Richa Gangopadhyay Instagram – It’s been really hard to wake up with a peaceful mind as of late. If you’re like me, the first thing you do when you wake up is scroll through all your social media apps. Social media is a wonderful way of connecting with others, share your voice on larger scale and learn from those that inspire you. ⁣ ⁣ But these days, at least here in the US, the combination of the hostile political climate as elections near, combined with living through a pandemic and dealing with the constant debate on what’s best for us makes it hard to brush off how incredibly polarizing it can become.⁣ ⁣ That’s why sometimes it’s best to take a breath and assess whether you are using it to spread love and enlightenment in a positive way, or using it to excessively vent your frustrations or mock others who may not share the same views as you. Social media consumes us whole and that’s what it’s designed to do, but it’s up to us HOW we use it. There is always a way to use it respectfully, instead of showing outward disgust towards others and making it personal. ⁣ ⁣ So my lesson to myself for the day is to be more mindful and practice what I preach when it comes to the expectation I have of others in my social circle and community to be open minded and respectful. I will always be utmost authentic with everything I share, and today I reflected on how I can better myself. We can teach and share in more productive ways than resort to criticizing. It’s okay to realize when you slip up, and course correct. ⁣ ⁣ This continues to be a rough year for all of us, wherever you are. That’s had an impact on our thoughts, behaviors and drained every last ounce of our spirits as we long for carefree socializing moments with our friends. Safety is a priority for us, but we miss our families and friends dearly! ⁣ ⁣ So don’t beat yourself up if you were rude to someone inadvertently and felt terrible later. Or someone told you that you have room for improvement. Take criticism constructively, forgive yourself and just focus on being a better you the next day. And that’s my journal entry for the day 😉⁣ ⁣ #forgiveness #mindset #positivevibes #inspiration #selflove #selfcare #growth