Me before Steemit

A Shell Dweller

Hiding in my shell

An introvert. People who know me will tell you as much. You go to my facebook page, you won't find a single album upload or selfie in my timeline. I don't know how twitter works and I don't know what snapchat is.

Well, okay. I know how to operate a computer and a smartphone, of course, but social media? Eh, that's another thing.

Ninja apprentice

Introvert move 101

I've always been uncomfortable in front of a camera. Body image issues aside, I just don't like taking pics. Period. When somebody whips out a cam during parties or get-togethers, I'll make like a ninja and will be gone before you can say "Cheese." When a meal is served at a restaurant, I just eat it. No snapshots to be uploaded and shared with my friends. When I'm facing a scenic view, I'm content just to look. Again, no snapshots.

Outspoken.. But Shy

Me,myself and I

I like to speak my mind, I like to share my thoughts. At the same time I'm shy around people and prefer to keep to myself.

Achiever

I am the middle child of three. Growing up, I was the one entering the most number of academic contests, earning the most awards, and getting the highest grades. I was the first to graduate college and the one who contributed the most to my family's earnings while a working girl.

Mindset

I used to think that was what counted the most. Getting the best grades, the degree, the job and the money.

My 180 Degree Turn

I stayed this way all my life. Until my sister discovered Steemit through a friend. That was just in October of 2017.

My younger sis: my exact opposite. She is extremely sociable, carefree, social media savvy, selfie crazy and spontaneous.

@jacinta.sevilla (left)

Since October she would be badgering me with the same thing, always about this website called "Steemit. "

Ate, ate (ate=Filipino for older sis) she would usually say, look what I posted on Steemit, look what my friend posted!

Yeah, okay cool I would say, hardly sparing a glance. Just another social media site, I thought.

But I was wrong.

Mostly by perseverance, and a little bit of pestering (haha), my sister finally got me involved in the site and was so excited to set me up.

My reaction?

Whoa, the posts here are quality stuff. I soon found that meaningless and half baked content don't have a place in the website. Nice, I thought. I started to explore Steemit. Another whoa: people actually respond to the posts in a personal and genuine way. Then I was hooked.

The First Adjustment: Fom Shell Dweller to Curious Minnow

My Facebook feed and Steemit feed are the exact opposites. I have posted more in Steemit in a month than I have posted in Facebook for the 8 years I owned an account. I am excited to post and equally excited to see other people's posts. I'm eager to learn more and share more.

The Second Adjustment: From Ninja to Artist in the Spotlight

I got curated in my second week, truly an unexpected boost of morale

Steemit had given me a way to reconnect with my art. Something that I had given up doing for many years. I never thought I would have platform for my art to be seen, much less appreciated. The biggest surprise was that I got paid to share it too.

I am also learning to take photos. Unbelievable right? My small successes here have actually motivated me to try new things that are beyond my comfort zone.

Posting something photography related

The Third Adjustment: Outspoken... And Proud

One of the most amazing things about this website is its growing community of not just talented but more importantly generous individuals. Not generous just with votes, but with genuine positive or constructive feedback. From the start I have felt welcomed and now I feel at home.

commenting and giving appreciation

Receiving input from others

Now I no longer lurk, I give opinions and I reach out. No longer shy or hesitant.

The Fourth Adjustment: Steemit + Achievers

I am used to achieving things on my own. Studying on my own to get good grades, for example. However, one of the things i had to accept was that Steemit is all about community. We help and support one another; we encourage each other and we challenge each other to grow.

My sister and I were welcomed by the Steemit Achievers family, an aspiring group of talented people across different countries with the goal to achieve big things and help each other on the way.

---

Steemit is so much more than getting the upvotes and followers. Steemit has helped me to adjust so many mental presets that have hindered me from enjoying online interaction for so many years.

All of this happened in just the last month. I am excited to see what Steemit 2018 has in store.

---

Laslty, I want to thank @jacinta.sevilla, for introducing me to Steemit and supporting me all the way, together with our dad who she has invited to join as well, @gems.and.cookies.

---

Many thanks to #surpassinggoogle for this initiative.

---

That's it and thanks for taking a peek at this post!

See you soon
Bis balt
Hasta pronto,

---

Follow me to see more artistic attempts @noellesevilla

---