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How Social Media Shapes My World Today

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“Social Media Day”

.5  > 2016!

As a celebration of the amazing people I’ve personally connected with,  I felt the need to pause and reflect on this modern day anomaly called social media.

In 2007  FB facilitated a  re-connection with friends, classmates, colleagues and family. I’m  one of those dual US/Aussie citizens, so it’s a convenient way to check in with people around the world!  When babies are born and people move along life’s path, or someone dear to us unexpectedly joins a band of angels  …  the love, compassion and support from our social community is invaluable! It can be like a salve for the soul. Memories, mutual friends, and a shared reverence for the passage of time. As humans, we all need  genuine connection, honest conversations and a safe place for the truths behind our highlight reels.  A common ground, regardless of physical location.

The launch of Google+ in 2011 (+5 this week!), combined with sharing on soundcloud a few years prior, edged me out of my creative shell enough to share publicly.  It was so inspiring to find like-minded people with different perspectives around the globe. Especially those who were passionate about life and would prompt others to unlock their own greatness.

Let’s not underestimate the power of simple encouragement!

Those early days, when Thomas Hawk +1 a photo, Trey Ratcliff invited us to speak on his shows, Robin Griggs Wood poured her heart and soul into mentorships, and Chrysta Rae set us all scavenging about to hunt for great images – it was a cyber land where permission to share was a given and a few true friendships were forged. Lotus Carroll dared us to boldly reveal ourselves from both sides of the lens and Daria sang for the world from the comfort of home. G+times!  It took more than one Brian to build that photo community but look how it now expands across multiple platforms. While the future may be uncertain the experience remains.

My personal growth in social media was quite unexpected and organic. I simply became more curious about the world, shared conversations with fellow artists, and on occasion, ventured out to meet people in person.

Here’s some of my early work created with an iphone and a few apps.

iCollage

One of my own personal highlights was being  published in this beautiful book!

A Day In The World copy

I’ll be honest.

The print is the size of a postage stamp! Who cares?  It’s a fantastic concept!

I feel grateful to have a copy in my home and to have made a tiny contribution to a global effort that was designed to connect and inspire humankind through photography 😀

In the introduction, Desmond Tutu states that “our need to see and understand each other is greater than ever before … Every picture has added to my experience – my comprehension of life is suddenly clearer”

Wouldn’t you say social media makes this possible every single day?

It’s not all peaches and cream, but I do believe the interwebs will continue to shape and stimulate our experience as human beings for ages to come. As we ride this planet of vast beauty, stark brutality, evolving consciousness and growing awareness, we are also responsible for shaping it. It doesn’t mean that we are slaves to the machine. Or that we forget to earth down into our own energy. It simply provides a portal for a more sustainable life.

So, with  .75 of a million online followers, 8 Billion+ views, a Gmail theme, pins, posts, instagrams – later grams,  visions of steller life, streams, Youtube vids,  rapid firing snapchats…

I wonder.

Where is it all going?

Don’t you?

Often the statistics feel meaningless and we question what kind of tangible value social media actually brings to the table.

Well, a retired chef,  Lauren Bath will tell you it’s totally possible to manifest the dinner on your plate while sharing your passion with the world.  It’s true. There are countless opportunities for those who put their attention on ideas that inspire the soul and feed authentic self-realization. Reach out, seek the bright side and stand your ground – we live in amazing times!

Honestly, if you’re aligned with #becoming a more expressive person, why not connect with the many mentors and teachers willing to share their hard-earned knowledge via social media? There is a phenomenal wealth of free education at your fingertips – go ogle it!

Social media is what YOU make of it. Be it a connection with your deepest self and a path to find your tribes. Or a complete and utter waste of time and negativity.  The power to educate, heal and expand our intelligence as a human race is also available, but only if  we are willing to focus on those concepts.

If the potential to build a better future together is infinitely possible, why NOT choose to drive your social experience in THAT direction? Whenever and whatever way you can.

S’pose that’s all I really wanted to say. At least for now! 😉

With infinite gratitude,

Gx

The post How Social Media Shapes My World Today appeared first on Gretchen Chappelle.


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