Creating A Social Media Feed You Enjoy

Did You Know? “Due to the Chinese government’s block of Facebook and Twitter, China’s social landscape is unique. The second most popular social networking platform in the world is China’s online messaging platform QQ, with nearly 820 million users.” (via)

One of my favorite activities in the world is purging household items. Yes, even more than spending date night reading labels in the grocery story. Don’t I sound like a good time? The less you have, the better. And when I say less, I’m referring to – clothing, kitchen tools, food, furniture, mail, pens, ect. But today I’m taking it a step further. We’re getting rid of any unwanted feelings, memory’s, or conditions.

We’re talking – SOCIAL MEDIA

This task will ultimately come down to you & your own rules. I’m going to pass along a couple of reminders to encourage you to get where you need to be, ultimately it all comes down to what feels best for you.

One thing I started doing the year Prez Trump was elected (a year or so ago?) was delete anyone or anything from social media that didn’t make me feel good. Simple. (This decision was not politically driven, just happened to coincidentally be around election time, therefore easy to remember.)

I stopped telling myself I have to follow someone. Whether they’re a close friend of Wafiq’s, or even a family member. Or someone that gives motivating advice 1/100 posts & I risk missing out on that good info. Doesn’t matter.

I stopped giving a fuck.

We need to get you there too.

I actually deleted Facebook for years after college & even a few years in college. When I picked up Instagram, and eventually brought Facebook back into my life, I was cautious. And still am. Social media absolutely can be poisonous, but there’s also a ton of perks!

TIPS FOR A MOTIVATING SOCIAL MEDIA FEED

Unfollow, unfollow, unfollow: This is my number 1 rule. The second you have an unwanted feeling, unfollow. This means, scrolling through images, videos or conversations… the second something is giving you a bad feeling: UNFOLLOW, without thinking twice. Anything unwanted. You’ll be surprised how much unfollowing someone can change your entire experience scrolling through your feed. Keep in mind, you can always go back & follow the person in the future. Nothing is permanent!
You do NOT need a “Good” Reason: Remember this, because it’ll haunt you always. You don’t need a “good” reason to stop doing anything that doesn’t feel right. That includes unfollowing someone on social media. Maybe you’re unfollowing your cousin because she’s always on one particular subject that doesn’t feel right to you, it might even be a neutral subject, you can unfollow! You don’t owe yourself an explanation. Maybe you don’t even understand why you have an unwanted feeling. It doesn’t matter. You absolutely do not have to follow anyone – family, friends, company, group, boyfriend, animal. No reasons necessary.
Blocking is Powerful: I toss back & fourth with this one. If you don’t want someone watching your stuff, it’s okay to block them. Although I don’t believe it’s your job to filter what someone else see’s, if they don’t have the courage to do it themselves, blocking will be the best option for both worlds. Blocking can take a heavy weight off of your accounts. The last thing you want is to be in a position where you’re defending your decisions or feeling constrained.
Enjoy Social Media: That’s right, ENJOY social media!!! In the past few years I’ve viewed social media as a fun place to do whatever I want to do. In my opinion, your personal accounts should be a good time! It’s a chance to show off whatever you want, to anyone interested! Document yourself, share opinions, conversate, highlight your creativity – whatever it may be! There’s an abundant amount of opportunity to connect w like-minded people. You have a resource allowing you to be friends w people from all over the freaking world, how cool is that?!
Don’t be over critical: For the love of God, don’t scroll through your feed waiting to criticize every single thing you see. Who f-ing cares if that friend posts 9 million baby pictures a day, or your other friend posts pictures of their food every time they eat lunch, or that one celebrity keeps posting sponsored ads… If you follow a feed you have a problem with – either enjoy it, or unfollow. Those are your only 2 choices. Complaining is not one of them. They are not the problem. I used to complain about what I saw all the time, until one day I started unfollowing & like magic – my complaints were gone. This was a tip I personally had to work on…

How do those 5 tips for making a happier & healthier social media sound? I don’t think social media is something we should hate completely. Of course it’s everyone’s highlight reel w a few “real” posts peppered in. Let it be that, & if it doesn’t feel right don’t watch it. You know? It’s up to YOU.

I came back from my years of social media hiatus w the idea that I should use social media as a way to connect, be creative & have fun. I shouldn’t overthink what anyone else is sharing & I shouldn’t care if someone is overthinking what I’m sharing. We live in a time when we’re scared to do anything, and for me that’s gotten worse as I’ve gotten older, but that’s just plain old silly. I can do & be whatever I feel like I should be doing & being – so should you.

I support you.

What do you use social media for?

Have a great weekend & be thoughtful