Thank you to BING Social Search for sponsoring my post about social media. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
[From a conversation I had on an airplane a few weeks ago]
Fellow passenger: “Do you live in LA or in Chicago?”
Me: “Neither. I actually live in Orange County.”
“Are you traveling for business or pleasure?”
Me: [pauses to think for a moment] “Well, both…sort of.”
Fellow passenger stares at me with a puzzled look
Me: “I write a website…a blog. I’m flying out to Chicago to meet with a brand I’ve been working with.”
Fellow passenger now looks completely lost.
“What exactly does that mean?”
I then dive into an explanation of social media in an attempt to give her some understanding of what I we as bloggers do.
It was 2006 and my husband and I were living out of two backpacks, traveling from country to country on the Eurail. This was our European Adventure and we wanted to share all of the joys, struggles, and funny moments (and boy were there many) with our close friends and family. So we started an online journal…a blog. I still go back and read about the time we ended up staying in a hostel with a twin bed in Innsbruck Austria, our high tea at Kensington Palace in London, and how we were inspired to one day open up a tea or coffee shop after a stay in Malaga Spain. While we can relive those memories through photos, it means so much more to read through our thoughts and adventures on the blog.
Fast forward to 2007…we had just returned home from our 8 month stay in Europe. I was 4 months pregnant and shortly ended up on bedrest for a complication. Not only was I alone during the day while my husband worked, I was scared. I originally turned to the internet for answers. I wanted to know what had caused this complication…what the typical results were…how women coped with it. I found support, answers, and so much more. While this wasn’t my first experience with social media, it was the first time I used the internet for something other than information.
I spent a lot of time online during those long months of waiting and bedrest. Once I made it past the point of concern, I started researching baby products. I wanted to purchase the safest car seat, the lightest, most durable and functional stroller, and a baby carrier that wouldn’t hurt my back. I happened upon a blog. It was called Classy Mommy and I loved it. I learned about trendy, fashionable, functional baby gear that I would have never seen in stores. As it goes, Colleen had links to her favorite blogs (there was more than one?) and I started reading those as well. But at that time, I simply read blogs.
My son was born that June at almost 7 pounds via unplanned C-section. He was healthy and beautiful, and after a few months, we moved into our own apartment. Hormones, sleep deprivation, and life transitions made it very difficult. Again, I felt alone, and overwhelmed. I was still reading blogs when my husband suggested that I start my own blog. Writing is cathartic, I was told. Since we had so much fun writing our travel blog, he thought it might be a way to keep our family involved with our son’s development while providing a bit of an outlet. Thus began, Jason & Caryn.
I’m sitting here with my children, asleep next to me as I do on many nights…writing. This site has evolved into so much more than I could have ever imagined and I’m constantly amazed. The experiences I’ve been able to provide you, my readers and my family with are invaluable. Through the blog, I’ve rediscovered my passion for writing and begun to explore my photography skills. I’ve also taken the knowledge I have about green living and shared it with thousands of you. I’ve been perfecting my culinary skills and experimenting with my foodie side. The site is a reflection of those beautiful life experiences.
But do you know what I cherish most at the end of the day? The relationships that have been built because of social media. Aracely, Liz and I talk daily about everything from our jobs to our busy lives with two small children. Katie is hooked on the raspberry mochas at Peet’s because of our Friday afternoon coffee dates. Shannon and I laugh and cry over life and all of it’s craziness. Amanda’s girls watch out for my little boy when we’re together. I could go on and on about these friendships…friendships that would have never come to be if it weren’t for social media.
Yes…there have been trips and products and experiences. But if that were to all go away tomorrow, I know without a doubt that Aracely, Liz, Jen, Kara, Katie and I would still be getting together for our once a month-ish girl’s day out…that Shannon and I would still be giggling and crying on the phone…
Social media…Wikipedia defines it as “a medium for social interaction…the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue.” Whether it’s a brand attempting to reach their customers or a blogger desiring to connect with his/her readers, communication and interaction are key.
How has social media changed your life?
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I am so glad we “met” in the blogosphere girl! You have really blessed my life and I am so happy to call you my friend! Social Media has definitely been a powerful part of my life. After all, word of mouth is the strongest way to promote a company or product. I mean, what mom (or dad or individual for that matter) doesn’t rave about a product they love or find extremely useful? Social media has helped me to enhance my communication skills and networking skills. I have met so many amazing people (and companies) and am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had. I love ya girl! See ya soon!
Is it ok that I cried a little after reading this. ? I love you girl. You and the the other friendships I have made, I will cherish for the rest of my life. . I owe it all to social media. It has completely changed my life.
I loved reading your story, Caryn! I agree with so many of your sentiments. Social media has given me so much – support, encouragement, opportunities, relationships. All of that and more.