Everything came full circle when I got the chance to volunteer at the meetup stand during the conference. Back in 2014, there was a “Bitcoin Magazine” sitting on a rack at a local brewery that stood out to me. I had no idea what it was, so I picked it up and started reading it. In this journey, it is crucial to remember your beliefs and the reason you started on the Bitcoin path. For some it’s for gains or a hedge against inflation, for others it’s to have “Fuck you money.” To me, those are the things and a chance for everyone to have freedom and sovereignty that would not be realized in today’s world without Bitcoin. I eventually met another local Bitcoiner and we agreed that we needed to start our own meeting in Rocket City.
The Rocket City Bitcoin Meetup was the first step, but I had to join the Twittersphere. I had no idea how to be interesting, so I decided to be interested. Interested in what others did, said, sold or started. I noticed people; if a person needed what someone else was offering, I connected them. Involving others and experiencing this journey together is something I am committed to and passionate about.
I encourage all plebs to orange pill their families, friends and social circles. Start the conversation with them in a way that they are able to understand and not give up. They want to know why you are passionate about Bitcoin. Take your involvement a step further and organize a meeting or attend one in your neighboring towns. Community support will go a long way. For those who are interested in Bitcoin but have no idea where to start, I suggest reading the books mentioned earlier and attending a local Bitcoin meetup. Ask questions, gain an understanding and build a community. Newbies miss out on opportunities because it seems hard to keep up, but if you ask questions and seek an understanding, you’ll leave empowered instead of discouraged.
Being interested in others is how I started this journey. I have made amazing friendships and met incredible mentors along the way. With their guidance, I have expanded my local meeting and network. And I’m just getting started.
I want to personally thank God, the Rocket City Bitcoin Meetup members and my co-host, my closest friends and mentors, my Austin Bitcoin family – especially the Pleb Lab – Nashville Meetup organizers and members, and my Ohio Bitcoin family. Special thanks to Car Gonzales for pushing me out of my comfort zone and inspiring me to write this article and Texas Slim for telling me, “I don’t need to ask permission.”
This is a guest post by Justin Ragland . Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BTC Inc. or Bitcoin Magazine.