What if You Died Right After Your Last Social Media Post?
What’s the last thing you posted on social media?
Is that the legacy you want to leave?
Maybe it is.
You'll never hear me complaining online. Ever.
Why?
Well, I mostly save my bitching and moaning for wine-filled evenings with my hubby Ryan (lucky dude, right?)
I keep it positive (especially online) because there's enough negativity in this world.
I've taken some flack for taking this stance. Some people say I'm a dreamer (I’m okay with this), and I'm being deceptive by only talking about the good things. You know, like I'm trying to make my life appear better than it really is on social media.
I'm all for real life and keeping it real.
Yes, sh!t is hard sometimes. I get it.
I see your point. As my friend and author of the book #Untrending (which I named!) Vicki McLeod says,
"What if every post you made was a forever-post?"
Forever.
And ever.
To infinity and beyond.
Think about that. Every social media post you write will live forever on the internet. And, well, actually - it kind of does.
It just gets pushed down with other updates.
What if you DIE right after your last post?
What would it say?
Would you be posting about your less than stellar customer service experience at the bank? Would you be whining about how tired you are? Complaining about paying taxes? Or would you be sharing a video of a myotonic goat? Or helpful information, like how to keep your guacamole green (I know the secret you guys, and it's not lime juice).
Or sharing something great that you witnessed today.
You have a choice every time you start typing in that little pandora's box, "What are you up to?"
You have a choice to spread joy. Share things that make you happy. Consider the ripple effect you could have on your social (and real-life network) if we got more intentional with the words we use online.
Your next Facebook post/Tweet/Instagram picture might be your last.
How will you handle these words?
Will you choose to communicate mindfully?
