Before I get into things TO do, I am gonna get suuuuper real with you guys first…
This can apply to much more than just this Coronavirus madness, but this is what we’re living in right now. So let’s just start there. Every time you post something, repost, share, write about COVID-19, you are either spreading fear, or spreading light. I PROMISE, there is no in between. I don’t know about you, but I wanna be spreading light. Ask yourself these 3 questions before posting:
If you answered no to any of these, don’t post it. Don’t share it.
Ask yourself:
If you answered yes to either of these, don’t post. Don’t share it.
The things we write and send out into the world impact people – whether you know it or not. It might not be a huge impact. It might be a chuckle, a smile, or the rolling of eyes, even. Good or bad, it has an impact.
But, there is grace! Start fresh today. Offer truth. Offer hope. Offer light.
Here are 4 helpful and TANGIBLE WAYS to be a light on social media right now:
Doesn’t even have to be about COVID-19. Share the good news of Jesus and what He did for us. Share big victories, like you paid off all of your debt finally! Share small victories. Maybe that you found 20 dollars in your pocket. Share GOOD FREAKING NEWS. Like that giant pandas are no longer endangered – lol this one is actually true! People, right now especially, are craving good news.
In a time where we can’t easily go get coffee or attend in-person workshops, people are craving CONNECTION. Some ideas might be, asking engaging questions on your posts, hosting a Zoom meet-up just for fun, hosting a virtual workshop, go live on IG and welcome any questions. People NEED interaction and relationships to survive. I know that sounds dramatic, but for real. People need you & your initiation.
If you remember only one thing from this blog post, it would be this: encourage. If you are struggling on caption topics, just simply MOTIVATE & ENCOURAGE. Tell your followers that they CAN do this, that they WILL get through this. Better yet, tell them how.
Give helpful tips on working from home, your top finds for blue light glasses, date ideas at home, comfiest and cutest loungewear you’ve found, best at-home workouts, how to combat short tempers with your quarantine crew, homeschooling hacks, DIY projects, or how to keep your sanity with kids cooped up in your house.
This is NOT saying to completely disregard the scary stuff. I’m not saying don’t be real and talk about the hardships and reality of our world. But when you do, don’t leave them hanging. Don’t leave them in fear. Leave them with HOPE. Always have a “but”. Yes, BUT GOD. Yes, BUT HOPE. I am such a fan of being real and authentic on social media. And sometimes that means telling the hard and sad stories — but never leave it at that. If you don’t know the silver lining yet, or know how to offer hope, my advice? Wait it out. You might be in the thick of it, you may be the one who needs lifting up — AND THAT IS OKAY. A little time may give you insight on how to lift others up instead of pulling them down.
You GOT THIS. I know it is a scary time. But when things start to pick back up, people are going to remember that you poured out encouragement, help, life and truth — and you wanna know where they will go for photos, florals, art, etc.? YEP. THAT’S RIGHT. THEY ARE COMIN TO YOU.
XOXO,
Carly & John