One thing

One thing I love about WordPress is the “Stats” feature. Sounds crazy and probably arrogant for me to say that but I do love it. It shows me what is being “read/viewed” and where from. I love seeing the different countries all colored in depending on the number of visitors. It’s really cool to see the out reach of my little blog around the world.

I’m also happy to see that someone besides me finds my ramblings interested and possibly worth a read. I thank you all for at least looking at it, whether you agree with it or not.

I’m opinion of criticism is that it should be taken with a grain of salt. You shouldn’t take it all personal, really that’s what someone else believes. However, I think there’s a learning lesson involved in it too. It’s a double edge sword that you need to be careful with. It can be hurtful and mean or any other adjudicative close to that you want to come up with. It can also be helpful, great and cause you to smile.

However, I didn’t start my blog or write what I write for people to cause problems or issues. I have my own opinion and I know that people may or may not agree with it. I like to think that I can present my side very well. But I also know that no matter how well I present my side, someone isn’t always going to agree.

This recently occurred to me on Instagram. I expressed my opinion, knowing that someone would pitch a fit and probably fire back, but it was my opinion. I DO NOT EXPECT it to change the situation or even make a difference in it, but I shared it none the less because I knew I wasn’t the only one who thought the same way I did. I also want to point out that I do not believe I have any sway in the situation but I was adding to the conversation. That’s the whole point of social media right?

I also know that social media is a delicate flower. Someone who uses social media a lot, I know it’s power and I know that it’s very hard to take something back so you have to be careful what you say too. And most employers want to look at your stuff. Your social media can affect your job now. I know a lot of people don’t want to believe it but it’s very very true. Several companies that I know of have a social media policy. Scary huh? It doesn’t matter what your settings are sometimes too, certain companies can get around them (thanks Facebook) and see what they need to see.

The easiest thing to do. Be careful what you post/say. Turn your privacy settings up (even if they’re gonna see it, make them work for it). Do not bash, talk down, or do anything to violate that social media policy. Most importantly, know your loop holes. Yes it sounds horrible to say but it can be the best alternative. For instance, I can say I had a really crappy day at work but unless you personally know me, you may not know where I work or what I’m talking about. I could also have two jobs and you wouldn’t know which one I am talking about. Loop holes people, know them.

I know I’m not the smartest and I know that my opinions are my own. I know that my opinion will not always be agreed with, we are made to have our own opinion. I just want to be able to share it. I want to be able to express myself. If that’s a crime, fine I’m a criminal. If you disagree, good you stand by your opinion. If you agree, awesome we think the same. If you’re in the middle, great you need more sway in either direction.

My point in all of this is that we all have opinions. We all think the way we think. No one will come close to understanding or knowing you until you know yourself. This takes time. This takes works. More importantly, it takes confidence. So own it.