social media's impact on my life

According to Wikipedia, the term "social media" refers to the "use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue." People use social media for a number of different reasons. More and more companies are using social media as ways to expand their business and reach more customers.

Just about everyone I know has a Facebook account. I do, as well. I have for awhile now, but I never thought it would have had the impact on my life that it has. As of today, I have 294 friends on Facebook. And although I have not seen a majority of them in almost 12 or 13 years, I feel closer to some of them now, than I ever was before.

People like April Donelson, who has encouraged me and inspired me to live a healthy lifestyle...or Dawn Strickland or Erin Kelly Jolliff, who are facing unbelievable struggles in raising children with medical issues...or Erica and Ryan Manthey, whose photos inspire me to realize that love is beautiful and can be part of my life again someday...or Melissa Livers Elmer, who keeps me motivated with her weight loss journey. I am forever connected to these people...all because we've chosen to share bits and pieces of our lives via the Internet.

Then, there are those extra special people like my family. As if sending daily morning emails and talking on the phone 3 or 4 times a day isn't enough, I love seeing my family's status updates. Seeing photos and videos of my nephew Tyler or "check-ins" from my parents who still go out on dates to keep that spark alive in their almost 38 year marriage.

But a different form of social media has had a huge impact on my life as well. After my divorce, I signed up for (gulp) match.com. At the encouragement of my ex-husband, Jason, (yes...we have a very close relationship and remain great friends) I created a profile. It included pictures, funny sayings, and essentially me "selling" myself to the masses of men. I hear that men outnumber women on that site 30 to 1...or something like that. The way I looked at it, I had 2 places I could meet men...1. at work (um, no thank you...no offense to the men I work with that may follow my blog) or 2. daycare (pretty sure most of them are married). So, I gave it a shot...and, well, I've met someone. Don't worry people...I'm not running off to Vegas to get married...I just enjoy spending my time with him.

A special man friend (that's what I'll call him for now...until I get approval to reveal his true identity...he is kinda like a super hero) that is incredibly handsome, intelligent, motivated, funny, cultured (but my kinda cultured...you know...rides a Harley and has been known to go four-wheelin' in the mud), handy, ambitious, and most of all...a damn good person. You have to be selfless to do what he does for a living and that's one of the things I like most about him...he gives to others before himself. He's got kids too, which is essential for anyone that I'm going to spend my time with...because unless you have children of your own, I don't think that you understand the sacrifices (if you want to call them that) that go into being a parent.

So, you may be wondering where this post is going...and honestly, I can't tell you. I just wanted to share another piece of my life and of course, to thank Al Gore for inventing the Internet.

There is no playbook

I'm very quickly learning that there is no playbook for this thing called divorce. The month of May was marked by the finalization of the end of my marriage...but it was also marked by a new beginning. A new kind of friendship with Jason...one that gives us the opportunity to move forward without hatred, anger and sadness...one that will prove to be essential as we continue to raise our children in separate households. We both enjoy this new aspect of our relationship and feel closer than we've ever felt. He is building a great new life for himself, as am I.

The highlights of May include moving into my darling little townhouse in Avalon Park. It's on a quiet street, surrounded by great neighbors. Savannah is slowly making new friends and has even found out that one of the neighbors is a good friend she had in 1st grade. My place is almost completely finished...it's been furnished with the help of friends and family...without whom I'd be lost. The last touches will be complete when I get my family portraits I ordered...I can't wait to frame them and put them up.

I've also quickly learned that there is no playbook or prescribed time frame for recovering from something like what I'm going through. There are days when I strugle to stay focused because I'm worried about what will become of me and the kids. But then, there are other days that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I will be better than okay...I will be great. I've found that a lot of my healing comes from helping other people...being their support system. Whether it's my best friend dealing with work issues, or a new special friend dealing with his own divorce...I find strength in listening...hope in helping...and love for myself in learning that it's okay to let new people in. Good things happen to good people...