“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale.

There is much written and said about how the internet and social media can be a negative influence. We hear stories of how people are harassed, bullied and abused online. Conflict is played out in public and in extreme cases it used to whip up hatred, create division and promote terrorism.

There have also been numerous stories recently about how some social network sites have shared customer data without their knowledge. There is also much talk about how social media may be used to influence and manipulate people’s opinions prior to elections thereby influencing the result.

However, social media contains lots of inspirational and heart- warming material and resources. It has the ability to inspire, motivate, uplift and empower us. It can be a force for good. It largely depends where you decide to point your personal lens and what you look for.

Posts on social media can have a ripple effect. People can post something online to inspire others or to help others feel good. Alternatively, they can see something online that inspires them and that they share with others. The people they share it with can share it with their own networks. In doing so, they are creating a positive ripple of inspiration.

The blog is simple this week and is my contribution to create a positive ripple of positivity and inspiration. I have shared something below that inspired me when I saw it on social media:

Words to live by:

Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

Your Job won’t take care of you when you are sick; your friends and parents will: stay in touch.

You don’t have to win every argument; agree to disagree.

Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

Don’t compare your life to others; you have no idea what their journey is all about.

Over prepare and then go with the flow.

Be eccentric now; don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

Frame every so called disaster with these words: “In five years will this even matter?”

What other people think of you is none of your business.

Your children only get one childhood.

If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

(By Regina Brett aged 90 years old.)

A couple of things occurred to me after I read this:

  • When we share our wisdom and life experiences it has the ability to help others to think, develop and gain valuable personal insights.
  • We can have a positive influence on the world and other people by using the internet as a force for good.
  • There is much wisdom to learn from old people but they aren’t always given the opportunity to do so. Additionally, older people’s views, opinions and insights aren’t always given sufficient respect by society.

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider which of the Regina Brett’s insights you could apply to your own life. Also, think about how you could use the internet and social media as a force for good.

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