I don’t always post what I want on Facebook. I know that I have what many call “Freedom of Speech,” but in my mind, that freedom has limits. In other words, just because I CAN say something doesn’t mean I SHOULD say something. And I am hesistant to post this because I know some people won’t agree with me.

I have a big mix of views amongst my Facebook friends. I have liberal and conservative friends. I have religious and atheist friends. So when posting on Facebook, I usually try to keep it to things about me or what I’m doing. But there are things happening in the world. Things that upset me. Things that make me angry. But I know my stance would make others upset because it conflicts with their beliefs, so I don’t post it.

However, more often than not, when I don’t share something or I don’t post something, it leads me to question myself as a human being. Yes, it is true that posting on Facebook doesn’t make me an activist, fighting against the wrongs of this world, but it feels like a start. Do I become a bystander simply because I don’t share the news that others should see? The news that is upsetting and the news we need to share? Am I a bad person simply because I don’t want to upset others by showing them where their opinions and thoughts are flawed?

I know that I am nowhere near intelligent enough to say who is right and who is wrong. I do not hold that kind of power, and I would never want to. However, at the base of arguments, there are two sides. And I will usually fall into one of those sides because I am human, and it is my nature to pick sides. But then I don’t post it on Facebook because I know I have friends of opposing viewpoints and I don’t want to upset them.

This post is all over the place, and for this post, I’m fine with that. This is just a bunch of thoughts that have circled my mind for a while now, and I figured it’s time to get those thoughts out there. I don’t know if reactions to this will shape what I post on Facebook, but I do know that I will continue to be cautious. I will continue to be mindful of who my friends are and be respectful of what they believe.

So to end this, I just want you to think about your beliefs and what you are posting on Facebook. Does it reflect a cautious human being, scared to offend? Or does it reflect a much bolder person, who isn’t as easily frightened by the prospect of upsetting someone? Just think about yourself, think about what you post, and then just sit. And just think for a moment.