thankfulforamillion

Posts Tagged ‘social-media’

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Keeping Up With The (Digital) Joneses

In You on June 4, 2012 at 12:39 pm

 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, they’re all wonderful. How else would we be able to constantly connect and keep up to date with our friends as far back as grade school? No matter where we go, we can instantly stay in touch with loved ones all over the world.

Sign into Facebook and you’re inundated with updates like: “Andrew and Lisa are Engaged,” “I just purchased my first house,” “Check out my new ride,” and “On my way to Fiji!” People are certainly quick to share good news, and this is great. However, it’s important that we remember to congratulate people on their individual successes and not internalize others’ activities as an indicator of our deficiencies.

Recently, I spoke to someone who expressed that they were feeling a little anxious. A number of their friends were engaged, or moving on to new jobs and they were starting to feel as though they were falling behind. Let it be noted, that the person referenced is working hard towards his or her own goals. Nonetheless, they aren’t immune to slipping into a game of timeline comparison. “Well, he’s 24 and just got engaged. So, I should be ready to do the same, right?” Not at all.

It’s easy to look at one person’s life and relate it to your own. I’ve done it myself. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of someone’s vacation photos and think, “Why am I in this office? I need a vacation.” Whenever I have moments like these, I try to remind myself why I’ve chosen to do what I’m doing for that moment. Because, a solid ‘why’ can erase every bit of my self-doubt.

Now, while there’s the danger of falling victim to endless comparison, there is an upside. My friends and I always talk about “Stepping our games up.” And, this isn’t so much about measuring our own successes against our peers; it’s about allowing our peers to help elevate our progress. Seeing others thrive and achieve serves as inspiration rather than a litmus test.

So, if you’re happy with the direction you’re headed, stay on the path. If you think it’s time to switch gears, make a change. And, remember to congratulate people on their decisions and successes, but don’t compare.

~Thankful

I hope you’re all enjoying the start of June!

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Think Before You Tweet: Using Social Media For Good

In You on April 6, 2012 at 3:40 pm

It’s difficult to remember a time when I didn’t have Internet access. I had my first AOL screenname, sweetb113, at 13. Little did I realize that my connectivity was increasing exponentially. I had the ability to instantly keep in touch with everyone, from my friends in Lyndhurst, Ohio, to my pen pal in Pittsburgh, PA. From then on, my social medial usage matured from Facebook to WordPress to Twitter. And, while I haven’t quite grasped this whole Tumblr thing, I’m learning.

When Facebook released company data for their IPO, they said that they had 845 million monthly active users, 250 million photos uploaded per day, 100 billion friendships and 2 billion likes and comments per day. All of this made me realize how important it is to consider what you’re sharing. Our community has evolved to encompass more than just whom we see everyday.

Currently, I have 1,573 Facebook friends. I’d love to say that I know every one of them, but I’m sure that I’ve only met some once. Regardless, their statuses bombard my senses every time I sign on Facebook. I’ve read articles or seen photos that have been shared 4 times over. Often, I’m not even a ‘friend’ of the original poster. I’ve read stories that make me want to do everything from engage, laugh or cry. I enjoy the statuses, pictures and stories that add value to my life. Consequently, I’m secretly disappointed by those that have no value at all. *

Social media has given everyone the opportunity to share stories. Storytelling is no longer reserved for musicians, filmmakers or writers. It’s quite simple to share what you’d like. However, I encourage people to use this evolving platform for good. I believe that this increased access imparts an increased responsibility to create content with a positive influence. Now, this isn’t to say that every status should aim to teach people something. It could be as simple as making someone laugh or even think.

I must admit, that I’m able to piece together little bits about people’s personalities based on what they choose to share. It’s easy to tell when someone’s arrogant, selfless, introverted, outgoing or optimistic. So, even if you disagree with my assertion that you have a responsibility when sharing, consider, at least, that you are branding yourself.

I’m thankful for those who share stories, pictures and experiences that contribute positively to our evolving ‘community.’

~Thankful

Happy Easter and Passover to those recognizing the holidays!


*My secret is out.

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The Quest For a Million Thanks

In You on March 19, 2012 at 11:07 am

When I started Thankful For a Million, a friend asked, “So, are you going to get to a million?” As far as the concept went, I planned on sharing what readers were thankful for. Now, I have the overwhelming, and perhaps overly ambitious, desire to reach a million thanks. For those who choose to answer the question, “What are you thankful for?“, your responses will be counted and tweeted by @thankful_fam. I would love to see the day when a million people are willing to share. Sometimes we can all use a reminder that life can be beautiful.

For Twitter Users:

If you decide to post a note of gratitude-for anything, please tag @thankful_fam

For Non-Twitter Users:

You can respond on the following page:

Happy Monday!!

~Thankful

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