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Lorie Gill

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What An Innocent FB Post Taught Me.

January 16, 2017 By Lorie Gill

This Seemingly Innocent FB Post taught me a lesson today…

Do you use Facebook? Yup – me too!

Have you ever “Liked” someone’s seemingly innocent FB post? Or have you liked a post/comment that seemed odd or slightly out of character—without really giving it a second thought or asking what the comment was all about? Yup – me too!

An Innocent FB Post… With An Overwhelming Response!

And Then This Happened…

I received a Direct Message from the person whose post I “Liked” and this is what it said: (I had to break it into 2 images to screenshot the entire post).

So what do you do? Do you ignore it? Do you play along?

I was slightly confused as to how this was creating “Autism Awareness”, and yet the fact of the matter was:

  • I “Liked” a post
  • I received the message, which mentioned Autism Awareness, which made me think about my friends who have family members with Autism.
  • I was asked to participate to keep “Autism Awareness” going
  • And then I made my Post!

Whether it was the right or wrong thing to do, or whether it would create the awareness for Autism that people were expecting, I for one did not expect what happened next…

After reading the list of statements to choose from (for making my post), I opted for one that I could potentially see happening one day. I love Food, and I love Cooking, and I love Experimenting with food, so the natural choice was “I’ve been accepted on Master Chef”!

A bold statement and lofty goal for sure, but it was just an innocent post—Right? I closed my phone and didn’t give it a second thought—Until…

This morning, my husband asked me, “What is Master Chef?” I quickly responded by saying “Oh!  Don’t Like that post! It’s a post I made in support of Autism Awareness.” George kind of chuckled, and advised me that my little post (I hadn’t looked at FB yet) had received quite a bit of attention; with people congratulating me, asking me what episode I’ll be in, what I prepared at the audition, and so much more!

Just listening to some of the comments (for which I later read – every single one of them), I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed, and wondering what in the heck I had just done! Although we laughed at the situation I managed to put myself in—deep down, I wasn’t feeling so great, or thinking it was so funny! I seriously had no clue as to how I was going to respond. I didn’t think that an innocent post would garner so much attention. And I certainly was not going to direct message 100+ people to give them the “Rules of Play” of this “2017 Autism Awareness Game” !

I tried to put it out of my mind for just a little, while we got on with our morning Yoga & Meditation routine. But then my phone started ringing, and a message popped up on my phone asking for an interview (my phone was Air-Playing my Fitstar Yoga App at the time). All I could think was OMG – this is getting out of hand – what in the world am I going to do? And to top it off, I think I’m in need of another Meditation session (with some serious deep breathing).

Over another espresso, we discussed the situation further, to help me determine how to handle the odd predicament I had gotten myself into. What would be the best way for me to respond?

  • The first step was to call my Media contact back (Jeannine Taylor of kawarthaNOW.com was quick to inquire about an Interview), and openly and honestly explained the situation. To my relief she, completely understood. We chatted about how a similar situation had happened to her too, and that now—being so closely connected with the Media, with a large following, and being a person of Influence; she is far more careful about what she posts on Social Platforms.
  • Next; I made an update on Facebook:

 

 

 

  • And then I set out to write this post to “Disclose All”

After deliberating on what to say, and taking the time to write this post (in retrospect – there may have been a better way to handle the situation and more details I could have shared), I’m personally still in awe as to the number of responses I received on a single post.

This innocent post taught me a few lessons today…

I am a person of Influence, and you are a person of Influence too! Whether we are aware of it or not, we all have influence over others—everyone is a person of influence in someone else’s eyes. People are always watching what we do, listening to what we say, and more often than we realize—they are learning from us too!

What else did I take away from today:

  • When in doubt—Go with your gut instinct…
  • Be mindful of not just yourself, but of others too!
  • If it doesn’t make sense now—it might not later either.
  • Time is precious, use it wisely (and learn from it).
  • Be accountable for your actions—be honest!
  • We all have a Voice (and we have the power to share it)!

As individuals, and as community members; we need to take a greater responsibility for what we openly share on Social Media. We need to ask ourselves some questions before we post:

  • Am I representing myself (my family, my organization) honestly, and in a positive manner?
  • Am I being offensive or offending anyone (particular group) with the content I’m sharing?
  • Am I okay with anyone (and everyone) seeing this content?
  • Is what I’m about to post appropriate to share on Social Media, or is there a better way to communicate what I have to say?

