open the door!

You win @dreemsteem. Tomorrow is Creativity time and I will share a short story of how I started thinking outside the box even when others said it would be impossible.

Win for meeeeee !!!!!! 😊

Thanks for the great comment. You got it exactly right @calumam. I started Steemit looking for a way to make some extra money but I stayed because of the community. I liked the idea of mining because I used only what I already had to add the blockchain to my wallet, but Steemit changed me. Here I use what I have inside to mine the heart and my post is added to the blockchain and Steem is added to my wallet.

Thanks for your hope and insight for the Steemit community. I'm not sure if everyone will realize what you do. We are not a world of idiots but there are great people with awesome stories to share. We support each other and grow not only emotionally and spiritually but we grow in Steem. What could be better?

Thanks for dropping in Groovy school.

Just wow! You speak with your heart and it's brilliant.

It sounds like you have got your head screwed on right and you are getting the most out of your time here on Steemit :)

Thanks. I consider that a compliment but honestly I have to find a way to balance my time here.

I think we are all very similar, it's easy to spend far to much time on Steemit.

This post really rings true for me. It took me a short time to realize that this platform is really about the people - a useful tool for finding the connections & support we need - as well as sharing our passions and creativity with the community.

As a very new user and aspiring musician, your experience is confirming the usefulness of the platform for me. I did my first open mic submission this week, and I saw how it was the best performing post that I have made so far. It helped me realize that if I post something that I am really excited about, I am rewarded for my participation in the community (in addition to just feeling good for sharing my gifts). I am excited to continue using Steemit to fuel and share my passions with everyone that is using this platform. Thank you for sharing!

Thanks for your thoughtful comment @shaungarin. The first month on Steemit was the most difficult. I can see that opportunities are opening up for you and now you have gone beyond your expectations. I'm so glad you joined open mic and enjoyed it. I'm so glad you are excited but the excitement will not always be there. That's whete good friends come in. I have to check out your music.

I am not an aspiring musician but I love music and words. In music and word I find the fingerprint of life.

Wow I feel that although we have just met that I have known you a lot longer, I really relate to what you are saying. This post means a lot to me because I have only been back on the platform for a month. Seeing the people you networked with you really hit the ground running, my networking is just beginning its small, I confess I guess I can use all the help I can get right now. So many keywords you put in here I can relate to... metaphysical... teaching....etc well done indeed.

@crazybadventure Welcome back to the adventure. I can truly understand why you took a break from Steemit. Do hop on @thesteemengine. It is relatively new but a fun place to start and some wonderful people. I wonder if you are a teacher. I will have to check your blog sometime. It's nice to meet you. Stop by again :)

@mineopoly thank you for the reply I am regularly in the steem engine we must look out for each other and say hi. :)