I’ve got it. A two-headed turtle. That’s the image that
comes to mind when I think about the divide I
sometimes feel between my offline
self and my online persona. Every time I click online I hope to convey an
aspect of who I am—to offer a sliver of authentic self. However, I struggle
with the whole “be real, but not too real, be vulnerable, but not too
vulnerable” advice. I don’t want to walk a fine line when it comes to
communicating with my readers or friends online. The last thing I want is to be
two-faced. Though, I’ll blatantly confess, more times than not I end up feeling
like a two-headed turtle.
Newsflash: A turtle is only supposed to have one head.
I’ve maintained a healthy blog since 2009, joined Facebook
not long after, Twitter a few years later, followed by Pinterest. You could say
I’ve been making the rounds. This whole concept of keeping my head has
gotten more interesting with the recent release of my book. Whenever I begin to
feel the unnatural sprouting of a second cranium (or sense I’m straying from
being entirely true to myself online) I pull back. I evaluate what’s going on. And
I take heed to the following.
Things I tell myself in hopes to restore my head:
Don’t Follow a Set of Rules
There is no set way of how one should act online. I’ve read
lists. I’ve laughed at lists. One list said not to thank people for things on
Facebook because it would come across as a desperate plea for attention. Yeah,
that’s a solution…shirk gratitude. See where that gets you.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
That one review, Facebook like, repin, retweet, etc. isn’t
going to be the remedy to all your problems. There will still be problems
tomorrow or the next day. Banking on someone to come through in a specific way
is unhealthy. It places far too much control in another’s hands.
Take Social Media Breaks
A week. A month. However long, hiatuses are fantastic for
restoration, refocusing, and a refined vision.
Recognize the Comparison Trap
This is that big fat net that dangles over every social
media site. Numbers. Visits. Attention. Blah, blah, blah. It’ll snap you up
faster than the clamped jaw of a snapping turtle. Head one and head two.
Careful Not to Puff Up or Deflate
Your worth can’t be found online or offline for that matter.
There’ll be times you’ll be tempted to think you are a big shot. Don’t.
There’ll be times you’ll be tempted to go eat fried worms. Hey, try it if you
want, but I’m advising against it.
Don’t Ruin Face Time
Years from now, research will reveal the unsettling
influence of HBS (head bent) syndrome (and yes, I just made that up). Checking
texts. Tweeting at dinner. Align yourself with Jim Elliot’s advice, “Wherever
you are, be all there.”
Gauge Your Moods
Kids on your case all day? Husband calls says he’s going to
be hours late and he forgot to pick up toilet paper and milk? Running on two
hours of sleep? Steer clear of professing anything drastic online. Send an
encouraging email or call a friend instead. Just like the No Texting signs
along New York highways, tell yourself, “It can wait.”
Use Discernment
As with all things, there’s a time and place. Live and
learn.
This idea of online self versus in person self fascinates
me. I intend to keep reading about it and paying attention to who consistently
communicates authentically online.
What say you on the topic of online authenticity?
*More tips for keeping your head listed here
