One Mom's Journey

Before anyone knew what a digital footprint was, we all just posted, and status updated, and pinned,

and tagged to our hearts content. Later, we finally become educated and realize that everything, and

I mean EVERYTHING, that we have posted online will remain there, eternally. And this is searchable by

employers, future partners and your very own children.

Here are some ways to clean up that digital footprint and get ready for whatever the future holds.

#1 – Facebook Profile Settings

You will want to check your privacy settings and make sure that have your Facebook account is set to

friends only. Otherwise, anyone can see your timeline.

The oxford Dictionary word of the year for 2013 "selfie" 

I really dislike selfies.  There, I said it.   Why, you ask?  Because I feel like they are self-fulfilling, self-esteem needing, self-involved photos.  I get it, once in awhile is not a bad thing.  Sure, you want to show off how darn good you look dressed up to go to a wedding - why not?  You rarely do it.  BUT YOU!  The one who posts a new selfie, kissy face, peace sign every hour on the hour - seriously...why?  I think I may start un-friending obsessive selfie takers.

Oh and you - ya you!  You know who you are - the friend who constantly comments on the obsessive selfie taker telling them how great they look and how pretty they are - do you know what you are doing?  You are encouraging them to post over and over and over again!  You are just as bad as they are.

I took a break from everything for 9 days - in Mexico. I took a break from emailing, cell phones, cars, Facebook, Twitter, blogging - everything. And you know what, I was so proud of myself. I was even more proud of myself while I played in the pool with my husband, teenage son, three year and one year old daughters without even thinking about looking at my smartphone.

I actually had an epiphany while looking around at all the young 20 something year old couples glued to their screens while sunbathing, and again while watching the speechless conversations of the 50 something year old couples who zoned out on their screens during a romantic dinner. PEOPLE ARE PATHETIC! They are addicted. Life is happening right in front of their eyes. Why do they have to be online while this real, tropical, haven is right in front of them?

This is a touchy subject, and probably raises a lot of controversy, but I don't care. I am calling it. People are addicted to their connected life.

Hey you - with the boyfriend - burning under the crazy hot sun - while playing angry birds or something...open your eyes and talk with your man - maybe you will realise that you don't actually love him!

Hey you - Dad - with the laptop - your kids are