It’s okay to say NO!

It’s okay not to comply with the so-called set out “Rules of Play”!

It’s Your Choice!

I’ve seen this posted several times lately on Facebook by some of my Friends, and I think it’s something that I’ll be posting too:

Dear Facebook Friends.

I don’t want to offend anyone and appreciate your sentiments and pure intentions, but I would appreciate not being sent any more chain messages via Messenger. I have not forwarded any of them on.

Not only do they consume a lot of time, they eat up data and can be destructive. I no longer forward any of them.

Thank you for reading. Your understanding is appreciated!

Although, what happened to me was not a chain message—it would have been a very time-consuming task to Message back every person that “Liked, Commented, or Shared” my post, had I followed the “Rules of Play”.

Sadly, this whole ordeal has still taken up a greater part of my day than I’d like to admit. And yet I’m smiling, and breathing much easier than I was earlier this morning. Why is that you ask? Because through it all I have discovered that whether it was the right or wrong thing to do… in the end, only I can make it right!

My innocent post: “I’ve been accepted on Master Chef” was meant to generate “Autism Awareness” – so here we go!

Here’s a few interesting facts about Autism (that you may or may not know):

  • Definition: Autism is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
  • Autism is also referred to as ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder, and there are many different degrees and types of Autism – Asperger’s Syndrome is included in the Autism Spectrum.
  • Autism is reportedly more common among boys than girls (by almost 4 to 1)
  • Autistic symptoms are often challenging to determine in children younger than 18 months
  • The exact cause of ASD is unknown – it’s complex and may be a result of a genetic predisposition, environmental factors or other unknown factors.
  • Early detection of Autism (between 12-18 months of age), combined with intensive therapy treatments, may help rewire the child’s brain, and potentially reverse some of the symptoms related to their ASD
  • Children and adults alike with ASD can be extremely smart and/or creative individuals (but may have a challenge expressing themselves).

There’s so much we all can learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In conclusion…

Today was an eye-opening day. Who knew that my day would be filled with so many lessons transpiring from sharing what I thought was a single, simple, innocent Facebook post!

How about you – have you been caught in a similar situation that you’ve felt compelled to respond to?

Filed Under: Life Adventures Tagged With: FB Posts, Lessons, share

The Customer Service Experience…

February 8, 2015 By Lorie Gill

Everybody Makes A Difference EverydayHave you ever experienced great customer service?
I think we’ve all had the opportunity to discover some good – even great – service at some point in time though out our journey in life.

But have you ever enjoyed a customer service experience that made you smile and talk about that service for days – weeks – even years on end? Now that would be some amazing service – wouldn’t you agree?

Far too often people take for granted the person on the service side of things (whether it be intentional or not). [Read more…]

Filed Under: Life Adventures Tagged With: adventure, journey, kindness, share, Smile, stories, truth be told, try something new

Did you know this… About WordPress?

February 5, 2015 By Lorie Gill

wordpress

I’ve recently been participating in an Online Workshop to help me learn more about WordPress.
I’m actually surprised at how much I’ve learned thus far (when I decided to write this post I was only 2 weeks in of the 4 week course). But I’m also surprised at how much I already know (in just a few short months of being live online).

You see… it’s taken me years to get started on my blog (which you’re on right now). And that’s been partially due to my own inner fears of putting myself out there – and also part due to my lack of knowledge of using WordPress (which equates out to another fear or excuse).

I always thought that it would be too hard to create and manage my own site because I’m not a very tech savvy person. I’m not a programmer or coder, and I have little to no graphic design capabilities.

I honestly thought that I couldn’t manage a website all on my own – despite the fact that my husband made it look so easy with his click here, here and here approach (I just wasn’t catching on to all the things I felt I needed to know – perhaps he was just going too fast – or perhaps I wasn’t being open minded enough). Regardless of the reasoning – frankly it doesn’t matter anymore (because here I am)… 

And Guess What? I was wrong!

