A Call To Twitter Action
In her book, It Takes A Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us, Senator Hillary Clinton stressed the importance of a group approach to child rearing. She reminded us that, while a family is a distinct unit, each one forms a part of a whole, and that, when an individual unit is lifted, the entire group rises. While Clinton's message was specific to children and families, it also applies when it comes to Indie Business owners.
This was brought home to me in a real way last Saturday when a member of the Indie Beauty Network emailed me in great distress. She's married and the mother of young children. Tina (not her real name) had emailed me several months ago to share that she and her husband were going through counseling in an effort to save their marriage. Things were on a good track for a while, but as of last Saturday, they had fallen apart.
Touching Through Technology
Tina reached out through email to me, a fellow sojourner, a part of her village. A part of her tribe. I responded to her email immediately: "Call me." She did, and while I could not solve her problems or go through her pain for her, I lifted her up and prayed with her because she was open to that. I also reminded her of her intelligence (she has a master's degree), capabilities (her business is going well and she's also home schooling) and encouraged her as a fellow Indie and mother. I reminded her that she is fully equipped to rear her children as a single mom if that is what she is called upon to do.
Like most other Indies, Tina runs her business from her home. She is also a home schooling mom in a community where separation and divorce are taboo subjects. As Tina put it, "Everything is supposed to be perfect." Tina felt especially isolated because she realized that, for years, she had pretended that everything was perfect. Now that she was accepting the fact that things weren't perfect, she was at a loss, afraid for herself and afraid that her children might be unfairly treated once their friends found out that they no longer lived with their father.
Could Twitter Make a Difference?
As Tina and I talked, I pondered the enormous potential of social media in her situation. I found myself suggesting that she join me at Twitter and meet up with some other home schooling mom Indie Business owners who could encourage her and lift her up. Tina is not ready for that yet. But I have seen the power of Twitter and other social media outlets when it comes to building up the global village of women, men and families who are managing homes and businesses at the same time.
I think Tina is a bit skeptical of Twitter and social media in general. I was too. Weren't you? Did you think that anyone who you didn't already know would care one iota how you answered the question, "What are you doing?" Did you think that your life was boring and that strangers couldn't possibly be intrigued enough to read about how you feel from moment to moment throughout the day as you tend to your home and your family simultanously?
How many of you, like me, just didn't get it at first?
Reach Out And Tweet Someone
Tina doesn't yet know about the women I met a few days ago over at Twittermoms. She doesn't know that there's a huge and growing community of Indie Beauty Network members and other Indie Business owners gathering every moring to start the day, discuss breaking news, take their kids to the dentist and do all the things that must be done in order to manage home and a business, without compromising either.
Each One Tweet One
Each of us can pay our social media successes forward by reaching out to at least one or two new people every week. Will you put Tina on your list today? Will you help me tell her about the power of social media? About people like you who are poised to connect and share?
Will you leave a comment below so Tina can know that you are an Indie Business owner on Twitter. Maybe you even home school. Maybe you can tell her that, divorced or not, she's welcome in our community. Please leave your Twitter link so Tina and all of us can connect with you more easily and perhaps even follow you.
And Tina, if you're reading this, there's a wide world out there ready to embrace you and your family and encourage all of you to be your best.
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Tina, please feel free in joining other Indie Moms on twitter for support. Sometimes we just need an outlet to vent and connect with other people who may be going through difficult situations as well. Please know that you always have a safe haven to come to when it involves the Indie Business Community. At first, I didn’t ‘get it’ either about Twitter but now I must say, I am addicted. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Follow me at @priiacosmetics.
Tina, please feel free in joining other Indie Moms on twitter for support. Sometimes we just need an outlet to vent and connect with other people who may be going through difficult situations as well. Please know that you always have a safe haven to come to when it involves the Indie Business Community. At first, I didn’t ‘get it’ either about Twitter but now I must say, I am addicted. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Follow me at @priiacosmetics.
Managing a small business with the many hats one has to wear AND keeping up a family is just plain tough! You add complications to that equation and it really gets difficult. I can’t imagine being on this journey without the interactions of the folk on twitter! I have always been quirky and nerdy and it just brings me joy when twitter someones “gets” my humor or my struggles for that matter. Tina, come on to twitter. There’s amazing folk to connect to. You’ll be amazed at just how similar all our lives really are! You can join me at @drflower.
Managing a small business with the many hats one has to wear AND keeping up a family is just plain tough! You add complications to that equation and it really gets difficult. I can’t imagine being on this journey without the interactions of the folk on twitter! I have always been quirky and nerdy and it just brings me joy when twitter someones “gets” my humor or my struggles for that matter. Tina, come on to twitter. There’s amazing folk to connect to. You’ll be amazed at just how similar all our lives really are! You can join me at @drflower.
