Social Media Has Made Me A Better Person
28 Friday Aug 2015
Written by Michelle in Better Behaviour, Living your Purpose
Tags
Authenticity, Calling Your Shit, Gratitude, Honesty, Social Media, Social Media Practices
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Social media has made me a better person.
I know, you’re probably saying, “Whaaaaaat?” You might believe people let their alter-egos run like wild toddlers on “Fakebook” and other social media platforms, but that isn’t always true. I’d like to believe very few do.
Several years ago, I realized the person I was born as had been buried alive to allow birth for the person who would comply with expectations. It wasn’t really a tragedy, because I developed skills I probably wouldn’t have pursued if left to my own devices. I became an educated, professional who could run not only an entire life by myself, but also run other people’s entire days and businesses. But, one day I realized I needed to honor that silenced inner voice. It was a crossroads. I needed to bloom before I went to seed, so the gag-order was lifted.
I wrote a “coming out post” – birthing this blog, “The Art of the Well 
Lived Life” and mostly quit my corporate gig. I occasionally dip my toe back into the water, because it’s fun, refreshing and still part of who I am (and it can buy a lot of paint!), but I spend the bulk of my days pursuing more creative endeavors.
Those creative endeavors are shared on social media platforms. I also share parts of my life, and I can say,
“Social media has made me a better person.”
The venture started when I came out, picked up steam with a practice of expressing gratitude and inviting others to do the same, and continues as I confess my challenges and foibles (because they aren’t all that different from yours). My writing, hopefully, encourages self-acceptance and tolerance of others, while giving permission to set healthy boundaries so we can all evolve into our best selves and savor the sweetness of our own lives.
Social media, for me, has created personal accountability.
I’ve learned to stay true to the person who shows up on my pages. I’m always surprised when people I meet remark “You look just like you look on social media.” It’s surprising when a coaching client says, “You sound just like you write.” Well…….yeah, because who would LIE (by the way, that’s a bold-faced “lie”) about such things? Why? I show up with all my warts and my friends accept me anyway. What the hell? Life is pretty good! On social media I find resources, support and celebration – in spite of or maybe because of my shortcomings.
Some people misbehave on social media. I’ve met them, but thankfully 
they’re few. I’ll examine their comments to see if they hold weight. If they don’t – I do my best to let their pettiness go when I come across it – just like in “real life.” But, I’ll admit, sometimes it stings and sometimes it’s a challenge. That’s why I keep my media feed positive and upbeat. I’ve surrounded myself with people I like and get to choose when and with whom to interact. I don’t put on false airs…
I’m not perfekt and don’t pretend to be; and I like it that way (click to Tweet).
None of us is perfect, but that’s cool because people’s quirks and idiosyncrasies make life interesting. It’s what makes us approachable – real.
So, what about you? Time to clean up your newsfeeds? Time to go into settings to make your social media experience more enlightening? Unfriend? (GASP) Just like in “real life” you set the controls. OR, is it time to put a more authentic step forward and be more honest in your life?
Often, dealing with your our own dishonesty can be more challenging than dealing with someone else’s. (click to Tweet).
Whatever the case, don’t forget to set those boundaries with people and time. Oh, and ENJOY, that’s the important part. There’s good work for us to do!
Be the Best You!
Michelle Andres is a writer and artist. She writes 
this blog to share tips for a well-lived life and a finely run art business…just for you!
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23 Comments
August 29, 2015 at 1:15 pm
I love your post Michelle. Gratitude and kindness are beautiful currencies to spend lavishly, and I think they’re a wonderful foundation on which to base one’s social media presence.
August 29, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Thank you very much, Deborah. 🙂
August 30, 2015 at 12:00 am
Michelle – I have to say I really don’t get that secrecy or troll thing on social media. I’ve seen it and lived it, but shake my head. You offer a wonderful, positive message for all. Frankly, I don’t have any online monikers that are different from my name. I can’t claim social media has made me a better person, but agree it’s always wise to present authentically. Your ideas of using it for gratitude and accountability are great ones.
