No Shortage of Negativity? Defy the odds and discover positivity on social media.

I heard this phrase in church today. There is no shortage of negativity on social media.

This has not been the case for me, and I believe this is because I make intentional choices to protect myself from negativity. While we can’t avoid it all the time, we can avoid reading many negative posts by taking precautions. Here is my short list of the choices I make about social media:

Number 1: I choose not to be afraid to click “unfriend”

Number 2: I choose to set some rules for myself

• No nudity

• No pornography

• No cussing or using God’s name in vain

Number 3: I choose to pay attention to my feelings

• Am I feeling uncomfortable with someone’s posts?

• Does a post bring out jealousy in me?

Number 4: I choose not to waste time on social media

• I am looking for posts that improve me

• I am looking to see how family, friends, and former students are doing

• I am looking for inspirational stories that will enhance my day

Number 5: I choose to give myself a time limit and stick to it

Number 6: I choose not to open up social media just because I am bored

I have five daughters who post almost daily. I am uplifted by their posts. They are honest and demonstrate an underlying theme; to share light and joy with others. Each daughter faces challenges, yet they choose to use social media to uplift their followers.

Take the challenge to choose what type of experience you will have on social media. Embrace your choices.

Look for posts that focus on the resilience demonstrated in the lives of others.

Look for posts that empower you to do better, be better, and live better.

Look for posts that instill determination to live your best life.