Amateur Dilemma

By, Meredith Rogers

I admit that I love Facebook. It has allowed me to catch up with old classmates, keep informed about what’s going on with my family, and the cat videos are too funny. On a cerebral level, I know the world of FB is not really real. I’m just as guilty as the next person in only posting positive content. You won’t find me lamenting over the problems of getting the flying change but you will find me sharing the KWPN link that lists Leo in their summary of year-end winners. Sometimes this universal bias brings me down because on an emotional level it feels like everyone else is doing such great things all the time.

Then there’s the question of when do these posts become bragging. I’m proud of all the accomplishments of Leo and I last year. I posted how we did. I thanked those who helped us get there. Although I was a little embarrassed about these posts, after thinking about the issue further, I came to the conclusion that the line between bragging and just being happy about something I did is in the eyes of the beholder. If the person reading the post is really on your side they will be happy for you. Those who may not be close to you, or who are dealing with their own demons will view it as bravado.

There’s really not much you can do about what other people think. So, post that video of you clearing a Trakehner for the first time or show off that high placing ribbon. Just don’t put others down at the same time (no: I got 1st place. Sorry Jane you only got 3rd). Maybe even share your friends’ accomplishments. We definitely need more positivity in the world.

This also includes ourselves when we view others’ posts. Be happy for others’ wins. They do not detract from your own. Remember that those victories are probably surrounded by a lot of challenges that do not get talked about in public circles.

Also remember that everything you post is out there forever and people may share it outside of the world in which you live in. If you share a post, you are saying that you endorse that content, so verify that what you’ve pulled from someone else is true. Social media has the power to build empathy for others, increase your knowledge and skills, inform you about goings-on, and entertain you. But it can also distract you from what’s really important – the bonds we build with each other, including our ESDCTA community.

By Paige Zimmerman