Dear Tina,
I have the “bad habit” of caring about people I don’t even know. It just seems wrong to hear or see that someone is having hard times and not do anything about it. I don’t have the answers to all the questions, but a simple “I’m there with you” it’s enough to bring comfort. We are human beings and the only way to survive in this jungle is if we stay together supporting each other even if we are strangers.
I care about you. I’m also a homeschooling mom. I have my husband with me, but my birth family is far away and it really hurts. I am really close to them, especially my mother.
I give a few minutes of my time each day to Twitter. At first I thought it was a waste of time, but I’ve got to know some amazing people there, including other homeschool moms who are constantly typing up ideas and thoughts. I wish my mom knew how to Tweet 🙂
I’d love to hear from you, Twitter or not. DM can give you my contact info.
You take care, ok?!
Dear Tina,
I have the “bad habit” of caring about people I don’t even know. It just seems wrong to hear or see that someone is having hard times and not do anything about it. I don’t have the answers to all the questions, but a simple “I’m there with you” it’s enough to bring comfort. We are human beings and the only way to survive in this jungle is if we stay together supporting each other even if we are strangers.
I care about you. I’m also a homeschooling mom. I have my husband with me, but my birth family is far away and it really hurts. I am really close to them, especially my mother.
I give a few minutes of my time each day to Twitter. At first I thought it was a waste of time, but I’ve got to know some amazing people there, including other homeschool moms who are constantly typing up ideas and thoughts. I wish my mom knew how to Tweet 🙂
I’d love to hear from you, Twitter or not. DM can give you my contact info.
You take care, ok?!
Tina, Girlfriend
I don’t know where you are living, but girlfriend move to California – where at least if you are going to live in the land of make pretend we can all have a good time too :). No fear Tina! Lessons of life have taught me, that which haunts others or you is that which has not been claimed. Let those bones come tumbling out of their closets not yours. Learn to love what is – twitter is the place – venture outside of your own private Idaho and seize the wonderful sharing that exists in a community where people bleed just like you. It’s times like these where humanity restores my faith in it. Don’t let that cloud engulf you and steal your joy. Twitter – twitter – twitter if nothing else you will have a record a of your growth and know that this too shall pass – Follow me @pinupbalm I’ll be looking for you –
Tina, Girlfriend
I don’t know where you are living, but girlfriend move to California – where at least if you are going to live in the land of make pretend we can all have a good time too :). No fear Tina! Lessons of life have taught me, that which haunts others or you is that which has not been claimed. Let those bones come tumbling out of their closets not yours. Learn to love what is – twitter is the place – venture outside of your own private Idaho and seize the wonderful sharing that exists in a community where people bleed just like you. It’s times like these where humanity restores my faith in it. Don’t let that cloud engulf you and steal your joy. Twitter – twitter – twitter if nothing else you will have a record a of your growth and know that this too shall pass – Follow me @pinupbalm I’ll be looking for you –
Thanks be to Twitter, because I discovered IndieBusiness today! Hey Tina, I’d love to tweet with you, and share some stories. I’m a stay at home mom, working from home, having probs w/marriage, too. (maybe we could share a house? That was a bad joke, sorry)
Anyway, I love that I am meeting people who support the me that I CAN be, rather than supporting the me that HAS been. It’s all about personal growth, and change. Some of that change isn’t easy, and we need folks who’ve been there, to help us through it.
GREAT article. Thanks for this. You made my day.
Thanks be to Twitter, because I discovered IndieBusiness today! Hey Tina, I’d love to tweet with you, and share some stories. I’m a stay at home mom, working from home, having probs w/marriage, too. (maybe we could share a house? That was a bad joke, sorry)
Anyway, I love that I am meeting people who support the me that I CAN be, rather than supporting the me that HAS been. It’s all about personal growth, and change. Some of that change isn’t easy, and we need folks who’ve been there, to help us through it.
GREAT article. Thanks for this. You made my day.
twitter for business – I Know A Guy Marketing
Social Equity is powerful.
twitter for business – I Know A Guy Marketing
Social Equity is powerful.
Tina and others – come as you are to twitterville. When dM told me to twitter with her I just did it because she always is looking out for her Indies best interest so I did it fully on trust. I thought it was a bit odd, but I obey dM and found myself hooked. I love the community of twitter.
Tina and others – come as you are to twitterville. When dM told me to twitter with her I just did it because she always is looking out for her Indies best interest so I did it fully on trust. I thought it was a bit odd, but I obey dM and found myself hooked. I love the community of twitter.
The times they are a changin’… we women are linking arms and standing strong, our children in the middle. We are making our own tribe. Glad to be a part of yours. Blessed be.
The times they are a changin’… we women are linking arms and standing strong, our children in the middle. We are making our own tribe. Glad to be a part of yours. Blessed be.
The times they are a changin’… we women are linking arms and standing strong, our children in the middle. We are making our own tribe. Glad to be a part of yours. Blessed be.
The times they are a changin’… we women are linking arms and standing strong, our children in the middle. We are making our own tribe. Glad to be a part of yours. Blessed be.
