It’s no secret that we all absorb ambient negativity to some degree, often unconsciously. For the past several years, I’ve been working on decreasing my personal load, both by limiting the time I spend on social media and by conducting periodic audits of my accounts. I jettisoned Facebook entirely during the second year of the pandemic (a decision hastened by the fact that I was hacked twice in one week). I had an Instagram account to which I would occasionally post photos of things that caught my attention on a walk, but that I would forget about for weeks at a time. Before Twitter deteriorated, I enjoyed following writers, local community organizations, and a few news outlets.
While I never missed the negativity and tendency toward oversharing of Facebook, after a couple of years I realized that I did miss the ability to contact people who mattered to me but weren’t a part of my daily life (especially important to me given my abrupt departure from Stepford and loss of my social network). So, as Twitter became increasingly uncivil and depressing, I started spending a little more time on Instagram. Periodically (usually while procrastinating) I would peruse the “suggested for you” accounts. Not being much of a joiner or a follower, it would require me thinking “I like what they’re saying!” at least ten times before I followed an account. Which would eventually lead to suggestions of similar accounts.
This is how, over the past year, Instagram has become the place I go to for inspiration and encouragement. I’ve curated my feed so that doom scrolling is not an option. And while it’s lovely to get news of what others are up to, that’s become a secondary benefit. I still limit the time I spend in order to have time to work on my goals, but I no longer leave Instagram with the feeling you get after you’ve gorged on junk food.
Here are some of my favorites:
Mel Robbins
She’s a motivational speaker and author who also has a podcast that covers many aspects of personal growth and self-care. Her messages are simple yet profound. What I really love about her is that she is so real. She shows herself, unfiltered, being human. She can laugh at herself and encourage you to do the same, all while still striving for positive change.
Case Kenny
He’s a writer and podcaster who concentrates on mindfulness and healing. I haven’t yet read any of his books or heard his podcast, but his posts of simple, eye-catching text with uplifting messages captured my attention.
Yung Pueblo
Poet, author and Vipassana meditator Diego Perez uses “yung pueblo” (young people) as a reminder that our collective humanity is evolving. I read his book “Lighter” and was encouraged by his emphasis on the nature of healing as a long-term endeavor; his reassurance that each time you cycle through your burden becomes lighter.
Nedra Glover Tawwab
She’s a social worker, therapist, and author with a lot to say about boundaries and healing from trauma. I found her book “Drama Free” extremely helpful. I especially love her kind but no-nonsense tone.
Alex Elle
She’s an author and podcast host who specializes in promoting writing as a healing tool. I found her book “How We Heal” to be a great combination of information, encouragement and writing exercises.
Morgan Harper Nichols
I was captivated by the gorgeous graphics of this multi-talented artist. She’s also a musician and writer, and her inspirational messages, many having to do with self-awareness and connection, are the perfect complement to her simple yet stunning work.
Nikita Gill
She’s a poet and playwright whose many books of poetry I can’t wait to get my hands on. Each time I’ve read a short poem or an excerpt online I can feel my heart rate slowing and my breath getting deeper. She recently started a creative challenge on her Substack, highlighting her commitment to community and her generosity of spirit.
iambrillyant-Billy Chapata
He’s an author/poet who writes about healing, connection, and growth. Another person whose books I can’t wait to dive into; whose poetry is instantly both calming and encouraging.
Right now my personal challenges and the state of the world combine to make my efforts to stay positive a full-time job. Which is why I’m eager to explore more of the work of these bright lights and that of others like them. I’m so grateful for the support and the daily reminders to pursue the glimmers of hope.
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Let’s talk! Do you use social media for encouragement and inspiration? Any accounts you follow that you’d like to share?