Social (media) Dilemma

Having a presence on the internet is a part of modern life. Personally and professionally, the internet is a place where we spend large amounts of time - shopping on Amazon to save time running errands, checking emails in Outlook and posting pictures on social channels. Having lived in 4 different cities in the past 8 years, I especially love how social media allows me to post and receive updates from friends and family as special moments happen. However, I do not love all the inauthentic content created for the sake of 'brand building'. I think a lot of people really do want to be authentic and vulnerable on social media but as my girl Brene Brown describes vulnerability - "uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure" - a lot of us would rather continue to post what we know is received well. Brene Brown also is a big advocate for finding your core values and operating against those. My three core values are health, peace and faith - if I post or write about one of my three values, I'm in alignment with my truest self and don't have to play that annoying game of 'what if' or worry about judgement.

Having agency over your digital persona is extremely important, whether you plan on monetizing your presence or not. Now that work has largely moved online for the foreseeable future (sure we'll go back to some physical meetings we aren’t robots after all, but the remote work movement is not slowing down), the only opportunity you have to showcase yourself is well, on the internet. I've been thinking quite a bit about how many people I used to network and engage with in the office, at conferences, during post meeting happy hours - all that social engagement has been halted and shifted online for the past 18 months. One reason I started this blog was to have a place to share my voice and perspective. Longer term post-covid era I have goals for public speaking engagements, but I think it's important to have a reflection of yourself on the internet, if you want to be heard. As a millennial woman, I have a colorful and emotional history with the internet. It's been a place of exploration - discovering new music, connecting with peers, finding books. It's also been a place of distress - politically alarming tweets, body shaming, cancel culture, etc. How can you know how people will receive your 'content'? You can't. People make their own choices from whatever place they are in. If you post positively, in alignment with your values, you won't have any regrets or shame. 

Technology can become addictive and I've tried to be cognizant of my digital habits. Here are a few daily digital detox tips that have helped me feel more present and less consumed by the digital world:

1. Keep your phone out of the bedroom. If your sleep is regulated, you naturally wake up at the same time everyday. If you are still working on regulating your sleep, tell Alexa to wake you up at a certain time or get an old fashioned alarm clock. Your brain was just sleeping, give it a few moments before screen time!

2. Nature time sans cell phone. Schedule time in your day to sit or walk outside without your phone. The birds and the bees really put on a show if you pay attention!

3. Block off your calendar! Morning meetings are not productive for me. My calendar is blocked off from 8-9 am because I know I need the extra time and space to start my day and be my best. I use this time to drink warm lemon water, meditate, pray, read, stretch… healthy and gentle activities. 

4. No phones at the dinner table. Mom and Dad you deserve credit for this one. Be present and enjoy your meal!