Sharing My Life – Why?

What’s Posting All About?

Why am I sharing my life? Are you doing the same, and if so, why? I was just reading in a book about how people these days are obsessively documenting their lives on social media, as if, by doing so, they’re creating some kind of legacy or desperately seeking to establish meaning in their existence, so I thought ‘I’d better share that with everyone on Facebook’ 🙂

Humour aside for a moment, there are all kinds of reasons why people share lots of different posts….

Here are some of my thoughts:

The ’Feel Good’ Factor

Sometimes we post things simply because it makes us feel good, or it makes someone we care about, feel good. We want to share the feelings of achievement or pride when we have done something good, or especially when our children or loved ones have scored a goal. It is sometimes as if we are prompting ourselves to savour the moment, which could fulfill the ideal notion of ‘living in the now’.

Ironically though, if we are busy posting, are we really experiencing ‘the moment’ or are we too busy typing and sharing?

Chronicling the Moment for Posterity

This is certainly an element of some of my posts. When Jo and I are out doing something exciting and/or memorable, I know that it will pop up on my feed in a year, two years, five years or even longer, again. When it does, it will remind us of some of our happy adventures, places we visited, people we met and whose company we enjoyed. It will serve as an online diary, if you like, and enable us to re-experience that moment in time and enjoy the memory of it all over again.

Inspiring Others

As an Author and Coach on the topic of ‘Creating Your Ideal Life,’ I feel that my wife and I are being authentic by living the kind of lifestyle that we hope to inspire others to do as well – a life filled with joy, kindness, empathy, contribution and integrity.

One of my driving forces is to help people tap into their potential, to find their purpose and do what inspires them, because I feel that if I can inspire and/or guide people to do that, I can help make my small contribution towards the greater good of somehow making the world a better place for our children and grandchildren, one person at a time.

One very busy friend told us that she and her husband live their lives vicariously through watching our social media posts. I know that this was said in jest, but I also hope that our posts inspire them to find more time for each other and to create more of their own joyful adventures.

Encouraging and Congratulating Others

It’s an extension of inspiring people, but we all know how good it feels when we achieve something important to us in our lives, that people who are either family, current or distant friends, colleagues or even associates, take notice and encourage us to keep on going.

“Your small gesture of encouragement may just be the thing that makes a huge difference at a crucial time on someone’s journey.” ~ Tony Inman

Commiserating With or Uplifting Those in Distress

It can help us to share sad news ‘en masse’, such as when a relative or close friend passes on, as we all will someday, rather than having to repeat the sad news over and over.

It is also an easy way for people who have meant something or still mean something to you, or vice-versa, to share their support, offer their condolences, advice or encouragement. Knowing that others have been on the same journey of heartache, bereavement, illness, divorce or perhaps business or life setbacks, and knowing that they came out the other end of the tunnel means that you too can see the light.

Sharing News or Announcements

There are times when we just want to let lots of people know what’s happening, whether it’s news of an event, letting people know that we’re ok and have survived a natural disaster, sharing knowledge and dispensing wisdom, sharing information that may be useful for neighbours or even people in other countries to be kept informed about. The list is almost endless.

“The Clairvoyant Club’s annual dinner has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Promoting and/or Influencing

Of course, any media has the potential to drum up interest or business, but social media is one that works so well simply because most people are using it a lot. The more mentions or references there are online to any topic, cause or enterprise that you wish to get out there, the more likely it is that the ‘Google God’ will take notice, and the more likely it is that your message will be heard above the incessant noise of the online world.

Worthy causes, such as those campaigning for human rights, animal rights, conservation awareness, equal opportunities for all races, genders and creeds, all benefit massively from postings on social media.

Connection

One aspect of our fast-paced 21^st Century is that people are feeling increasingly disconnected from each other. In some cases, family units have broken down. In some cases, spiritual teachings that previously gave people guidance on how to live a life of contribution to community have been replaced with rampant consumerism, greed and instant gratification. The global pandemic of COVID-19 put this sense of isolation further into the spotlight. I loved online movements on social media that used it as a tool to bring people together around the world, such as ‘The view from my window’ or pictures of putting out garbage bins whilst wearing fancy dress. If used correctly, social media can unite and connect people to help them stave off isolation, loneliness, anxiety or even help with depression.

What if You Don’t Like What People Have Posted?

That is easy – scroll past. It just means that this post was not for you. Rather than be offended and respond antagonistically, it is far better to live and let live. Either scroll on, unfollow, or if need be, ‘unfriend’ and you will not have your ‘buttons pressed’ anymore. I am always amazed at how people think (and I know I have been guilty in the past) that by hammering home your point of view, you will somehow convince a person to make a 180 degree turn on their fixed opinion. We all know that we’re ‘right’ and that those who disagree are idiots (just kidding), but it’s ok to walk away from the device, chill and let it go. There is enough division in the world without the need for even more ‘keyboard warriors’.

But what about healthy debate? That’s fine, but I’d recommend trying to do it with respect. If you can shed new light on a topic, introduce new information to educate and inform, that’s great, but do it with grace.

When and Where Should You Post?

Well, my friends that’s a whole other topic. We could get into social media and phone usage etiquette, but that’s another post for another day.

“I share (on social media), therefore, I AM!’

My main thought on this is ‘do what feels right’ and ‘do it with joy and kindness in your heart.’ If people don’t like what you shared, it wasn’t for them. But above all else, live your life in real time, not just on social media.

I think I might post this on my social media! Have a wonderful day, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Feel free to comment or share your thoughts on why you post, or if you have a story of how social media helped you at a difficult time.