Kylie loves her toys. She usually has to have at least one of her toy friends with her on the sofa. If you look close enough you can see not only does she have her brown monkey friend with her, but also a little pink head is peeking out from under her too. A bit squished under the weight of Kylie, I am sure, but none-the-less, quite loved as you can see.
Recently a friend shared with me that a friend of hers said that people on Facebook aren’t real— that they really aren’t our friends.
I was taken aback by this comment. It seemed this person had no idea how many wonderful communities are built because of it. As an author and writer, I really value the community I’ve come to know through my Facebook pages on my personal page and National Walk ‘N Roll Dog page.
I can’t imagine how much further behind I’d be in sharing my message if not for social media. But more importantly, the friendships I feel I’ve gained because of it.
I’ve been a strong advocate of Facebook ever since I started utilizing it many years ago. I see such potential and opportunity that we didn’t otherwise have.
While I value getting out in my own community and socializing, I feel having on line social media presence is another great avenue for me to connect with like-minded souls.
One of my joys is encouraging and inspiring others through my writing. What has come back to me through my blog and Facebook are wonderful people who find value in what I offer.
I often hear from so many of you who share with me how much my blog, facebook posts or books mean to you. How you’ve thought differently about how to approach your own lives, or how my writing brightens your day–brings you more joy.
While I don’t exactly know what that person truly meant regarding Facebook friends, I must say that I feel so lucky to have the friends and community I do in all of you who have been loyal readers and followers.
So instead of taking that person’s comment as negative, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for being my friend. For reading what I share. For reaching out to me with your own thoughts or a thank you. For being a part of my life. Each time I sit down to blog or write, I think about each of you and how I can add value to your day.
My friends, whether in person, or via Facebook, my blog, or through my books are as real to me as Kylie’s stuffed toys are to her. And I feel very rich in friendship for each of you.