Explore the diverse world of open source projects through personal stories and experiences shared in this 48-minute conference talk from Lambda Days 2023. Gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and rewards of contributing to and maintaining open source software. Learn how to take your first steps in the open source community, whether as a contributor or maintainer, and discover useful tips for seasoned developers. Walk alongside the speaker as they recount friendships formed and lessons learned throughout their open source journey, highlighting the varied experiences and feelings associated with different projects. Use this talk to better understand the open source landscape and prepare yourself for successful participation in collaborative software development.