No Filter

Before there were cell phones, social media, and the like, folks did not share their every accomplishment with anyone other than family and friends. If the achievement was especially note worthy, perhaps the school knew of it or the local paper. 
Fast forward to today's world and we can know more about a person than they may know about themselves. Or at least we can know what others think they know about someone.

Simon Sinek

Imagine a world where decisions were made without the filter of "what will people say?"

How many more people would take a chance on an idea or imagining?
How many more wild imaginings would happen?
How many fewer "look-at-me" self defining likes would people need to be happy?
How much less comparison would take place?

Perhaps the numbers wouldn't change much, although in the book, "The Anxious Generation," by Jonathan Haidt, there is a fair amount of evidence linking mental health to social media and screen time. The more screen time, the poorer the mental health outcomes.

Recently I have had a few situations where I removed my filter. I wasn't rude, but I maintained my boundaries. I challenged ideas and spoke frankly about impact. While it has challenged those relationships, I spoke honestly and with curiosity. Asking for the others opinion, allowing them to share and for me to listen and consider it. What I have felt is relief. What I have discovered is that when I share my ideas, I feel stronger in who I am, rather than leaning toward being who I believe people want me to be. 

A thought for you today... We teach people how to treat us.
What are you telling people is okay?
How is that impacting your sense of who you are and who you believe you can be?
​Who are you without a filter? Don't forget to be kind, curious, and timely.