Usually I'm a really sarcastic sort of guy, but I'm going to change gears here and get a little sappy on you guys.
Looking back at my first post I sort of cringe.
First off, I should have picked a better title. My current self would have not approved of the one I used. I was probably trying a little too hard in some parts, and not hard enough in others. I even think I started sounding like a late night infomercial inspirational coach in a couple paragraphs. (Trying not to roll my eyes too hard as I read it). The thing was though, I never had really written anything before.
I simply wrote my post and tried to forget it. Upon pressing the button that fires text into the feeds of many, I felt instant regret. Even though I tried to hide under a thin guise confidence in the post, I was really thinking things like, "What the fuck am I doing?", and "Why would anyone read this?".
Then the comments started coming in. It's funny looking back because I recognize a few of these names today:
@klye decided to give me the old calva boost. Anyone remember that? You used to get 1 free upvote that was basically useless but a vote is a vote when you're first starting out. I still talk to klye frequently. I look to that guy for advice all of the time, and it's invaluable. One of the nicest/coolest dudes that Steemit has to offer, and great to hangout with in the chat.
@ace108 was there as well. He is my homie from halfway across the world. Ace also spent a lot of time in the steemprentice project with I and many others. In case you didn't know, it was started originally as a way to help new/struggling authors to improve their skills.
I received a warm welcome from @condra (fucking fantastic photographer and friend),
@liberosist (amazing curator worth a follow just to see the gems they find),
and @dwinblood (Who doesn't know this guy?)
Let me get to my point.
I was sitting here tonight after a 16 hour work day trying to come up with a brilliant post as to why I wanted to go to SteemFest 2. I figured I could write about a million reasons (and know it sounds corny) but what I've come to realize it only boils down to one.
You.
Every person I've met here and have spoke with has been nothing short of brilliant. I am amazed at the abilities that all of you possess. This is truly a unique platform and I'm honored to share it with you all. I go to bed and wake up reading your posts. (Am I the only one that does this by the way? Lol.) I want to meet every one of you and give back the warmth you've given me.
I believe in this community, and I can never repay this community enough for believing in me.
For the first time in my life I feel like my voice has value.
I love you all.
Thanks to @theprophet0 and @steemfestdreams for the consideration of my post in the pay it forward plane ticket contest. Even if I don't win the ticket I WILL make sure to be there this time.
- A special thanks to many more that I didn't mention above:*
@sykochica Thank you for always taking time out of your busy schedule to say hello and read my posts. You are thebomb.com, and a treasure in this community. You help so many people here and I'll never forget the times we spent in steemprentice together.
@anarcho-andrei Dude you are my boy! Thanks for being such an excellent weaver of words and being there to cut up with.
@business I know you try to put off that jaded asshole vibe but you are one of the funniest people I read on here. Always be you and keep pumping out the good work.
@pfunk I know we don't really talk a lot but you and @condra had convinced me to buy a camera. Which I've had a blast with. When I get more comfortable with my skill level I'll definitely post more photos!
@brianphobos My alpha bro. Dude I enjoy our late night chats and I feel like you're on your way to the moon here. Keep writing great stuff. (Maybe lay off the hop shock a little).
@gonzo Man, I know we don't talk as much anymore but I sure do miss it. I remember seeing you in the chat when you first started. Your writing has improved so much since then. You seem like a polished professional now. I'm absolutely astonished by your work.
@theprophet0 You're such an awesome guy! I wish I had half of the drive you have. You're only half my age but you have twice my ambition. You have accomplished so much here and you are a valued member of this community. (And thanks for fixing all of my writing mistakes in my @steemsports posts. Frickin' life saver).
@thecryptodrive Ricardo, when I need mentoring I know I can count on you. Actually when I need anything I know I can count on you. Sometimes I get off track and after speaking with you I always feel like I'm back in the right direction.
@gktown I know I just met you but you have some serious potential my friend. If you ever need anything I'm here for you. You're a funny and chill dude.
@reneenouveau I don't believe I've met many people more intelligent and charming that yourself. I'm glad to see that you're back around. I'm sure everyone missed you.
@meesterboom Man, I don't even know where to start with you. I feel like you've been an old pal of mine for years. I really hope you're going to steemfest this year. You can trade some booze with your dear old dad.
@justtryme90 I appreciate your supreme dedication to the science category in this platform, but more importantly I like just hanging out with you. You always make me laugh man. (One day I'm going to make a mental masturbation post just for you).
@steemitqa All hail Steemquita the supreme moon mod. Remember that first qa? Man it's been a wild ride since then right?
@timbot606 I'd never forget an old Kentucky boy. Which reminds me, we need to get together and sip on some Bourbon soon.
@renzoarg You stay true to your ethics and provide great informative content. You have sparked my interests for chess and are one of the smartest people I've had the pleasure of speaking with. And you're a riot in the chat room.
@sidwrites I don't like you. (I may start liking you when I finally beat you at chess though.)
@shayne A fellow chat warrior, I love your art style and you always have something interesting to say. Don't worry I'll have that Shakespearean style poem for you soon. Tell your pretend wife I said hi.
I could keep going on forever but I'm going to end list here because it's late and I have to be up in a few hours. Don't think because I didn't write your name down on the list that you aren't important to me because I wouldn't know what to do without any one of you.