I often post a list of all the things for which I’m thankful on Thanksgiving. But, in an effort to get back into the habit of daily blogging, I’ve decided to do a post a day for the month of November

10. Social Media

I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I hate it because it sucks my life away. In order to have a presence there, you must be a presence there. So, when I could be doing a million other things, I have to be present.

I love it because I have made so many incredible friends through social media (including meeting my husband in a long ago pioneer form of social media called an AOL chat room). I also know that I know that if it weren’t for social media, this blog and my writing career would only have a fraction of the success they’ve had.

So, it’s a blessing and a curse to have a social media presence.

When I get overwhelmed with life, I start resenting it and the time it takes to “do it” right. But, I’ve learned in the last year that if I have to pull away for a couple of days, then I do. I almost always pull away during election time, because I can’t stand politics and hatred and social media is filled with both.

I have started to find a good balance, scheduling specific times to be online, using a tool like Hootsuite to schedule social media presence when I may not actually be there, and training myself not to get sucked into time wasters that aren’t productive. And as I’ve gained these skills and disciplines, I hate it a little less and enjoy it a little more.

But, I am thankful for the people I’ve found through social media: either other authors, other bloggers, friends, fans, distant family — THAT is the blessing of the platforms. And because of that blessing, and despite my love/hate relationship, I am thankful for social media.

I’m so grateful for your visit, today.
You would bless me if you added me to your feed reader or subscribed via email.
You can also become a fan on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. I would love to see more of you!