To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn.

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 as sung by The Byrds

It’s true isn’t it? Our environment is characterized by seasons. Right now we’re in Summer but for you Summer-haters, Fall is just around the corner. When we’re all slipping on the ice and cursing the snow, we can take comfort in the fact Spring is inevitable.   Then before you know it, you’re in the searing heat and humidity of Summer.

Our personal and professional lives are like that too. There are good times and bad. When times are bad, we know down deep inside that good times will eventually return. When times are good, we also know that good times don’t last forever. We exist in the cycles of Winter and Summer, with transitions of Spring and Fall.

Your point?

Since social media has become a preferred mode of communication among family, friends, and other curious parties, it’s a good idea to bring it into the discussion.

Here are some typical posts. You’ve seen them or something similar I’m sure:

  • “Margarita time with friends at the Outer Banks.”
  • “Off on our annual cruise. So excited!”
  • “Honored to speak today at the Association of Proctologists”
  • “Our son Dexter graduates with honors from high school” #proudparent
  • “Date night with my wonderful, handsome, smart hubby!” #datenight

Now if you’re in the Winter season of your personal or professional life, each one of those posts is a bit of salt rubbed into your wounds. Your initial response is:

Who cares?

But your deeper response is:

  • Why is everyone able to take vacations but me?
  • How is she so lucky to get those speaking gigs? I’m way better than she is.
  • My kid was lucky to graduate. I don’t care about yours.
  • My husband is a fat lazy slob who washed my white clothes with his red t-shirt. I wish my relationship was as perfect as yours.

Ironically, the real culprit here is the original poster who might be experiencing the Summer season personally or professionally. That person needs to ask the following questions:

  • Why am I posting about my trip to the Outer Banks or cruise? What will I possibly gain by letting everyone know about my fun trip? Am I taking away time from my family by documenting everything just to post it on social media?
  • Yes, I’m lucky to be speaking to a distinguished group of proctologists, but why am I letting everyone on LinkedIn know? Is it because I want them to think I’m amazing, totally booked, or well connected? Is it because I want people to see it and realize I’m a big-time speaker so they’ll contract with me at some point?
  • Am I bragging about my spouse or partner to compensate for the REAL state of my relationship?

Both have a responsibility. Own your season and do what you can to encourage others. If you’re in Summer, quit the bragging and connect with those in Winter. If you’re in Winter, quit the whining and take some steps to hit Summer again. Either way, own what you have and be a positive connection to others.