In this piece, I pay tribute to my good “friends” on social media. I don’t care what critics say. For me, social media – when not abused – enriches lives. It certainly has mine. Through Facebook and Twitter in particular, I’ve discovered great PEOPLE, from whom I’ve accessed MORE amazing ideas, perspectives, knowledge and insights – than I could ever have outside of it.

Below, I discuss two specific life-changing benefits we often get from good “friends” on social media that we may sometimes (wrongly) take for granted.

1. Inspiration or Ideas When Most Needed

For me, it’s often been mainly on Facebook, and Twitter – in that order.

Sometimes I’ve come online wondering what topic to write on for my next article. Then I see a quote shared by a friend, and suddenly the light bulb comes on in my head.

I have a new topic – and I know exactly what to say in it!

Less than one hour later, my article is ready. Sometimes I put it online within a day or two.

Example: Yesterday, my facebook friend “Frank Emy Ejike” shared this wonderful quote about making excuses (see screenshot below) that instantly got my creative writing juices flowing:

I’m already using that theme for a new piece I’m writing. And it’s likely to publish this week.

Like I said at the start of this piece, it’s not just Facebook. Many tweets by “friends” have also proved quite useful to me.

For instance, late last month I came across the following quote (tweeted by @KarenKeller, and re-tweeted by Lia Han @bemycareercoach):

“Life has two rules: (1). Never Quit. (2). Always Remember rule No. 1.”

And it fit perfectly into Issue 90 of my speaking IDEAS newsletter – under the sub-section titled “Scientists Perform Miracles Because They Refuse to Give Up On Us: But We Take Them for Granted!”

I’ve also been blessed by “friends” who share, when I’m not feeling too happy (everybody has low moments).

A casual review of my news feeds has often led me to discover powerful words of inspiration.

Sometimes it’s not just me that benefits.

Other people in my life sometimes need a word or two to lift them up. But it can be difficult to come up with just the right things to say to achieve that effect with them.

That’s why being connected with the right people on social media can be a good thing. Quite often, someone will share something – a quote, or better still a story or lesson, that perfectly meets your need.

Here’s one example:

Ruth Ann Newton-Lightbourne shared a motivational picture on her Facebook wall yesterday (Saturday 8th June 2013) – about the value of a true friend who stands by you, even when many others do not.

The powerful message in it was what actually triggered my decision to write THIS article (see screenshot below):

My experiences in the past one year – and especially these past 2 months settling down in a new country, made this message resonate so powerfully with me.

2. Thoughts/Insights/Interaction That Make Us Smarter & Wiser

There is one facebook friend I have who seems to have a gift for doing all I describe in this article – and without making a fuss too.

Michael Newman (a full blooded Nigerian, based in Lagos – last time I checked) periodically churns out an amazing series of powerful quotes, mixed with personal musings of his own.

Sometimes he also initiates discussions that generate healthy interaction amongst friends.

We all have our strengths. And Michael uses his to great effect.

In the process he often adds value to others when he’s online.

What a way to make an impact!

One example: I have no idea what got into him on 11th of April 2013, but whatever it was, I’m glad it did.

Michael wrote a post that was truly inspired. His words were so deeply perceptive, and they resonated so strongly with me – that I felt compelled to make a lengthy contribution. See screenshot below.

Another person who offers thought provoking posts is Camillus Egeni (he’s based in the US). Just yesterday, he wrote one that stressed the need for us to act with consideration for other people’s feelings. In other words, the need to be emotionally intelligent in our interactions (see below):

Final Words

All those messages shared by my “friends” took only a few seconds to share. But they will have touched many lives in unique ways. Many times what good “friends” share is not even authored by them. So it’s rarely a case of them wanting to look good.

Quite often, they share insights from great people that others may not have ready access to. That’s why sharing is so great. And it’s what truly GOOD “friends” do!

Just in case you’re wondering…these guys have no idea I’ve written about them.

With the exception of Newman who I met just once, about 8 years ago, I’ve never met any of the other “friends” I’ve mentioned. I do no business with them, and seek no recognition from them in any way.

In fact, except YOU (yes, YOU reading this piece right now) tell them about it, they will probably never know I’ve written about them in this article (I won’t be telling them).

I’ve written this mainly because I’m truly grateful to have access to such good people via social media, and want others to appreciate their own “friends” more, as well.

I ALREADY show my appreciation to mine, by clicking LIKE on their posts, and/or commenting where useful – even if just to say “I agree or thanks for sharing.”

Without the convenience of social media, the effort required to achieve and maintain similar depths of connection, would be too great for most of us to sustain.

That’s why I see social media, despite its shortcomings, as a great blessing.