How I left my cocoon and became a social media butterfly

Every year I watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve and like many Americans, I make a New Year's resolution each and every time. This year I did not want to make the typical resolution—lose weight—but wanted to do something totally different and out of my comfort zone. I decided that in 2011 I would stretch myself and become more social. (Side note: In the back of my mind I hoped that by getting out more I would increase the chance of finding someone special; will get to that in a minute.)

My newfound resolution came in handy because I had just started a new job that would require me to be more social in order to promote the new business. Starting small, I threw myself into going around town and introducing myself and our business. This led to me going to business club meetings and Chamber of Commerce events, and eventually getting more involved with Twitter.

I am embarrassed to say that I did not utilize my Twitter account as much before starting this journey and used it only to follow celebrities. However, once I realized that this would be a great platform to become a social butterfly, things took off for me. Twitter became the social 'wingman' I needed in order to overcome my shyness and get out there to meet new people. I started going to Elk Grove Tweetups and other local events like Taste of Elk Grove. This small step has introduced me to a wide range of people and now I am a regular face around Elk Grove. (At least I personally think so.)

Now to get back to finding that special someone. Well, that hasn't happened but I am happy to find someone even better: myself. I am the first to admit that I am in no way the life of the party and I still get embarrassed and shy. But I think I have emerged from my cocoon. As I near a huge milestone in the birthday arena, I feel so much more confident in entering the social scene.

In closing, I urge everyone out there to become more active in their community. It could be in the realm of politics, health care, mentoring or social media. By stepping outside of my comfort zone I have been able to enrich my life twofold and I hope it will do the same for another fellow butterfly trapped in the cocoon.