Well, I did it. I'm "back on!" Facebook, that is... Can you believe it? I didn't see this day coming until my kids got their own accounts - in the way-far-far-FAR distant future (damn sure after they are 13 - more like 15 or 16, if I can help it). Alas! Here I am, back in the land of Facebook!
Man, it has gone through some changes since I was last on! All good changes, though. It took me a good six months to actually come to terms with the idea of getting back on Facebook. What really helped my decision was having to be on Facebook for my job, which was, believe it or not, a big step for me. I was surprised with how little I cared - I didn't jump back into my unhealthy habits of looking for this and that and the other. Believe it or not, I didn't even care! And so far, I still don't. And THAT, my friends, is how I know I'm in a much healthier place today than I was before. So YAY ME!
You might be wondering why I make such a big deal out of Facebook and what all the drama and fuss is about... While I can't go into the details, I can tell you that when I look back on the situation, it is clear to me that I was bullied. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Facebook can be used as a weapon. And this is what happened to me. I'm not trying to play the victim or to feel sorry for myself - those days are over. However, what happened to me was devastating at the time, and there are still repercussions today from the whole mess. Most importantly, though, I learned a big lesson, and it helped me grow, so believe it or not, I'm actually grateful for the entire experience. I'm a better person today because of it.
I can see how kids all over the world are killing themselves over the bullying they are forced to endure on Facebook and through social media in general - I wasn't to that point, myself, but it was absolutely devastating to be treated with such malice. My biggest fear today is for my children, and if I could keep them off the Internet and Facebook and cell phones forever, I would... It is far too easy for people to use social media as a weapon, and as a mother, of course I never want that to happen to my little B's.
In any case, I'm grateful to everyone who has "friended" me, and I'm excited to learn that I don't feel the same way I did. Which means I've grown! And that means I'm healthier! And that means I'm making progress. So YAY ME again! And HELLO, FACEBOOK WORLD - it's good to see you again.