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A couple of times over the past few weeks, I found myself staring at my phone before hitting “Post.” It wasn’t because I didn’t have anything to say. It was because I wasn’t completely sure why I wanted to say it.
Recently, I had a couple of milestones that genuinely meant a great deal to me. I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at the Recovery Dharma Global Summit, and Awakening With Don® quietly celebrated its first anniversary. I felt grateful for both of those moments and wanted to share them with the people who have encouraged me along the way.
But before I did, I found myself asking a different question than I would have years ago.
Why do I want to share this?
Years ago, I probably wouldn’t have paused long enough to ask. I would have written the post, hit “Publish,” and, if I’m honest, looked forward to the likes, comments, and congratulations. Recognition felt good, and I probably needed it more than I realized.
These days, the question isn’t there to judge me. It’s simply there to help me notice.
Sometimes I want to share something because I’m genuinely grateful. Sometimes I want the people who have walked alongside me to know what they’re a part of. Sometimes I simply want to tell a story. And if I’m honest, there are probably times when I still appreciate a little affirmation.
The difference isn’t that my motives are now perfect. It’s that I’m more aware of them.
I’ve also realized this isn’t really about social media.
Most of us have moments when we want other people to know something about our lives. Maybe it’s a promotion. Maybe it’s finishing a degree, completing a project, watching a child reach an important milestone, or finally accomplishing something we’ve worked toward for a long time.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing those moments. In fact, I think sharing joy is one of the ways we stay connected to one another.
The question isn’t whether we should share them.
The question is what we’re hoping will happen after we do.
That’s not a question with a right or wrong answer. It’s simply a question worth asking.
I’ve found that when I pause long enough to notice what’s going on inside me, I’m usually able to share with a little more gratitude and a little less expectation. Not perfectly. Just a little more honestly.
So maybe the next time you have something meaningful to share, pause for just a moment and ask yourself:
Why do I want to share this?
Whatever your answer is, simply noticing it may be enough.
