What made me stay on Steemit? The power of positivity!

A journalist who had to flee her home country of New Zealand because she was being threatened with death by intelligence agencies convinced me to join Steemit.

I figured it would be a good way to support her and my other favorite independent journalists with upvotes.

Because I didn't sign up to promote myself, my introduction is pretty sad, looking back. I wish I'd known more then, but my journey on Steemit has been an adventure of learning.

As I was fumbling around on this website, I found posts from people all over the world, sharing images and stories of their lives. It was like traveling on a screen. Delightful.

I started posting pictures of my little part of the USA. I participated in challenges and contests. It was fun to gain some more followers, and I got to see even more of the world.

Since I wanted to share my own culture, I wrote a couple of posts about special places where I live. They didn't get much attention (new to the platform), but I appreciated the upvotes and kind comments I did get.

What really pushed my Steemit experience into the positive zone was when I discovered the fiction and poetry writing contests. They made me rediscover my love of literature. That's soul enriching.

What keeps me going on Steemit is support. I support my favorite journalists, photographers, and writers. This platform has some remarkable people, and I try to encourage them with upvotes, resteems, and follows.

I also truly appreciate the support I get. I had one person even point out a mistake I made that would have disqualified me for a contest. That's not even counting all the words of encouragement I've received. I'm grateful for the positivity. It's infectious.

The first contest I won was third place in @inuke's challenge, "Message Beyond the Grave." I was thrilled. An affirmation! We all need those sometimes. They keep us going.

So, who is this generous person, @inuke, who both helped inspire me and helped keep me on my writing path?

I think he might be a writer from India. I've never been to that country, but as I look at my own brown and gray winter landscape, my thoughts wander to a place thousands of miles away.

I've always thought of India as being colorful.

---

Story and image by me, @hope-k!

@inuke's challenge, "What Made You Stay on Steemit," can be found at this link: https://steemit.com/contest/@inuke/inuke-s-story-writing-challenge-5-what-made-you-stay-on-steemit

@karenmckersie's contest, "Power of Positivity," can be found at this link: https://steemit.com/popcontest/@karenmckersie/new-steemit-power-of-positivity-contest-28-plus-last-weeks-winners-announced Check out her cheery graphics!