When I just joined hive, I didn't really understand the platform, and because it was a time I wasn't so much myself (healthwise) I didn't really put in that much of an effort. The idea of earning while I express myself felt too good to be true. But as time goes on, I find out that hive has become a warm and safe place for me. It moved from being just a platform where I write to becoming home.

First off, what I love most about hive is the freedom it gives. The kind of freedom that allows you speak in your own way, share your opinion about things, share your journey, stories and all. You get to laugh, grow and all without anyone trying to police/be in charge of your thoughts. Hive has helped me share my pain, stories, and even things I find hard to share with others, and people will actually read, respond, and appreciate it. Many other platforms don't give such, but on hive, you get to write like yourself, not like a robot so as to blend in.

Talking about the people/communities on here too, there's something different about them. You get to connect with others, people comment on your post, while also encouraging you. Even when a person disagree with you, it's still more of a conversation done with respect and not some usage of odd languages. I must add that I've met people on here who actually care about my growth than even some I've known personally for years. Here on hive, people welcome you, guide you, support your work, read your posts, and celebrate with you. Hive has a way of letting you know, "you’re not alone here." It did sound strange, but it's the truth.

Another thing I love about hive is that it makes me feel seen. Not just because of the rewards(although, in all honesty, the rewards matter) but because people really engage with what I create. My efforts, story and intention are seen. I love hive because they see that human behind each and every post, I have written a lot of piece I thought nobody would really understand, only to see people from near and far relating to it. I've written posts that do not really get upvoted, but the comment sections are beautiful. That feeling alone is priceless.

Before knowing about hive, I write a lot, I just write and keep on my note app. Ranging from my personal stories, experiences, thoughts, ideas to fictional stories and random topics. But hive has given them all wings, and given me the chance to share it with others, spark conversations, and even get to inspire people I may never meet. And that is one of the best gifts any platform could give—knowing that your words can travel.

It feel so good to know that there's a platform as hive that rewards creativity and sees ones effort. Also, one of the most beautiful things about hive is that it creates/gives room for everyone, you don't have to be a certain type of creator. There's the space to share your cooking skills, writing skills, photography skills, and a lot more. You tell your stories, post pictures, sing, explore ideas and all, and there will always be someone who can relate to it.

Also, I must add that one of the reasons I love hive is the fact that it has helped me grow, not just financially, but also personally. Hive has helped me to be more consistent, to think deep, to improve on my craft, to meet intelligent minds, to interact with people, to learn and all. This is a very obvious truth, anyone who has stayed here long enough would have seen that change in themselves, in their writing, creativity and all. I have seen it too.

Hive has its way of rewarding ones effort in a way life itself may have forgotten too. I cannot forget the various opportunities I have gotten, the various communities that support talents, the various writing prompts/contest that challenge me. Here on hive, you don't need to be perfect, just show up and be consistent.

Before concluding, I must add one of the most beautiful part of hive, one that allows you talk, speak, laugh, share your opinions and all. And that's @sam.hangout. This initiative(check it out here, link)takes place every Friday, and via it I've been able to connect with various people, meet new people, get to have a wider understanding of things and all. There people gather in the comment section to learn, gist, laugh, talk on various topics and also help each other understand things better. It's one of the best and easiest place for a new user to feel welcomed. If you want to understand hive better, be a part of it, you will meet new people, connect, laugh and learn.

It's four years already Here, and I can't just help but love hive more. Even though there was a time I stopped(due to my health and other circumstances), but then, I've find myself back here, and this time, I'm here to stay, as I'm loving hive.

Hive has helped me meet a lot of genuine people, who has helped me learn and grow. On hive, your presence, stories, ideas and all matter. And beyond giving me a platform to do all of that, hive has given me a family and a reason to keep on writing even on days when life feels overwhelmed. Hive has followed most, if not all of my journey, from surviving illness, finding strength, returning back to school, graduating, and still showing up here. Hive has been amazing.

I Love hive.

1st image was edited on canva, 2nd is a screenshot of my activities, 3rd and 4th are mine while the last is a screenshot of my comment section here.