August 30, 2015 at 4:33 am
Thanks, Nanette. I appreciate you chiming in!
August 31, 2015 at 2:36 am
Oh Michelle, I LOVE your post! Just as you mentioned, it is what we make it or what we ALLOW it to be.
Although I am fairly new to the social media scene, I have jumped all in and also focus on keeping myself surrounded by positive minded people. I truly enjoy getting to meet people that I otherwise may not have gotten a chance to meet.
So, I second your comment… I too believe that social media has made me a better person. I am coming out of ‘shyness’ with a BANG!
August 31, 2015 at 4:37 am
I’m so glad it’s working that way for you, Elda. No need to be shy, you are awesome just the way you are! Carry on and social media…or something like that! 🙂
August 31, 2015 at 2:54 am
Thank you Michele. I agree that social media has made me better. More involved in the lives of others. I used to be so hard on Facebook, now it has brought me many new friends. thank you for this post.
August 31, 2015 at 3:30 am
Amen, Kimberly – welcome Sister!!!
August 31, 2015 at 9:11 pm
Hi Michelle!
I loved your blog….and I love the truth in who you are. Social media like everything can make us bitter or better. And we have to keep our emotions in check to make sure bitter doesn’t prevail. But I love, love, love, celebrating with others, keeping up with others, exchanging thoughts with others, encouraging others and loving others. And ….. I love all the times it’s given me all those things back. And you my friend is one who makes me feel loved whether we are together or we are simply doing a quick media exchange!! 🙂 Thanks for your blog!
August 31, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Thank you for your sweet words, Marcella. You are one of my sunshiny spots in the social media circles. So grateful we are connected through the wonderful web…and in real life, too. Love you, friend.
September 3, 2015 at 3:33 am
It’s refreshing to read something positive about social media. I didn’t think about social media making me a “better person,” but I suppose it’s true. Connecting with people via social media – and then sometimes later face-to-face – has definitely changed my life for the better! Thanks for giving me this food for thought.
September 7, 2015 at 4:59 pm
My pleasure, Heather. Thank YOU for leaving a comment. ~m
September 3, 2015 at 6:51 pm
It is very interesting. It is good to look at things from a different perspective.
September 7, 2015 at 4:58 pm
🙂
September 3, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Great topic! I feel like social media has made me a better person too. Seeing how people who use social media as a platform to complain and start drama come off made me a lot more mindful of how I want to present myself to others. Now I present myself as the happy person I am instead of using social media as my soap box all the time. It’s made me a more positive person in life as well as in how others see me. You’re a great writer, by the way!
September 7, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Andrea, we feel the same way. Glad to connect with the like-minded souls. Thanks for your praise of my writing – I appreciate it! xoxo – m
September 4, 2015 at 2:21 am
Similar to Elda, the value I find in social media is meeting people that I wouldn’t normally meet. I often take those connections futher. I’ve met tons of people in real life or on skype that I’ve connected with on social media first. SM by itself doesn’t hold enough depth for me, it’s not connection in itself, but it helps start connection.
September 7, 2015 at 4:56 pm
Well said, Tat! I absolutely agree. I’ve loved meeting my virtual friends in real life – and in maintaining connection with those I’ve met across the country in real life that I may not see again (in person) for awhile. 🙂
September 4, 2015 at 12:25 pm
I love that social media has been so good for you. I agree there are many wonderful aspects that can’t be ignored. I love being able to share, to connect with people I wouldn’t otherwise be that connected to, etc. It’s all about a balance though for me and I’m finding the need to be really clear and intentional about how and what I do. It feels good to be in this space.
September 7, 2015 at 4:55 pm
I feel that too, Michele. I’ve written extensively on the time drain the computer can be…and it’s a challenge to strike that balance. I just returned from 5 days with no Internet or phone and was reluctant to plug back in. So much can be done when we aren’t doing “the computer.” Balance is KEY!
September 4, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Michelle, absolutely right! I think sharing our creative endeavors on social media also gives other people the implied permission they feel they need to try their hand at becoming more whole.
September 7, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Thank you, Naomi. “Becoming more whole.” I love that!