WHAT AFRICA TAUGHT ME ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA: PART 3
Today’s Lesson: Change Your Perspective!
I have a fear of “panoramic heights”. There. I’ve said it.
I’m fine in an airplane, and I can usually handle myself in tall buildings. But give me floor-to-ceiling windows or one of those revolving restaurants atop a tower, and my heart will pound like it is ready to jump out of my chest! So imagine my fear when we were getting in a hot air balloon at 6AM to fly over the Maasai Mara plains in Kenya!
I would have been completely content to stay on the ground and experience those views, but our itinerary that morning called for a new experience. As we lay on our backs in the basket waiting for takeoff, I became very nervous and quickly jumped out, afraid that I couldn’t go through with this. But… after some deep breaths and encouraging words from the pilot, I got back in, ready to take on the adventure.
And WOW! Facing this fear was definitely worth it!
As the sun rose over the plains, we serenely drifted over the great herds. Everything took on a brand new perspective with intense and bold dimensions, and my fear was instantly gone. After adjusting to this new way of seeing things, I began to snap tons of pictures and capture as much video as I could. I also seem to recall saying “I cannot wait to Tweet this! Is there WiFi up here?” which seemed to make the pilot’s day.
It’s so easy in social media (and in our lives for that matter) to get stuck in a rut and look at things in the same way. But we need to step out of our comfort zones and look at things from a new perspective. If we don’t, we may miss out on seeing something really amazing!
After this experience, I know I’ll always look for new perspectives!
So what kind of person are you on Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Are you a creature of habit who sticks with their daily posting/reading routine? Or do you like to shake things up a bit and try to see something new?
Let me know in the comments…
I look forward to reading your posts, Brian! Great pictures too.
OK, OK! I’ll try something new. I try to stick with a routine because if I don’t…things get out of hand. But once in awhile I’ll step out on a limb. If you could go up in a balloon, risking plummeting to earth and being eaten by lions, I guess I can try a new tweet.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Routines aren’t all bad, but going out on those limbs sure can be fun!
Great message, Brian. My comfort zone does not involve videos of me, and I know I should do more of them. So that’s the branch I’ll jump out onto! Thanks for the push.
Excellent idea, Lisa! You’ll be GREAT on video.
I can’t wait to see what you do!
You are an inspiration Brian! I love your pictures and your story about overcoming fears and obstacles. Using social media is one of my fears and obstacles and you’ve already helped me overcome some of those. I look forward to reading more of your blog articles.
Thanks! I look forward to watching you continue to overcome obstacles. There’s nothing we can’t get over!
It’s so true what many have said – ‘No risk, no reward’. What one only loses is the fear of the unknown. You have inspired me today, Brian. Thank you.
That is absolutely true, Marc! Thanks for the kind comments!