While 2017 brought activities and events to the YNPN-TC calendar as usual, a quieter but no less important process took place behind the scenes: strategic planning.

I'm at home in the world of social media. Facebook, Twitter and other networks help me do my job, stay in touch with my friends, and fulfill my daily dose of manatee memes. But constant connectivity has consequences. The writing is on the Facebook wall: social media can impact our lives in ways that conflict with our values.

The speed of the social stream outpaces the joys of slow conversation. Outrage culture (not to be confused with justified anger) makes me more reactive. When I consume clickbait, I find myself engaging with people in ways that are less compassionate, nuanced, and appreciative. I act in ways that run counter to who I'd like to be, having an impact that’s different than I hope for.

This doesn't have to be the case. We can make social media a catalyst for generation and impact rather than something that controls us. Here's how I've stepped back from the brink and found balance in the world of social media.

Have you ever gone to an event so awesome that you just wanted to run around and tell everybody you know about it? Normally, when I complete a thought-provoking and inspiring experience, I want to shout what I’ve learned from a mountain-top! (Or, more realistically, bug my cubicle neighbors with tidbits.) So please imagine that the rest of this post is conveyed mountain-top style, with perhaps a yak for good measure.