First edition of my yearly Books and Life contest. 2023 edition
The idea of starting this post first appeared in my head when I was thinking to donate some HBD to a charity of my choice , to @papilloncharity, as a way of finally giving back to the Hive community. I have a 600 HBD budget from which 100 HBD will go to charity and 500 HBD will be given to the competitors.
I felt that I wanted to create a contest about the things I loved the most: books and real life stories. I love it when a person shares with me parts of their soul, their struggles. I admire and value authenticity and real vulnerability coming from a place of maturity, not victimhood or attention seeking.
The requirements for this contest:
Write in the comment section below the title and the author of a book that changed your perspective on life in a specific situation. Explain why and give me context of your life in that moment. Tell me where you are now because of reading that book. Write 1 short quote at the end of the written comment from this book that you love.
Limit yourself to maximum 800 words.
This contest has a second twist: you have the choice to create a separate post on your profile where you can write a longer story about this. Mention me and I will read it. Please only mention me if you write a long post.
The second twist is optional but I will handpick the best long post as well and I will have a surprise for that person! I know that somewhere, out there, someone with great talent is waiting to be discovered. Just like I was years ago when I started blogging on Hive and there were a couple of valuable members who contributed to my visibility: @vincentnijman ( amongst my very first followers! I remember he gave me some hive to help me out!) , @meesterboom, @galenkp, @abh12345, @tarazkp. They all deserve my big hug! I was also supported by big communities like @ocd, @gems, @proofofbrain, @hivebookclub, @alienarthive, @thoughtfulpostoftheday, @onchainart, @photographylovers and so many more. Big hugs to them too!
Contest starts today and it will end in 7 days. Results will be announced 7 days after the ending of the contest.
Prizes:
The best stories will receive 100 HBD each. I will select the 5 best stories from the comments.
The surprise for the best long post...I will keep it undisclosed, that's the point of a surpriseš
Now I will share my choice of the book. It is Alfred Lansing - Endurance, Shackleton's Incredible Voyage. It is the first 3 hour long book review I have made on my Youtube channel and I was just starting my book review journey.
I was living in a place without internet so I had to stream from my phone and use my mobile data. It was a difficult start as I was in a sad situation in my personal life caught in an unhealthy relationship and a difficult place to stay mentally. I had mornings when I really had to motivate myself to get out of bed or even shower. Going in nature, painting, swimming and books literally maintained my sanity. The story of Shackleton inspired me to search in my depths and overcome my situation by discovering my inner strenght. It did not happen immediately, but even today when I think of this book I gain strenght. I am now living in a better place, where I am happy, safe and away from any drama. I know that no one will harm me in here, no one will put me down or bully me and that I can have peace.No one will kick me out of here. I am now happy and safe. And this book has a role in the grand scheme of things.
My favourite quote:āNo matter what the odds, a man does not pin his last hope for survival on something and then expect that it will fail.ā
It is survive or die when life puts you down. Getting up is the only choice, even if some days it felt like there would be no end of it.
Looking forward to read great life stories and hear about inspiring books. I want my soul to be touched by your post! Just be sincere and be yourself.
ā¤I must add that I feel so happy to be finally able to give something back to Hive because this platform gives so much to me. ā¤