Working with WordPress has actually been easier than I thought. I started out on my new adventures in blogging with the free WordPress version back in October of 2014, and have continued to play and post and of course make many mistakes too. But… overall my site has evolved since then, and now I’ve transitioned to a paid Genesis Theme, which gives me even more of the added features that initially I didn’t have before.

I’m still learning more each day I’m on my site, and that’s a good thing – as there’s still some changes I’d like to make – but now I have the confidence to try something new, to actually make changes, and know that I will find my way through it to a successful outcome.

So what have I learned about WordPress that you may or may not have known already – let’s find out…

Did you know…

  • WordPress is the most widely used CMS (content management system) solutions available for Website creation & management?
  • WordPress was typically used as a Blogging tool – but expanded functionalities have made way for more complicated website use too?
  • WordPress is the perfect tool for running a blog or website (basic to complex).
  • WordPress is considered to be one of the easiest CMS solutions to use due to it’s adaptable interface and simplified backend?
  • WordPress and it’s associations have an outstanding lineup of Themes & Plugins to customize your blog/website?
  • WordPress is super easy to use (even if you’re not technical) and that starting a website has never been more simple to do yourself?
  • WordPress alone is not a shopping site – but with an add-on Plugin you can turn your website into your own eCommerce store?
  • WordPress can become almost any type of site you can imagine – with the right theme, a little customization, and integration of plugins?
  • WordPress is easier to use than you may think?
  • WordPress has very few limitations? 
  • WordPress has thousands of customers all around the globe using the platform for blogging and running websites?
  • WordPress enables bloggers & website owners to easily update their own site content via the super friendly interface?

So how many of those points did you (or didn’t you) know about WordPress?

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. There’s still so much more to learn and know about the ins and outs of using WordPress… I’m just so excited. And I’m grateful for the WordPress Online Workshop that I’ve been participating in too – it has taught me so much and provided me with the confidence I needed to move forward and make new changes.

So if you thought that having your own site would be too difficult – think again…
With WordPress – it’s easier than you think. What are you waiting for – get started today.

 

 

 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Life Adventures Tagged With: adventure, fears, try something new, WordPress

The Stay-cation Experience…

January 21, 2015 By Lorie Gill

Have you had the opportunity to experience a Stay-cation or two?

IMG_1921

I can hear it now… Umm – What’s a stay-cation?
I’m so glad you asked – it’s one of my most favourite ways to travel & get away from it all.

Seriously… if you love to travel you really should consider stay-cations instead of just vacations… unless you’re the type of person (or family) that wants everything done for you – then I suggest continuing with your vacationing practices.

As with anything – there are several opinions on stay-cations – and truth be told – what I’m about to share just happens to be mine (so take it for what it’s worth).

If you’re still here and you’re interested in learning a little more as to why stay-cations are so awesome – then read on…  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Life Adventures Tagged With: adventure, stay-cation, truth be told, try something new

Lessons Learned with “Seuss-isms”

December 11, 2014 By Lorie Gill

I love “Seuss-isms”… How about you?

As a kid I was always in awe with Dr. Seuss books. The images and the colours flew off the pages and came to life. The rhyming and peculiar choices of words, not only told a vivid story, but they seemed to have a lesson to be learned too.

 

Dr. Seuss books seemed wacky and weird, eccentric and entertaining, fascinating and fun, and oddly enough tThink and wonder. Wonder and think. Dr.Seusshose “Seuss-isms” were educational too.

Did you know that Dr. Seuss’ real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and that he published 46 children’s books?

Here’s just a few of my favourite quotes that inadvertently taught a lesson or two…
Truth be told – there’s so many great ones to choose from. (I’ll have to share more some other time).

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Life Adventures Tagged With: fun, Motivation, share, stories, truth be told

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A Bit About Me

Hey there
I'm Lorie...
a bit of an Online Social Addict.
I'm Grateful for Everyday & Every Challenge. I enjoy many simple pleasures in life... such as Red Wine & Creative Cooking, Reading & Writing, Travelling & Sunsets, Smiling & Laughing... and above all
I LOVE MY FAMILY! Read More…

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  • What An Innocent FB Post Taught Me.
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  • The Stay-cation Experience…
  • Lessons Learned with “Seuss-isms”

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