This is for Tina. Seven years ago, I went through a divorce that brought me to
my knees. It pierced my heart. For six months, I could not eat anything except
smoothies every day. I hardly slept as well. I got through it because I poured
myself into my business. It is my passion and it kept me going. My grown children
also helped me in so many ways, plus I have a very good support system of long time women friends. It by far was the hardest thing that I had to do. Now, five years later, my quality of life is better. Reach out to your friends, take walks. Do things for yourself. It will get better for you.
This is for Tina. Seven years ago, I went through a divorce that brought me to
my knees. It pierced my heart. For six months, I could not eat anything except
smoothies every day. I hardly slept as well. I got through it because I poured
myself into my business. It is my passion and it kept me going. My grown children
also helped me in so many ways, plus I have a very good support system of long time women friends. It by far was the hardest thing that I had to do. Now, five years later, my quality of life is better. Reach out to your friends, take walks. Do things for yourself. It will get better for you.
Tina, I’m on Twitter. I’m in a similar type of situation at this very moment, and I’m on your side! Follow me at @sarvasoap. We can all reach out in support to each other, and in a time of need I found an amazing sisterhood… dM and many other Indies were there for me too with support, strength, and friendship. We all have so much to give to each other. Twitter is the ultimate small town! My best thoughts are with you. You CAN do it!!!
Tina, I’m on Twitter. I’m in a similar type of situation at this very moment, and I’m on your side! Follow me at @sarvasoap. We can all reach out in support to each other, and in a time of need I found an amazing sisterhood… dM and many other Indies were there for me too with support, strength, and friendship. We all have so much to give to each other. Twitter is the ultimate small town! My best thoughts are with you. You CAN do it!!!
Hi Tina, I will pray for you. I would love to tweet with you. My Twitter is @goldengoat and there are a lot more Indies that would love to chat with you. I own my business and homeschool three kids myself at my store. I know how hard you are working, and believe me it is going to pay off. Hang in there, get on your knees, and you will survive.
Pam
Hi Tina, I will pray for you. I would love to tweet with you. My Twitter is @goldengoat and there are a lot more Indies that would love to chat with you. I own my business and homeschool three kids myself at my store. I know how hard you are working, and believe me it is going to pay off. Hang in there, get on your knees, and you will survive.
Pam
Hello Tina,
I would love to tweet with you! And, if you are interested in connecting with other moms, please check us out at twittermoms.com. We would love for your to be apart of our community! One of the best things about Twitter and social networks is that they bring community and support to you when you need it.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. But, somehow I know you will prevail!
All the best,
Megan
Founder, http://www.twittermoms.com
Hello Tina,
I would love to tweet with you! And, if you are interested in connecting with other moms, please check us out at twittermoms.com. We would love for your to be apart of our community! One of the best things about Twitter and social networks is that they bring community and support to you when you need it.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. But, somehow I know you will prevail!
All the best,
Megan
Founder, http://www.twittermoms.com
Tina, Twitter can be your support system when needed. You’ve been taking care of everyone else. Who is taking care of you? Follow me at @gatheredgarden. Carol
Tina, Twitter can be your support system when needed. You’ve been taking care of everyone else. Who is taking care of you? Follow me at @gatheredgarden. Carol
Hi Tina,
We all know what you’re going through and lift you up in our prayers, especially me. I have been through several hardships in my life but each time God has answered my prayers in his own time. Sometimes I have prayed for one thing and He saw fit to give me something else that was better. I hope our messages will help give you strength until He has answered your prayers.
Hi Tina,
We all know what you’re going through and lift you up in our prayers, especially me. I have been through several hardships in my life but each time God has answered my prayers in his own time. Sometimes I have prayed for one thing and He saw fit to give me something else that was better. I hope our messages will help give you strength until He has answered your prayers.
Hi everyone! Wanted to let you know I heard from Tina. Here’s part of her message to me. “Wow, that post was wonderful to read, and all the comments. Wow! It really made me feel less alone! I want to go back and read some more, but my monitor blew out in the middle of it, then I broke my toe, and now I’m behind on a bunch of stuff.” So you can see that, as in all of our lives, when it rains, it pours. I expect to hear from Tina when her toe and computer are better. Meanwhile, please know that you encouoraged another Indie Sister today and your kindness is having an impact on so many. Thank you for taking the time to show the world how special you are.
Hi everyone! Wanted to let you know I heard from Tina. Here’s part of her message to me. “Wow, that post was wonderful to read, and all the comments. Wow! It really made me feel less alone! I want to go back and read some more, but my monitor blew out in the middle of it, then I broke my toe, and now I’m behind on a bunch of stuff.” So you can see that, as in all of our lives, when it rains, it pours. I expect to hear from Tina when her toe and computer are better. Meanwhile, please know that you encouoraged another Indie Sister today and your kindness is having an impact on so many. Thank you for taking the time to show the world how special you are.