Social Media... Ugh....

Last night I was scrolling through social media and reading comments of posts peole had made. After a while I started feeling frustrated and I got up and my husband asked me if I was sad. I told him I just thought I was tired. Now thinking about it I was totally SAD for looking and reading things on social media that were negative to me.

I was so frusterated about peoples opinions and how they were being so rude to a person they probably didn't even know. I had my own opinions about what was being posted and had my feeling were strong about the subject matter.

It made me realize how much we all need each other! How boring would this world be if we always agreed and had the same beliefs as everyone around us. I know there are a lot of books and movies out there about societies that don't have choices and they have to break free from that. Once they do they get to figure out who they are and what brings them joy.

We all have different backgrounds and expeirences that have helped shape who we are. That's why we don't always agree on everything too. I love that we live in a country where we are free to share our beliefs and talk about them. The problem comes when someone's opinion is stated and then others hide behind a screen and belittle them or tell them what they believe is wrong. Once finger pointing and personal attacks happen there is no more validity to what is being said.

I don't know about you but if I posted something I was really passionate about and then a whole bunch of people were attacking me and telling me I was wrong I wouldn't give them the time of day and they wouldn't change my mind. I don't believe it's our job to change peoples opinions or convince them to believe the way that we do. I think everyone does their best with the knowledge they have. I think tolerance is scrolling on by and not picking a fight. If you say things out of a place of love that opens a conversation of understanding and respect I think that's great! (I think privatley is the best way to go about it too)

I once posted something on social media that was controversal. The people that thought the same way as me cheered me on and told me how they were so happy I stood up like that and voiced my opinion. There were a few people that didn't agree with me that unfollowed me. (Which I think is great! I think everyone should be more willing to unfollow anyone on social media that brings negative feelings in there life.) And.... some people personally attacked me. Which SHOCKED me!! It was people that hadn't talked to me in YEARS. They said some things that really hurt my feelings. I was sad that they acted like they knew exactly who I was; when they hadn't talked to me in over 7 years. The only memory I really had of them was them crying on the school bus on the way home from elementary school saying that nobody likes them. I remember telling them that they were my friend and I liked them. I was 9. I could've grown up to be a terrible person I guess, but I think that kind hearted 9 year old girl that said that is still there. If she would've approached me and said," hey AshLyn, what you posted made me feel sad. Can you explain to me what you meant by that?" That would've been such a GAME CHANGER for both of us! Instead I had to set a boundaary for myself because when the attacking message was sent there was no room for a respectful conversation.

Okay enough about me and my experience. The main thing I'm trying to say is that we aren't meant to all have the same opinions on things. We are meant to treat each other with kindness and respect. Whether that's continuing to scroll if we don't agree with someone; or to have a respectful conversation where no one personally attacks the other. I dated a guy in college that would always say, "You know what assuming does? It makes an ASS out of U and ME!" Get it... the word assume. Hehe

Anyways! I hope ya'll have a great day and remember we don't know half the things the people around us are going through so treat everyone as if they are going through a really hard time! (I'm trying to do this too!)