Reaching Out to a Better Me #SoMoms #BetterMe

I've had a Facebook account since 2003 when I left for a year to go to grad school. At that time, It was mainly to be in touch with friends and family in Manila, and see what was going on in their lives. Of course, Facebook then was a lot less complicated than it is now. It wasn't something that was alive 24/7 - where every other minute you log on, something was going on. These days, I know a lot of people would say, it almost has too much information. But that is essentially what social media is all about... Information. It is amazing how the world has gotten so small with social media around. The amount and type of information you can get is limitless, infinite even.

After a few years on FB, I discovered Twitter and was a silent follower for a long time - using it literally as a newsfeed. Then I gave birth and started breastfeeding - I needed resources, I needed someone to talk to --- and my days were all topsy turvy. I was awake in the wee hours of the morning - and while my baby was nursing away to her heart's content, I was going through my twitter timeline. I started asking questions, sharing articles I had read, and making friends online. As my daughter grew (and I got pregnant again with my second child), my network kept growing. As I said, the topics are limitless - cloth diapering, babywearing, co-sleeping, post partum depression, progressive schools, child friendly products, home schooling.... Just name it, twitter has probably got it.

When I went back to work, my mommy Twitter community was like my virtual support group. Between my work schedule and my kids, I hardly had time to interact in person with my real (as in breathing and walking) mommy friends... So I kept up with my virtual mommy friends (and yes, they breathe and walk too, except not where I can see them). It was amazing... Now, I had someone to talk to, rant with and consult with, at almost any time of the day. How powerful is that?

Over the past four years... I've grown to be the mom that I am now. Not perfect, but learning, growing, and sharing continuously with other moms. As I interacted with this virtual community, I started forming opinions of my own, believing in certain things as a mom (and a human being), and advocating beliefs that I hope will make the world a better place for our children, and their children too. This, I believe, is my own personal growth towards a better me - not only for myself, but also for my children. This is why I am proud to be a SoMom.

The SoMoms are a collective of moms who are active on social media, and have independent beliefs and advocacies common to most mothers out there. It is humbling and at the same time so empowering to be part of this group of women. It brings to life the true meaning of what social media should be all about - an active, purposeful interaction of people, to put forward a better way of life for everyone.
I'm a SoMom. I enjoy being on social media, and I'm happy to share my learnings, as I navigate my way though life, and motherhood.