So I have been having a bit of an identity crises lately. You know, I was never one of those "popular" kids during my adolescence. I wore alot of black, didn't like the same music as my peers and tended to befriend fellow oddballs because I felt so different myself.
During adulthood, that kind of feeling is suppossed to fall away. And it did. Well at least some of it anyway. Still, I struggle with other humans. It's not that I don't relate to them…it is the sneaking feeling that they don't relate to me.
And then enter the advent of social media. And people who have friend requested me. Many whom I knew way back when but never really knew. Folks I have worked with at various jobs, neighbors, family of friends I have met over the years.
And still, I often get the feeling that I am just present on some people's facebook lists to provide an audience and be one of a collection of likes. Very few friends like or comment on my posts (to be clear, I post very little and it is never really personal stuff). And sometimes I still find myself feeling a little left out-like no matter what i do I don't feel "popular" and I wonder if people like me.
But then the wisdom I have come by honestly in life kicks in. I remember the things I value in life. My close friends, my family, my spirituality. Those people that did not not and have not fallen away through dark days of loss, grief, illness and personal and professional loss.
And I realize-these are the people who consistently like, love or comment on my stuff. And as for the rest of the folks-and I mean no harm-but I can honestly ask myself-how much do I like them? As in-is anything going to change in my life because they did not comment on my facebook post or like my meme? And I know my answer. So, I am spending less time on social media these days. And qorrying less about who likes me and more about what do i like that I see. I am leaving the rest. And I think I will be better fo it.
In Service,
Khouzhan Morgan
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