My favorite part of social media is the fact that we, the people, own it. With other mass mediums, we were the “con”sumer, sitting back and taking in whatever the media powerhouses had for us. Today, we are the “pro”sumers, and we can create our own media to share, as well as develop relationships with like-minded people with no geographic limitation. It is exciting times, indeed.
What holds true for our face-to-face relationships, also holds true in social media. And so I offer these tips to you for both, but mostly, for you to truly enjoy your life and live longer, healthier, more prosperously.
TIP #1: Feel genuine happiness for someone who has accomplished something noteworthy.
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Of course, why not, right?
Here’s a perfect quote to help me make my point here:
Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self-worth. Each of us has something to give that no one else has. ~Elizabeth O’Connor
Let me share a recent story with you. I’m shopping at a local store, and run into a neighborhood friend, let’s call her Susan. Now Susan met me when I was escaping homelessness with my kids, and I had sent my son to her lovely home day care center for a year.
We hug one another, as always, and she asks me what’s been going on. Since I had finally published my inspirational memoir eBook, I excitedly share with her this news. Susan’s mouth dropped, and she straight out exclaims, “Oh my, Wendy. I can’t believe you published a book while running your own business and raising 5 kids. I really feel bad now.”
That was NOT the response I had expected, but at least she was honest. Susan has a lot to be grateful for, as she is working full-time on her home business, raising her two sons and cultivating her relationship with her husband of 20 years. My point is, that we all have our gifts, we all have our calling, and we all have our accomplishments.
Why then, should my success make her feel bad? Do you ever experience this type of envy, as well? If so, then drop it! Bless the person who is doing notable things, and focus on all the praiseworthy things you are doing, or planning to do!
TIP #2: Look at bad mistakes made as learning experiences for growth and transformation.
Thank God we are not perfect! I read a great tweet recently how our imperfections allow us to learn and grow, become better people. If we were all perfect, then what would be the point?!
Since we can all agree that we are not perfect, then we can all agree that imperfection leads to making errors. We make mistakes. Sometimes we can band aid it up for a minute, sometimes we can’t. Sometimes our choices lead to great challenges. But the greater the challenge, the more opportunity to grow stronger, more resilient.
OR, we can do what most of us choose to do, and feel REGRET. What’s the point of that? Don’t we have enough problems than to add regret to the mix?!
My cousin who read a synopsis of my eBook memoir asked me if I had regret, and if I could go back in time, would I do things differently? A lot of people live in this mindset of wishing they could join Cher with her song, “If I could turn back time”…
First of all, we can’t. And even if there was a time machine to do so, would you want to? I would most definitely not. As the mistakes I made led me to be the ‘me’ that I am today. And I’ve made some MAJOR mistakes!
For just today, or for this week, look at your past as tremendous learning’s and if you feel regret, take that debilitating emotion and transform it to how you can now do better in the future. Then soar forward, my friend!
TIP #3: Look at your glass as always half full and remain receptive for more blessings.
“My Cup Runneth Over” and it really does, have you noticed? Just take a minute to think of the blessings all around you. Start with your health. If you are reading this, then you are alive, you are breathing. How about family and friends? How about a roof over your head, a car to drive in, a delicious dinner to look forward to…
Yet we live in this lack mentality, that our glass is always half empty, and nothing fills us up. And nothing ever will if we focus on lack instead of the plenty. We are so blessed beyond measure. It’s when we feel gratitude for all that we do have, that we will see how our cup is truly runneth over and over again. Get those paper towels, your cup is spilling! 😉
Try this today, or for the full week. See abundance, not lack. And then share it!
TIP #4: Give from the heart just because, without the requirement to receive something back in return.
Again, this sounds so much simpler than it really is to do. This is not because we are selfish people or that we don’t like to give to others. No, not at all. It’s mostly because we are in a culture that lives by this tit for tat mentality. I catch myself doing it, now that I practice mindfulness around this topic.
Imagine this as another Golden Rule ~ it’s as prevalent as gravity. When you drop a book, it falls. When you give from the heart, you open yourself up for blessings. It may not be from the same person you gave to, most likely, it won’t be. But it will come to you, just surrender any expectations and be aware when it arrives in your lap.
This personal example is funny to me, because it actually makes dollars and sense! I received an extra $20 bill from a supermarket when I requested for cash back. As a single mom in tight financial quarters, I almost took it. But that is not my path, and I know it is not mine. So I returned it to the stunned cashier and went about my day.
Within the same week, I received a check in the mail from the state of CA for $21! It was out of the blue, and I still don’t know why it was sent to me. Check it out, I earned $1 interest, not bad! My other stories are not so methodical, but I know without doubt, when we give from the heart, the blessings will pour in…
I even started a Facebook group called “The Blessing Exchange” to share our blessings with one another. Come on by and share and care!
So grateful to you, for your time and friendship. Please feel free to comment below on your impressions here.
Big hugs to you,
Wendy Sue
