There are days I’m angry, frustrated, and sad. Some days I look and feel completely crazy, when everything seems to be going left. This is all perfectly normal, it’s LIFE and I LOVE it. Friends that I haven’t spoken to in awhile, say “Damali you look so happy, I’ve been keeping up with you on Facebook.” This cracks me up every time, because my Facebook is NOT a reflection of my life. It’s a bit of an overview, that focuses on the positive and fun moments. On Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter, I express and share, my thoughts, fun times, positive quotes and stay in touch with family and friends. My life is very complicated, extreme, random, fun and private. As all of our lives should be, yet social media has slowly become an avenue where many choose to prove or disprove who they are. Quite frankly, too much personal information is being placed in a public space… WHY?

There is a small selective group of people who know me completely (FRIENDS and FAMILY…that’s how it should be). If someone can get to know you via social media, you should question, “what is left for you and your private life?” If someone knows every challenge you’re facing through your Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or another social media outlet. Ask yourself, “How many of these people truly care my well being?” For me it’s a select few, so WHY share such private information with the world.

Every social media platform you are on, holds a record, therefore, it’s important to select what you want to be remembered for or recognized by. Instead of ranting about your personal life, rant about something everyone can connect with. The latest music, fashion, politics…pop culture. Furthermore, how do you rant? The way we choose to communicate shapes an image of how we see ourselves, thus painting a vivid picture for the world. Petals-N-Belles, is an expletive free zone and my Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr are as well. This is and always has been a personal choice. Be creative with your expression and find a better way of communicating that is universal.

Lastly, be happy in REAL life! It doesn’t matter how positive or fun you look on Facebook if you are not truly living it. In the words of Hilary Cooper, “Life [should] not [be] measured by the number of breaths [you] take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

I can wholeheartedly say that I’m happy and YES, I’m facing tons of challenges. The Truth is I would be bored without them, and not nearly as powerful!

Cheers to a better understanding of what is private and personal! Here’s a virtual hug wishing you true happiness!

Quotes to Digest:

“We can spend our lives letting the world tell us who we are. Sane or insane. Saints or  addicts. Heroes or victims. Letting history tell us how good or bad we are. Letting our past decide our future. Or we can decide for ourselves. And maybe it’s our job to invent something better.”  - Chuck Palahniuk

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”
- Harvey Fierstein

” Happiness is not a destination,  its the way you choose to travel” - Unknown (First quote that changed my life) 

I’m the loving, passionate, fiercely insane person, defining my path with each step… please do not get in my way.” - Damali Elliott 

Follow me on Twitter @DamaliDreamer !