It had been a long, long day. Talking to clients, dealing with deadlines, heading to a play date, and the usual routine of making dinner, cleaning up, pretend playing, and reading with my 5-year old. I was exhausted, and so was my husband.

We work together and sometimes, we need a support system other than each other.

For him, it is tennis.

For me, it is social media. Seriously.

I am all for switching off and meeting people in real life. But when real life gets so busy for yourself and for others, staying connected and seeking support in communities of other women and moms who “get” you is SO good for the soul.

Social Media is…Social

I’ve found encouragement in Facebook groups by women I’ve never met, when the going gets rough.

I’ve been inspired by the blog posts I’ve read by moms who’ve got way more on their plates than I do.

I’ve smiled and laughed at the fun photos on Pinterest and Instagram.

I’ve chatted and Skyped endlessly with supportive mentors and friends {whom I haven’t ever met!} about business and life.

I’ve supported causes and cheered on folks who’re making a difference.

I’ve celebrated birthdays and mourned losses.

Social media, for me, is social, engaging, interactive. Just like a coffee chat or a lunch with my girlfriends.

Social media saves me time and helps me get my groove back without me having to think about planning a coffee date keeping in mind everyone’s schedule.  I can get into bed, once the chores are done, switch on my laptop and find laughter, support, wisdom and warmth.

Social Media is What You Make Of It

Since my “business” is being on the web, I am on social networks way more than others and have come to realize that, like most things in life, you can make social media what you want it to be.

You can view it is a community of supportive voices or a clamoring for attention.

You can choose to stay plugged in all the time or switch off every now and then.

You can decide to share every.single.thing or only those that are important to you.

You can make the choice of being everywhere or participating only in forums that feel natural to you.

Like “real” social support systems, social media is what we make of it.

What about you? Do you use social media as a support system?