These were my notebooks in High School.
Ugly, right?
Seeing the rugged papers and ink spots reminded me of a time in High School. I used to love being alone with a notebook – just complete silence with a pinch of my thoughts poured heavily on a decaying paper.
I was tagged as the "Notebook Kid."
I remember very well how this young Eu looked - skinny, awkward, and quite clumsy with a big bag full of his notebooks. I had several of these with crappy handwriting but a deep world of imagination. Instead of writing notes, I wasted my pen ink on stories, puzzles, and lists of favorites.
I could do anything with these cheap pages. At times, I'd write all the names of my classmates and come up with a fictional character for each of them. They'd pass around the notebook, and when it returned, the cover was lost entirely. I didn't mind. Even though my palm was full of ink stains and my wrists were starting to get weary, I continued.
In college, I dropped the notebook thing. Then came the Notepad.
I regularly spent my time in this software desktop magic with no worries about lousy penmanship or inkblots. While waiting for the teacher to come, I wrote. When I came up with my top 20 tracks, I listed them. Concretizing my thoughts and ideas into specific words became a habit. So, I now have the liberty to access random college memories I once deemed worthy of being immortalized.
When I started working, I bought myself a smartphone. Yes, I know. I didn't have one in college. My love for Notepad became short-lived, and I began a new relationship with the Notes App.
Everything became more convenient. My poems, my stories, my self-pity thoughts, my list – they are all in a red-colored application of my Android phone. I wrote my heart out while waiting for commuting. I wrote about insecurities, my appreciation to friends, my love tokens. I kept writing until I bumped into Hive.
Enter Hive
It's been 30 days, 23 hours, 51 minutes, and 24 seconds since I posted my Introduction Post. Although, it's been 369 days since I made this account.
Almost a year of the gap, eh? What happened between the genesis of this account and my actual first post?
Well, the idea of writing an intro post got into my skin.
When my brother pitched the platform to me, it appeared too good to be true. He told me I had to introduce myself to the community first. It doesn't have to be excellent, he'd say. It was exciting initially, but I didn't realize how much pressure it would give me.
As we all know, the intro post was about who I am. Genuinely, I was stuck. I didn't want it to be a simple layout of my surface-level information – I wanted it to be special. But it was hard for me to find one. I had nothing particularly special to say.
Am I not special?
I did try to finish what I started countless times. Each time I opened my laptop, the white light kept staring back. I didn't think anyone on this platform would like it. I'm not sure where to find the best words. Maybe I couldn't live up to their expectations. Or perhaps, my expectations?
That particular year was slow, but it was meaningful in a lot of ways. I went to live away from my family (kind of) and learned to cook. I formed housemates – hang and quarreled with them. I broke my heart, found a new one, and explored the ventures of independent settlement. It was too much, but it was transformative. I experienced life and was ready to write it all. But I didn't.
Along that year of creative abstinence, if you call it that way, I began to wonder. "Why do I write?"
The Notes App man would probably say 'to express.'
The Notepad guy would maybe say 'to capture moments.'
The Notebook kid would most likely say, 'because it is an extension of myself.'
I realized the Notebook Kid sounded more interesting. Well, he was.
I remember my daily life as the high school Notebook kid was bounded with writing. I ate and breathed words - though, I wasn't good at it. It was like I do it because that's what I do with joy - not because I need to achieve something for my audience. Well, maybe, the goal sometimes involves making them happy - but it was mostly for my satisfaction.
So when my brother, once again, reintroduced me to the world that is Hive, I had the Notebook Kid in the back of my mind. Maybe, it's time for the Notebook Kid to be reborn. With fewer ink worries nor possibilities of ugly penmanship, I can probably write for myself. So I wrote.
My Hive Snowball
I went by the name of "The Gray Blur," though I can't change my username, so it's still a plain, old boring @eudadol.
After speaking to my brother, I decided to wing everything in one sitting. For three hours, I was settled with what I had come up with. It was a long time coming, but I was happy with my Hive introduction.
It got up to 86 HIVE Rewards. I wanted it to be 100+ so bad, but when I read it, I felt at peace. And I was okay.
I roamed around the communities. I wanted to find something that could fit me. I tried @theinkwell and @haveyoubeenhere until I joined a Coffee Contest by @hive-152524 (c/cinnamon cup coffee).
At that time, I didn't have any idea what to write. I wasn't into coffee (or so I thought). But then I realized my girlfriend had a reputation for being a coffee girl. I decided to write about her, and it was also a way to introduce her (virtually) to my friends and family publicly.
The Girl Whose Blood Runs with Coffee became a notable mention. It wasn't a winner, I know, but it was such a massive feat for a new guy like me. I felt so appreciated, and it opened doors for me.
Eventually, I became more frequent on my posts. I was able to engage with some incredible people on this platform and found my blogging niche. I am a storyteller. And my blogs mostly revolve around that.
I also realized how much I love things I've never thought about. It is in writing a blog on it that allowed me to reflect on my relationship with it. For instance, when I wrote travel blogs, I was enlightened on how personal my travels tend to be. Likewise, how all my experiences become significantly personal because of my anticipation to share them with Hive.
