“Kind words do not cost much….Yet they accomplish much.” ~ Blaise Pascal

Whether we like it or not Social Media is here and SO in your face, that its pretty hard to ignore it. I agree it might not be for everyone, but its here and its literally everywhere.

When I started writing this post it started on my wordpress app on my phone while stuck in traffic. I however continued to finish this post on my laptop later on. If someone whould’ve told me 5 years back that I would be so uber techie I would have surely had a hearty laugh…cause at that time all the app and techie jargon was for geeks and nerds(who I love by the way…psst married to one 😉 ).

Today Facebook, twitter, Google+, Linkedin etc are part of our everyday lives. We connect with friends, we stay upto date on current events, we get latest product news, latest book and movie releases are instantly downloadable….all through these social networks. And in many many cases, while in the eye of the storm, tweets and facebook status updates have saved lives.

The world today is truly a global village.

Among all the positives of Social Networking…there are negatives too. While there are ‘not so emotionally balanced people’ who try to take advantage of innocence there are also some ’emotionally balanced’ people who don’t spare language and feelings while voicing opinions online. While its a free world and everyone can say whatever they want, can’t it be said with a little more politeness?

I have been on these social networks for more than four years now. During this time I have devised ways to BE a Positive Social networking Butterfly 🙂 By that I mean to be a positively happy social networker rather than a ranting, constantly complaining whiny kind….cause really there are way too many whiny ones out there.

How to be a Positive Social Networking Butterfly

1) BE a friend, Have a friend: 

Making friends has never been easier than it is right now, mainly thanks to social networking sites. Just a few decades ago it was pretty tough to connect with people, unless you were the overly outgoing type able to make conversation with anyone at a party. The rise of mobile phones helped change this, connecting people in a new way, but then social networks sprang up and the whole idea of friendship changed once more and for ever. It’s entirely possible to have hundreds of friends on Facebook. They may not be friends you know on a personal level and spend time with in the real world on a weekly basis. But they’re friends nevertheless. There are several people I consider friends who I have never met – indeed, who I do intent to meet one day – but that doesn’t lessen the connection we have thanks to social networks.

Being a Positive Social Networking butterfly means making new friends and keeping them. Infact I have reconnected with so many old school friends through social networks. I love seeing their families grow with new births and snippets of anniversary celebrations.

2) Have an Empathetic Heart: 

We each spend a little too long talking about ourselves on social networking sites. Which is perfectly natural. We’re sharing our lives – the ups and downs, the twists and turns – with people we think will care. They generally do care, and will tell you so. They will listen to what you have to say, and help you deal with any problems you may be facing. If this isn’t the case then you may want to find new friends. The point is that by all of us sharing our experiences, both good and bad, on social networking sites, we’re able to empathize with each other. A friend may have gone through a similar problem you are now going through, and they will be able to inform you how they got through it. You’ll also be able to read for yourself how they came out of the situation, that this issue didn’t derail them, and that they’re perhaps better for the experience.

Being a Positive Social Networking Butterfly means giving your helpful input and lending your experience positively. Social networking sites can act as a kind of group therapy session. You can be a catalyst in someones healing by simply being empathetic.

3) Communicate freely and simply: 

Our time is being stretched thinner and thinner by work and family commitments, but social networking sites offer a chance to communicate in a speedy and efficient manner. Writing an update for Twitter takes all of 20 seconds, and with cross-posting over other social networks switched on, that update reaches everyone you want it to reach (and probably more besides) in an instant.

Being a Positive Social Networking butterfly means using this mode of communication to spread happiness and good vibes. It means congratulating friends when they get engaged, married, have a baby, have a birthday etc….no matter where you are geographically located. You can spread happy positive vibes right from your own little computer.

4) Be the builder of Great relationships: 

It is true that social networking sites can lead to the breaking up of relationships. But there is another side to the tale, which is that people are moving onto other, perhaps better, relationships at the same time. Social networks can put you (back) in touch with those you have lots in common with, and that common ground is often the starting point for long-lasting relationships.

Being a Positive Social Networking Butterfly means making an effort to foster friendships and create long and lasting bonds. I have found soul sisters on my Social Networking sites…which is such an uplifting feeling. When we make the effort to create more meaningful relationships, we are indeed connecting on a heart level. When hearts are connected  only love is spread.

5) Be a Like minded Sharer: 

As I have said earlier, social networking sites can help you find people you share interests with. Facebook, for example, asks you to list who and what you are into right from the start, meaning common ground with others is much easier to find. On Twitter you will follow those who have something to say that you’re interested in, making connections with like-minded individuals much easier than is sometimes possible offline. This does require sharing information, and giving up a certain amount of privacy in order to do so. Which is enough for some people to reject social networking outright. Keeping key personal information private(address&phone number) is necessary, but likes and dislikes, interests and obsessions, thought and views, isn’t. And actually contributes to an open, highly communicative society.

Being a Positive Social networking Butterfly means you belong and fit in simply because you are ‘in network’ with like minded people who share with you similar interests. To be a happy and positive sharer adds icing to the fun Social Networking cake. Yes, this does mean you open up a little bit…but isn’t that awesome for your self confidence?!

In Conclusion – Only Kindness Matters!

I love how just a kind line from an old friend can bring a smile to my face.

Almost every week I make an effort to write a small 3 line message to the lovely friends on my social networks. In the private note I tell them how their being there has helped me and how much I appreciate them. This is my personal Positive Social Networking Butterfly habit. Make it yours 🙂 I know from experience how satisfying this practice can be.

There is far too much negativity around us everyday…if we can make Social Networking about spreading positive vibes and good cheer it can be another great step in healing the world as we know it.

Be a Positive Social Networking Butterfly and watch how this Social Networking can bring about major positive changes IN you.

psst..please stay away from the stuff bashing kinda negative posts. They are not productive nor positive to indulge your good energy into.

Now its YOUR turn…How do you use social networking sites? Do have any positive experiences to share regarding your interactions on these social sites? How do you keep things positive in your communications daily? I would love to hear your thoughts..please share them in the comment below. 

With Immense Love & Gratitude,
~Zeenat~
Counseling Psychologist/ Spiritual Counselor
Motivational Speaker/Naturopath
Holistic Healer/Writer

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