Let us all cheer each other on and support one another. We are all running a race at our own pace.
Let’s Get Down to The Truth, Shall We?
Are you curious about why I was not on social media? One of the questions I get asked from people during an initial introduction is: “Are you on social media?”. If you ask me this question now, I will say, “Yes, let’s connect”. Had you asked this question prior to late June of 2019, I would say, “Sorry, I am not on social media. Would you like to swap business cards or exchange numbers?”. (Seriously in 2019?! Haha, I know. This is why I finally got on social media!).
I Was Probably Not Their Only Target
In middle and high school, I experienced what they call “bullying”. This kind of bullying I faced did not end when the dismissal bell rang or after the day was over. It persisted and followed me home, online. I had a Facebook account in high school with people who I went to school with. There were some people who I actually thought was nice, and others, not so much.
It is sad how some kids and even a few (grown) people are senseless to how others might feel based on their words. The tongue can be very sweet or sharp depending on how we speak, type, and come across.
Why I Was Not On Social Media: The Brutal Truth
I was scarred from the pain of being bullied for a long time and it haunted me even after high school ended. There were days I would walk home from the school bus stop crying in tears and wondering why the kids treated me that way. Everyone grows out of that immature stage, but these kids used bullying as a tool to have power over someone they could target. And back then, that target was me.
It Would Not Do Any Good to Recall the Awful Name-Calling
By now, you are probably wondering, “Well, how was she bullied?”. I don’t think it is worth going down that memory lane and reliving the pain. I am laying out the truth about my disappearance from social media for over 10+ years because I want YOU to support this anti-bullying community.
No One Should Ever Feel Like He/She is Not Enough
There will be times when we make mistakes and fall, but the people around us who genuinely support will stretch out their hands to help us get back up. THESE are the people we should lean on. I really appreciate all the people who have been there for me from day one through each journey and chapter of my life that molded me into the person I am today.
My Purpose on Social Media is More Than Vanity Metrics
I know what it felt like to live without social media for 10+ years (read why I decided to finally get on social media here). The people whom I stayed connected to at non-social media time, and now, were the people who include me in their lives. They acknowledge me through text messages, celebrations, milestones, and catch-up meals despite my social media absence.
Cultivating positive relationships, nourishing friendships, and connecting with like-minded people is important to me. Although I can be a little bit of an introvert in a room full of unfamiliar faces, I thrive off of other people’s energy. And let us keep the energy positive, shall we?
Call it “Vibe”, “Chemistry”, or “Energy”
Whether or not someone’s presence is in-person or online, their vibe sends a signal to the reader, listener, and people they are talking/writing/texting to. Read more about cyberbullying awareness here.
When watching movies, we admire the hero and feel sorry for the victim. What if we switch our thoughts and turn our emotions into positive actions? What if we become the hero in someone’s life and bring a smile across their face? We can all do that. Change must start with us. But first, let that change be in you and me. Together, we can build this vibrant and bright community supporting one another. <3