The constant support among Hivers I frequently interact with were great blessings in my journey as the neophyte. These people have been consistently giving me solid feedback and support. I owe them my appreciation: @indayclara @juecoree @discoveringarni @thegoodbi @nathen007 @asasiklause @millycf1976 @nikkabomb @glecerioberto @patsitivity and the rest of the local team that looks up to the quality of @ybanezkim26.
As of writing, my reputation is 60.28, my HBD is almost a hundred, and my posts are now a dozen (excluding this). It was a month-long endeavor, alongside my 8 to 5 teaching work and my evening entrepreneurial commitments. When I think about it, it happened like a snowball. One post led to another until my love for blogging became an attachment.
Rebirth
I know my track here isn't impressive, but I've never been so excited in my life for something I love to do - write. Every time I open Peakd and see those tiny orange dots, my heart skips a beat waiting to read the comment section.
I looked back. This was precisely how the Notebook Kid felt. This was what I was looking for as I scoured through the Notepad and the Notes App, but it was in Hive that allowed me to be fulfilled. My posts on travels, on personal musings, and even my 3speak videos - they have been something I genuinely embrace as parts of me.
Maybe it's because there is now a community? Maybe because I kind of earn (which I still don't get the complete picture)? Or perhaps because I get to do what the Notebook Kid always loves to do - write for happiness, and share it with the world?
Regardless, this was a privilege.
And this is a rebirth.
It's 2:45 A.M. I'm still in my work shirt, mask and trying to finish this blog. But my heart is well, and I am at peace.
I'm excited to see where this goes.
Thanks @nathen007.
Impressive.Wassup man? I didn't skim one word. Thanks for not making me want to. I'm glad you found us @eudadol, joint wasn't the same without you. You're off to a great start, congratulations. I shouted from roof tops about two years before they heard me. I heard you your first month.
Welcome to Hive. Your ambition is appreciated.
Man, this is awesome. Quite flattered actually. I'll be sticking with you cause you are such a quirky artistic guy. Very fun.
Thanks for the shoutout. In this plaform, everyone needs support and I personally have a lot of that. I'm just returning the favor by supporting others who is just new as me!
Your blogs are always well written and well thought of. I'm excited to see and read more of your contents! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
That would have to be my direction as well. Thanks!
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️
I KNEW IT! A witches' intuition is on point! Haha. Joking aside! Your level of writing is just amazing! No drama, no fancy words. Something I admire from people who don't look like a writer when you meet them in person 😄
Hahaha. I thought it was pretty obvious. But yes hahaha
Thanks for the kind words.
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Woah! It's 3:54 AM and I'm still reading your post. I won't be able to sleep until I can reply. How I wish I could go back to this kind of writing. Simply putting into words all your thoughts. It's raw but very authentic. No need for flares.
I think everyone's a storyteller but in different forms. You are just so good at writing. I'm not saying I'm bad at writing, but I can feel I'm lacking. I compensated it in other forms like photography, but the writing is still lacking. And recognize that. It's something I should be working on. I can't pour out my emotions into writing. Finding the right words to express my thoughts is just too tedious. Sometimes I ended up disappointed whenever I read my posts because it feels lacking. Yes, they're mostly feel-good posts and I am happy that they resonate to some people, but they're not perfect for me.
Maybe I need more introspection. My favorite writer was an unknown old lady in the internet. I totally forgot her name, but I can't forget her works. She's just writing her diary, but every word perfectly describes her perspective. And to tell you honestly, this post reminds me of her works. It feels as I'm just gliding through your thoughts.
If people are looking up to my level of quality, maybe they should look up to you instead. You're better than GB. No offense @glecerioberto. We'll just resign to the fact that we'll just compensate our inadequacy in words with refined photos. And that's okay. 😄
I'm so happy that you finally joined Hive because I know how good you are at writing. It took more than a year, but it's worth the wait. Kudos to GB for inviting you again. He told me once he's getting tired of inviting people, but I told him I also got tired when I invited him. I guess this space is really different. Not everyone will heed to the invitation. Some just take time to join.
Wow, I didn't expect this.
I remember you mentioned that the key to a good post is something that's made from the heart. People recognize that. Ever since there, I have put my heart on my sleeves for my post. At times, I feel like I put myself into areas of vulnerability, but then I figured it made me stronger post by post.
Thank you for this Kim! I'm still generally unfamiliar with some of the things in Hive, but I'm quite confident to be around you. You highlight, among all things, the value of integrity. I realized our artistic pursuits could vanish into thin air when integrity is lost, and so I have to live up to this high standard of being true.
Have a great day ahead! Thanks a lot for this. :)
There's really a certain level of vulnerability in this space, especially that what you put in here could not be deleted. Your awareness of that vulnerability will make you stronger. You're right, you'll get stronger with each post because you will be aware of your vulnerability. For me, once you're aware, people could not exploit those vulnerabilities against you.
On integrity, I always emphasize that because that's what makes your blogs here unique. When you're true to yourself, your foundations are solid. No one can accuse you of anything.
