10 Lessons Social Media Has Taught Me

If you are anything like me, you know that there are both pros and cons to social media. I've mentioned before that I used to be HIGHLY opposed to the idea of "social media" and putting myself out there on the internet, but after starting my blog a few years ago I have come to see that it wasn't all I made it out to be. In fact, while social media can take up to much of my time (lets be honest...its kind of a side job I don't get paid for...#blogger), it can have a number of benefits and I have come to see that I have learned a number of lessons through it's adoption into my life:

1. YOUR LIFE ISN'T GOING TO BE PERFECT......so you had better accept that right now! Often times I might look at other peoples "perfect" feeds and life and try to compare myself to them and everything they are doing, but at the end of the day I have to accept me for me! Sure, I can look at others accomplishments and learn from their successes in order to apply their lessons to my life, but I can never become someone who wishes to be someone else. I have to remind myself that I am right where I need to be and be content that my present life is perfect!
2. HEARTBREAK AND TRAGEDIES OF LIFE ARE REAL.....I can't tell you the number of times I have scrolled through Instagram and come across a story that breaks my heart. There are so many (incredible) ladies whom I follow that have miscarried, lost husbands, had broken engagements, deal with health issues, etc. Seeing and knowing that other people are going through trials reminds me that life isn't always easy, that prayer is vital, and that I should always be thankful for what God has blessed me with.
3. HEALING REALLY IS POSSIBLE (in regards to #2).....yes....heartbreak and tragedies come our way, but even in the darkness and brokenness there is healing and people (we) are stronger than we realize! While not everyone chooses to share their trials and heartbreak on social media, many do, and I have come to GREATLY respect those who choose to share and constantly learn from their strength, joy, authenticity, and determination to never give up! 
4. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE......I remember when I was growing up and always feeling like no one understood me, or no one liked the same things I did. Social media totally changes that and gave me an outlet to meet people who have the same interests as me, or are the same type of person (where are my fellow Introverts?). I think this many times come down the the amazing community created through social media, be it with bloggers, creatives, photographers, seamstresses, etc. 
5. ONLINE FRIENDS ARE REAL THINGS.....five years ago I probably wouldn't have believed you if you had told me I would meet some incredible friends through social media! I guess I didn't think connections could be made over the internet that could lead to friendships, but I was wrong. Thanks to messaging options and the ability to comment I have come to meet some of the sweetest ladies who really are kindred spirits. Its even cooler when you get to meet online friends in person and you totally hit it off over coffee :)
6. THERE ARE DEFINITELY WEIRD AND DIFFERENT PEOPLE OUT THERE......lets be honest...we have all had those "interesting" people follow us, or comment on a post, or request to be our friend....but that is precicely what the BLOCK button is for. Am I right or am I right?!?!
7. YOU CAN EXPRESS YOURSELF IN WRITING AND PEOPLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONNECT......I can't tell you the number of times I have shared a lengthy post about life or something personal and had people comment with encouragement, understanding, or words of wisdom. I constantly see people on social media who use words to express how they feel and those words will always connect with someone who reads it, reminding them that they are not alone (#4).
8. IF YOU EVER THOUGHT YOU WERE INVISIBLE NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE SEEN.....just like #4, I always (and sometimes still do in daily life) felt as if I were invisible to those around me, be it their lack of vocalization to my presence, or their inability to acknowledge or start a conversation with me. However, in joining the world of "social media" I have had to learn that people actually see me.....like they see what I do, what I wear, the things I love and they like it! Thus social media allows me to be "ME" and connect with others who recognize that uniqueness just like I recognize theirs:) And for those people who already know me, and just happen to follow me on social media, they often see another side to me that they might never have seen in person. 
9. YOU WILL CONSTANTLY GROW, LEARN, AND CREATE......wow...this one is such a great lesson! Through social media I have seen myself grow be it in my skills, my blog, my interests, communication, or even in how I run the PR side of my blog and grow my audience and reach. However, that wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the things I am constantly learning through watching other bloggers, reading books, or getting advice from people I know. I am able to see what works for other people and apply those skills to my life. And culminating all of those together I have learned that using social media for what I do gives me an outlet to be creative in photography, writing, and design and I love that I have the chance to utilize creativity in such a unique way. 
10. PEOPLE GENERALLY LOVE TO CELEBRATE OTHERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND TALENTS.....you might think (sometimes) that people just use social media to brag about themselves (which might be the case for some), but I have found that if you do what you do because you love it, accept compliments humbly, and remove all pride and self absorption from your life people really do want to celebrate with you when you succeed at something! I love to see the people I follow pursuing their dream, accomplishing something grand, or announcing something exciting! Life is something to celebrate, so why not celebrate it every chance you get:) I think this one again, also comes down to the community we create with those we follow and those that follow us. It's so cool to see what other people are pursuing and its also so cool to share the things going on in our life knowing that someone else is either going through the same thing or has a few words of wisdom or encouragement to keep you reminded of how lovely life can truly be and how splendid people really are! 

Have you learned any of these lessons through social media?

What are some lessons you have learned?

-Madison