I have been using social media for over four years nowwhen I started with my blogfollowed by FacebookInstagramand recently I am giving twitter a try.
I have been so appreciative ofthe many gifts involvedin the communities I have become a part ofandespecially the wonderful people I have met all around the world.
All because of social media.
But I have also realizedthat as with many things in lifesocial mediacan become a double edged swordunless I take good self careand follow my own rules of using
social media
thatI know work for mein order to stay mentally healthyandonly reap the positives to be hadwith using social media.
My number one rule for using social media
Never Compare.
This is a big one I learned from using social mediaand luckily has transferred into my offline life as well.
I must admitthere was a time I saw othersand compared not only myselfbutmy life as well.
Then one dayin the midst of a time of being broken wide open
I learned to appreciate my own story.Where it was that I came fromand how I had been shaped by what life had given me.
As soon as I could graciously accept my own storywith love and dignitycomparison was no more
only left in the wake
wasempathy
for othersin the realization thatwe are all doing the very best we canwith what we have at the time.
By truly accepting and respectingmyself
and
my own storywith 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.
My second rule I have learnedDon't over identify with the statsof 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 fewand 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.
For me I like to keep my blogandmedia real.I share what's beautiful in my life everydayand 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 easilyin the realizations that life is hard on us all at one time or anotherand it is so comforting to knowwe are not alone when it does.
The times that I loose sight of this aspect of my particular blogand start doing things simply to boostmy statsI lose the joy of authentic sharingand true connections.
Nothing has ever thrown me off my personal trackmore than attending blogging conferenceswith the intent of growing a following.
For meI am much happiersharing the beauty in my everydayand sharing what I have learnedabout self careandCrowning Yourself.
Don't Take Anything Personally
This is something I have learned with age.Luckily for memean comments have been few and far betweenbut when I do get themI let them roll off my back immediatelybecause I know any anger posted really has nothing to do with me.
I know this because years agowhen I was a bonafidepracticing perfectionistI was wound so tightandso unhappy because of itI flashed angerat the least provocation andit never really had anything to to withanybody elsebut me.
Be Kind.
There can definitely be negativity in social media.
I prefer to ignore this factand concentrate on the good that can be done.
Differing platforms of social media offer such perfectly easy waysto share some love and kindness.
My particular favorite is Instagram.
But Meaningful comments are such gifts
on any platform.
I know I have been on the receiving endof words left on my blogthat are true gifts to my soul
and
have been life preservers
when my seas of life were
tumultuous.Never, ever underestimate the power of heartfelt words.
Anytime I ever becomeover interested in my own statsI know the quickest cure is always to go out into the blog sphereandinstagramand leave some love.
Be AuthenticFor me it's all about authenticity.Both what I put outand what I read and respond to.Maybe that's just meand my history with perfectionismandthe realizationperfection in lifeis a myth.
I personally connect and respondwith realauthenticpeople and stories.
So that wraps up my personal strategy for
Staying Mentally 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.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life