You are your own commodity in this space. Meaning, you're capitalizing on yourself. So you nailed it when you say, "our artistic pursuits could vanish into thin air when integrity is lost". And I thought people didn't realize that. They're so obsessed with their reputation which is not sustainable. Considering how insightful you are, I would say you're on the right track. Padayon.
Time sa. Dami ko na hanash. Makapressure ba! 😂 Ma-insightful man sad ta ahat.
Such good words. Thanks Kim!
Let's take this as a challenge to go back to the versions of ourselves who transform our thoughts into flowing words. Kaya po. Let's dig deep and pour out ourselves. I know it takes a lot of effort compared to how we just talk about our travels but I think you know what I mean when you look at a piece of your writing and you can say to yourself, "Wow. I wrote this?"Bat po nananakit, @ybanezkim26? 😂
Sugdi kuno bi! Kay musunod ko. 😂
You ve done so well.
I imagine I had posted my intro around the same time as you did.
As they say... It doesn't matter how long but how well.
You ve done well.
Can't say for me yet.Well done @eudadol
Hey there, batchmate! Yes, I keep bumping into you as well. You know I really love your voice, genuinely! You're a doctor and a singer. That's quite interesting.
Anyway, let's flourish together!
Awwn
Thanks for the nice words.
Yeah it was a beautiful thin for me to share my music here as well and make friends.
And flourish we shall.
Yes, you are a storyteller. Your blogs are interesting and it keeps audience hooked at it. Keep flourishing, @eudadol.
Enjoy a slice of !PIZZA.
!discovery 25
You were the first to say my write-up was quite unique. I held into that and carried it along. I am inspired by your words, and I am grateful. You also gave me my first slice of Pizza here! Hehe. Thank you.
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Hello @eudadol, this reflective post is so beautiful and honest;)
Regardless of how much we grow and evolve, real growth leads us back to our true selves.
This is just the start of a beautiful journey here on the block chain. Take your time and do whatever feels right. You have some great role models to look up to, and from what I've seen so far, I can confidently say that the framework (you) are solid!🙌
It is such a full circle! I do have some good role models to look up to, and I'm really happy I'm under the leadership of @ybanezkim26 and the mentorship of my brother @glecerioberto.
Also, I admire how genuine you are in reading posts and have proper feedback on each of them. That's something I should emulate from you. It makes the world for someone.
That's nice to hear😁 Thank you!
I hope you got enough sleep:) That's one bad habit I need to work on at the moment. I've been burning the midnight lamp too often. I feel ok for it though:)
I just woke up. I'll probably sleep again. Hehehe.
Hehehe! Sounds like a good idea:)
Wow! I am super amazed at how you expressed yourself in there. You are an admirable writer and storyteller. I can feel every emotion you felt in every blog you post. I always read your blogs because I always want to become better and by better I mean at least be close to how excellent you are. It’s just a month that had passed and yet you had a blast. I am so excited to be in the same circle with an amazing blogger so I can witness your success in this blockchain. And oh also, I am hoping to meet your girlfriend. We’d talk so much about coffee hehe
Shocks! I completely forgot to mention you specifically! I was thinking there was someone else in our circle who was really very supportive of my posts. I had to edit, you deserve it. I am very excited to be in the same circle with you too! I also appreciate how honest you are in your blogs, and like I said, it makes me tap into my personal side as well for my blog.
Thank you for the kinds words. I feel appreciated, and yes, for sure, she'd love to talk about coffee to you.
Hello Eu, I enjoy reading your posts like a hot mug of coffee in the morning. You are a gifted writer. So authentic, your words flow naturally. You strike me as an INFP by the way (oh please do correct me if I'm wrong) 😁
Wow, that's exactly on point! I am an INFP through and through. It takes one to know one?
Thanks a lot. Yours are one of the best here in Hive as well. Your quality is to die for, and something everyone should read.
Awesome 😄 so happy to have gotten that right. Yes, I am an INFP as well. Thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to hear that from you. Your writing inspires me to keep writing and be better.
The same goes for me, Eugene! It was like, "No, I'm not gonna join" "No, it's not for me" And now, I'm like I have a year's worth of stories to share in this community. What a turn of events for us, right? hehe
Couldn't agree more on this part of your write-up. Mine felt like a high school diary tho. And just like a diary, Hive provided a safe place to unfold like I never imagined before.
You are doing so great, Eugene! And I'm just ecstatic to read more from you. You've always been an amazing writer and artist. Keep the fire burning! ✨🎉❤️
You've been very consistent in the quality of your post. i aspire to be the same.
Also noticed you have different photos in your footer depending on the type of vlog.
Thank you for this.
Thanks @eudadol. 😊 Meanwhile, we’re still so amazed every time you post because you’re just too good with your words. Grabeee.
I wish I didn't throw away my HS notebooks. I used to write songs and doodle a lot at the back portions of the notebooks too, back when doodling and writing songs were a thing for me back then.
Last time I opened my past HS notebooks though, I couldn't help but grin under the familiar feelings of strolls down cringe memory lane 😂😂.
I really enjoyed reading this article a lot.