_{What do you call this — okra or ladyfingers? Either way, I just chopped 2 kgs of them!}

I have often wondered…

Is there any safe space on social media?
Any kind at all?

Even the groups meant for healing - like the RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) group I joined on Facebook a while ago - they start off well. People open up, share their pain, their victories, their vulnerable truths. But eventually… the cracks show.
The politics. The judgment. The unsolicited advice.
The “you should”s and “why didn’t you”s.

So the simplest answer?

No.
No.
And once again: no.

If you’re not willing to put yourself out there, don’t.
Just don’t.

But you don’t have to share.
Absolutely anything.

And if you do share something, then maybe be open to the fact that someone can or will offer you advice. You almost always have a sense of the intention behind it - so why get all mad about it? Why lash out? If you weren’t open to hearing another perspective, maybe just keep it to yourself. Because people will respond - and not everyone will say what you expect them to! And that might actually be a good thing...

Either you’re here for engagement — for someone to read your words, acknowledge you, and offer a bit of comfort (even if it’s just something you want to hear)... or you’re not?

_{while cutting … had way too much time to contemplate this social media life between those slimy slices ;)}

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And before anyone comes lashing at me...
This isn’t me being harsh.
It’s something I’ve always believed in.

The you in this text is basically me, myself...

I see Instagram videos daily and the fights in the comments section… sometimes downright hilarious.
Okay - you wanted to create content.
You wanted views.
And you got them.

But people will be people. They’ll come, they’ll judge you, they might even get jealous — of your reach, your monetization, your picture-perfect family life. Or maybe you said something inappropriate (or were misunderstood) and now you want to defend yourself. That’s fair. But once you’ve laid yourself out there, publicly, people will judge you. Often unfairly!

And then there are the genuine trollers, bullies, and plain keyboard warriors.

So why take that risk?

If your soul’s brimming and your heart needs to speak, let it. But maybe… let it speak in a space that's only yours. Your journal, digital or physical. A voice note to yourself.

I’ve heard of people recording messages just for themselves.
It’s strange. But it's beautiful.
It’s real.
And more often than not -
it’s enough.

_{Salan is ready! Tilted the pot to strain out the extra oil}

Having said all of this,
I’m not at all saying you should let people run all over you.

If you’re being misunderstood or bullied for making a point, voicing an argument, or sharing an opinion—you are well within your right to defend yourself. Why let anyone disregard you, or walk all over your voice?

I’m not saying you should or shouldn’t get offended by what others say.
We’re human at the end of the day. Are we not?

But when it comes to your emotions — your innermost feelings; do keep them sacred, if you feel the world outside won’t be able to see them for what they are...

And once again, that you is basically me. That’s a note to myself :)

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Peace out ✌🏻