Relationships are the foundation of everything. With the world of technology seeping into every facet our lives, social media is yet another opportunity to create connections, a community, and possibly even be a platform for personal growth. While we connect differently with each social media outlet, we all mainly interact for value and entertainment purposes. And in all of the ways we’re connected - the different friends, groups and pages we follow - there are times when we can feel incredibly disconnected. Maybe it’s because we’ve been disconnected all along. We’ve always had societal opinions about how we should live, what we should look like, but it’s only become amplified by the ease of access to social media. So how do we break this cycle of disconnection?

You focus on personal growth. And dare I say use social media to do so.

We use social media as a platform to connect and to support the causes we care about. Sometimes personal growth is a one-on-one conversation with a friend. Sometimes it’s a group conversation. With the potential to connect globally on social media, you can find connections when maybe none exist around you.

In your interaction, be conscious of the positive moments. Make paying attention to someone you care about a priority. Social media allows for this as never before. Making a meaningful connection with someone you care about equates to your own happiness. We follow what they are doing, we encourage, we support and in return we're uplifted. While social media is impersonal due to the lack of face to face connection, bring the personable connection back by asking meaningful questions, send longer messages and address topics that add value. When we focus on less superficial content, we grow.

Social media is redefining what it means to be social on a global level. We’re instantly able to connect with those who move us with a cause or motivate us with awareness beyond ourselves. While it’s easy to get caught up in the superficial aspect of social media, we see the rise of good-hearted intentions and movements.

Personal growth is a never-ending process, but building a better self gives you a platform to build a structure of fulfilling values that have longevity. Social media allows for an endless search of those values we seek to find in our personal growth (self-care, self-awareness, open-mindedness, etc). Nothing is more powerful than intention. Choose which values you want to focus on first.

Look at the people and groups you follow. Are they like-minded? Are they leading you to your best self? Or are they an excuse to not focus on personal growth? I’m not suggesting that you unfriend anyone. Since social media algorithms only allow you to see a portion of who you follow make sure the best is showing up in your news feed. Healing is a part of personal growth. And sometimes not exposing yourself to those that may deter your focus is the approach you need to being the best version of yourself. When you can use social media to broaden your viewpoint, you expand your awareness and open your potential.

Following people and groups that inspire you. Inspiration sparks motivation, lifts your spirits, and gives you a sense of self and focus. When you remind yourself daily about your aspirations, you cater to asking your best self to be a part of your daily life. In order to maintain your best self, a conscious connection must be made. Inspiration is a great venue to accomplish this. With endless possibilities of inspiration on social media, expand your reach with traditions other than your own, follow those who inspire, or inspire those around you.

Social media is a powerful platform for change. If you keep in mind that your personal growth applies to not only you but your friends and family, your community, and even on a global level, your consciousness improves.

About the Author

Kathryn founded KJ Virtual Assistance on the sole principal that you should love the work you do. As a military spouse and mother of two, she wanted a career with the flexibility to fit her lifestyle. When reflecting on past positions, there was a prominent trend in administrative roles ranking amongst her favorite. Read more about Kathryn.

#personaldevelopment #socialmedia #meaningfulconnections