I have been using social media for over four years now
when I started with my blog
followed by Facebook
Instagram
and
recently I am giving twitter a try.
I have been so appreciative of
the many gifts involved
in the communities I have become a part of
and
especially the wonderful people
I have met all around the world.
All because of social media.
But I have also realized
that as with many things in life
social media
can become a double edged sword
unless I take good self care
and
follow my own rules of using
social media
that
social media
that
I know work for me
in order to stay emotionally healthy
and
only reap the positives to be had
with using social media.
My number one rule for using
social media
Never Compare.
This is a big one I learned from using
social media
and
luckily has transferred into my offline life as well.
I must admit
there was a time I saw others
and
compared not only
myself
but
my life as well.
Then one day
in the midst of a time of being
broken wide open
I learned to
appreciate my own story.
Where it was that I came from
and
how I had been shaped
by what life had given me.
As soon as I could graciously accept
my own story
with love and dignity
comparison was no more
only left in the wake
was
was
empathy
for others
for others
in the realization that
we are all doing the very best we can
with what we have at the time.
By truly accepting and respecting
myself
and
my own story
and
my own story
with love and grace
comparison stopped for me
which
gave me so much more time for joy
and
the ability to truly revel
in the success of others.
and
the ability to truly revel
in the success of others.
My second rule I have learned
Don't over identify with the stats
of social media.
We are not our stats
whether the following be small
or
immense.
Never, ever look to a number
to help to define your self worth.
Concentrate on doing good work
and
being you.
Be sure not to self identify if followers are few
and
especially not to self identify
if followers are many.
They are not markers of self worth
and
it's so easy to lose authenticity
in the chase of more.
They are not markers of self worth
and
it's so easy to lose authenticity
in the chase of more.
For me I like to keep my blog
and
media real.
I share what's beautiful in my life everyday
and
I share the challenging parts too.
Because sometimes that's where
the most meaningful connections are made.
I think we all can come together more easily
in the realizations
that life is hard on us all at one time or another
and
it is so comforting to know
we are not alone when it does.
The times that I loose sight of
this aspect of my particular blog
and
start doing things simply to boost
my stats
I lose the joy of authentic sharing
and
true connections.
Nothing has ever thrown me off my personal track
more than attending blogging conferences
with the intent of growing a following.
For me
I am much happier
sharing the beauty in my everyday
and
sharing what I have learned
about self care
and
Crowning Yourself.
Don't Take Anything Personally
This is something I have learned with age.
Luckily for me
mean comments have been few and far between
but when I do get them
I let them roll off my back immediately
because I know any anger posted
really has nothing to do with me.
I know this because years ago
when I was a bonafide
practicing perfectionist
I was wound so tight
and
so unhappy because of it
I flashed anger
at the least provocation
and
it never really had anything to to with
anybody else
but
me.
Be Kind.
There can definitely be negativity in social media.
I prefer to ignore this fact
and
concentrate on
the good that can be done.
Differing platforms of social media
offer
such perfectly easy ways
to share some love and kindness.
My particular favorite is
Instagram.
But Meaningful comments
are such gifts
on any platform.
on any platform.
I know I have been on the receiving end
of
words left on my blog
that are true gifts to my soul
and
have been life preservers
when my seas of life were
tumultuous.
and
have been life preservers
when my seas of life were
tumultuous.
Never, ever underestimate
the power of
heartfelt words.
Anytime I ever become
over interested in my own stats
I know the quickest cure
is always to go out into the blog sphere
and
instagram
and
leave some love.
Be Authentic
For me it's all about authenticity.
Both
what I put out
and
what I read and respond to.
Maybe that's just me
and
my history with perfectionism
and
the realization
perfection in life
is a myth.
I personally connect and respond
with
real
authentic
people and stories.
So that wraps up my
personal strategy for
Staying Emotionally Healthy
While Using Social Media.
I'd love to hear any tips
you have to share
on how you keep
the use of
Social Media
Healthy and Positive.
you have to share
on how you keep
the use of
Social Media
Healthy and Positive.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
PS ~ Congratulations Deb Jackson!
You are the winner of the
Crown Yourself and Crown a Friend
Giveaway!
You are the winner of the
Crown Yourself and Crown a Friend
Giveaway!
