I have challenged myself these past few weeks to actively post and engage every day here on Steemit as well on our SteemPh Iligan Community. As of now, there are over 160 Iligan Steemians and I try to help whenever I could to new-comers. To nurture and build each and everyone to make our community stronger than ever. 

Today, I was suppsed to post my first entry for Steemit Openmic but failed to do a collaboration with @xyza at the moment because our schedule would not meet. She is the guitarist while I *"aheem"* will be singing. Because our openmic is postponed. Now, I am out of ideas what to post next. 

<center>https://i.imgur.com/Ikk0yEs.jpg</center>
<center>[Photo source](https://gramista.com/blog/how-to-never-run-out-of-things-to-post-on-instagram)</center>

### Then, How about my Steemit Journey!?
Since the Steemit Community and our SteemPh Iligan Community is growing, why not share some words of wisdom and inspire a little, to never ever give up and build a good reputation, to reach your goals. 

I joined last September 2017 and was only active until November of the same year because of mismanagement of my time, I am a graduating student currently doing a thesis study. I know that should not be an excuse but I got caught up with it that I didn't have any time for Steemit (and I regretted it). 

<center>https://i.imgur.com/IP5dHev.jpg</center>

My current reputation is at 55 and has 396 followers who are all AWESOME! Thanks to everyone who supported me especially to my greatest influencer, @asbonclz, for mentoring me and guiding me all throughout my Steemit Journey. *I always look up to you and I am so proud of you!*

<center>https://i.imgur.com/aezK0oX.jpg</center>

### How I got into Steemit

I was actually skeptical at first when my brother told me about Steemit. I was hesitant to join because I had no idea what it was. But, he explained further that it's just as simple as getting paid for writing good content articles. I got really curious and interested because I always wanted to write (even though I consider myself not a writer) stories or anything that I am a fond of. 

I remember telling @asbonclz *"Being able to write and get people rapt is already a win for me, the rewards will be a bonus!"*

I always try to post something sensible and share my own experiences, hobbies, talents, and my growing love for photography and art. 

My first ever article [The Science of Happiness: How can the Food we eat affect our Emotions](https://steemit.com/food/@shairanada/the-science-of-happiness-how-can-the-food-we-eat-affect-our-emotions) was a great shock for me, I didn't expect anything because I was new then. 

<center>https://i.imgur.com/RbaIHXu.jpg</center>

It was rewarded generously and earned a stunning $98.39. I was super happy and motivated to even write more because somehow, I have reached readers! Things that I haven't slightly imagined in my entire life because I don't consider myself a good writer rather just a very talkative person (lol). 

I am an Environmental Engineering student and wanted to disseminate information and awareness about our Ozone layer with my article [The Depletion of Stratospheric Ozone and its destructive effects of Life on Earth](https://steemit.com/science/@shairanada/the-depletion-of-stratospheric-ozone-and-its-destructive-effects-of-life-on-earth).

<center>https://i.imgur.com/jVs767H.jpg</center>

It also reached people and even the curation guild @curie. I researched intensively to make my article worth reading. This was the time that I write articles up to 4 days before I post them to make sure I am writing good contents which can easily be comprehended and understood. 

**BUT**, things had changed for me later since examinations, school projects, and requirements flooded! Because of it, I couldn't focus on my articles to post on Steemit. I had to choose what I am going to prioritize. Then I made a choice, I will put my study first but still try to compensate on my posts on Steemit and posted below 500-words articles like [The Science of Everything#1: What is your Gut telling You?](https://steemit.com/science/@shairanada/science-of-everything-1-what-is-your-gut-telling-you).

<center>https://i.imgur.com/HH8jUop.jpg</center>

And didn't get as much as before because I haven't put so much effort anymore. I try as much as possible but I was not able to manage my time correctly. My following posts got about 0.5$ rewards and even 0.07$. I was slowly getting unmotivated and uninspired. Then, our thesis proposal was coming and all of us has to prepare for it, worked for it during our spare time so I made a decision to have a break on my Steemit Journey. 

I only posted my noob photography entries later December 2017 (which I now have grown a fond of!) and only get 0.27$. I know I should be posting good content but didn't. I was also handicapped by no internet connection at home in our province in Zamboanga del Sur, so I just took the chance to have a break from anything to regain myself from my continuous failures.

<center>https://i.imgur.com/2uF5e9S.jpg</center>

Then, a realization came to me, I didn't come here for the rewards but to express my self effectively and develop my writing skills and talents. To gain friends and hope to talk about relevant topics and exchange opinions on things that matter.  

So, **I came back hard!** Early January I posted an article about my new beginnings in life on [Page 1 of 365: New Year - The Start of New Beginnings](https://steemit.com/life/@shairanada/page-1-of-365-new-year-the-start-of-new-beginnings). When I posted this, I said to myself that *"I will manage my time, do the things that make me happy and continue my Steemit Journey! I will be actively participating in our Community and as much as possible put effort and post sensible articles!"*  I also became more persistent in getting those amazing photography shots! 

<center>https://i.imgur.com/9vpWwQv.jpg</center>

This year 2018 will be my year! I have experienced ups and downs that helped me become stronger. I learned my lessons, taught that consistency, effort, and engagement are the keys, build a new and better version of myself. 

I believe that my greatest enemy is myself only and that I don't have to surpass anyone but rather my self. 

I often ask *"Who are you gonna be today?"* and answers loudly, *"I am gonna be a Winner!"*

### To my Fellow Steemians,  

Everything you need, to accomplish your goals is already in **YOU**. It doesn’t matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. Just keep going and be passionate about it. Read and study the @curie upvoted posts, @ocd's featured posts, as well as @steemstem. Join contests and engage with other Steemians! Be consistent and always post quality contents. Be active in your community - Participate! And then **Reach your GOAL**. 

I hope I have inspired you a little and fueled the fire within you.

### <center>THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY!</center>