Trish's Blog

Last night I joined a new to me Facebook group. I was quite taken aback by the way some of of the members ‘spoke’ to each other. I do hope they interact with their clients in a kinder way. I realise I may have set myself up for more of the same; however, this morning I share how I decide if and how I will post and comment.
1.   If someone has a different point of view to you; let them. You don’t need to attend every argument you are invited to. Your peace is paramount. If you invest in the position, you are depleting energy that could be spent somewhere you do have influence. (HEALTH)
2.    Check in with what you are feeling, really feeling. If you are feeling angry, where is that coming from? Before submitting, take a moment to flip it; how would you feel if you were reading your comment? (HEART)
3.    Consider not typing into the teeny tiny comment box on your phone. Yes, I know it’s convenient, but anger and its results are not. Take a moment to open a word document (better still, your hand written journal) and write there. You can review your whole post in context easier. If you still choose to share your post after that, you can cut and paste it into the group. (HAND)
4.     What’s your purpose for posting or commenting? Think about this. Consider your motivation. Do you need to be right, or do you have a different experience/perspective? Is replying to another comment that you disagree with your best option? Perhaps starting a new comment and opening with “In my experience/perspective, I…” is less inflammatory. Starting a Facebook Fit is unlikely to change the mind of the commenter you disagree with. Test your assumptions before weighing in. Is your comment going to add to the discussion? (HEAD)
5.     Is responding going to make you feel better? Chances are at least one of your values is being triggered; however, take a moment to consider if responding to one value will put you out of alignment with your other values. (HARMONY).

I use these 5H’s in my life and work and I don’t always get it right They are not hierarchical; one is not more important than the other. They are interconnected and with time become enmeshed in everything you do.

Perhaps last night’s posts and comments were an anomaly. Maybe they were written by NSW supporters who were feeling as battered and bruised as their players. Lol I’ll stick around a bit longer to see if this group really is my space or not.
Long post I know if you are still reading; Thank you. (This post was originally published on LinkedIn 2 years ago)