To Share or Not To Share? That is the Question….But What’s the Answer?

Do you ever wonder, in this era of social media, blogging, vlogging, and podcasting, if you, me, others, share too much?

As a writer, it’s a question I constantly ask myself. I always want to find the balance between sharing just enough about my own chronic illness/life experiences, so I can connect with my readers, however I don’t want my story to come across as needing a response or to concern people. I really am ok. I share because I want others to feel less alone in their own health journeys, and as a patient advocate, I want to educate the general public. I always hope my tips on handling difficult, confronting, and life changing situations bring hope and practical advice while making an overall difference to my readers’ well-being.

It’s A Tall Order

I know I’m setting myself a tall order in achieving a balance of sharing versus over sharing, and I’m pretty sure other bloggers will feel the same, especially when the blog genre is so personal.

Sharing With A Purpose

I think there lies the key to the sharing question. It’s helpful to share and give something of ourselves when an explanation is required.

Sharing with a purpose makes sense. It might be that your health has taken a turn for the worse, or you have a new diagnosis requiring major treatment. These new circumstances might mean you need to reduce your working/volunteering commitments, or you know your family and friends will notice changes to your normal routine.

These are important reasons to be a little transparent, so others are given the opportunity to understand why things have changed or will change. It gives others the opportunity to care, reach out, and even help if they can. Or you may not require assistance, so you can let people know this is the case when you share your news. You can also choose to share high-level detail or in-depth detail, depending on your audience.

To Share Or Not To Share?

Every question deserves an answer, and my answer is to share when it matters.

• If it matters to you to get it off your chest, share.
• If your news impacts others, share.
• If your actions require an explanation, for example, you are making changes to the way you operate at work or with volunteering activities, then share.
• If sharing feels right and gives you a sense of peace, share.

My aim when sharing is to ensure no one is left guessing and I reduce the risk of misunderstanding.

So, if you are wondering if you should share what’s going on in your life, I hope my insight and my struggle with this dilema help you work out what course of action to take and what’s right for you.

It’s Ok To Be Private Too

It’s also ok to step back and take time out. It’s ok not to share on FB, Instagram, YouTube, etc, and just connect with close friends and family instead. Make phone calls, send texts, have video chats, or invite people to visit for morning or afternoon tea.

This is my plan for 2024. I feel I’ve spent nearly 10 years sharing my entire life story, both past and present onlinevand in my book. I’ve shared my highs and lows, and it’s time to go a little quiet. It’s time to have a “retreat” year. Less phone in my hands, more mugs of tea. Less sharing of my dreams, more time to perhaps bring them into fruition.

This concept really excites me. I will still manage and be a part of my private support group Medical Musings with Friends. This is my joy and privilege.

I’m still going to share my old blogs throughout the year. I’m enjoying going back over them.

Most importantly, please remember your story matters, you matter, and while most people want to know what’s happening in your life so they can support you, never feel you have to share to the entire world.

It’s ok to take time to live a private life and retreat for a while.

Take care

Love

Sam xx

Medical Musings with Friends

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding and friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic and complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.

My Book

My book “My Medical Musings”, is published by Imaginewe Publishers and available now to purchase as a paperback or e-book.

Here are the links to online retailers if you would like to purchase the book:

Imaginewe Publishers

Amazon

Koorong

Booktopia

Book Depository

Angus and Robertson

Barnes and Noble

Blackwells

My Podcast

If you would like an audible version of my blog, please check out my Podcast, Medical Musings With Sam

I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page

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