Disclaimer

For me, there's always this awkward moment after I had a thought.

It starts out with this spark of a vicious opinion, complete with a set of arguments to support it and counters if someone dares to cross me. As it simmers for a day or two, I tend to realize that on some level my default truth was not so true after all.

To no surprise, my opinion of blogging was no different. I was sure this will be the end of my life as I know it. And please do not even get me started on Twitter. I was ready to create my first blog as a sort of disclaimer stating how my privacy was ensured if I choose it to be, that my unplugged life will be safeguarded, that my freedom of social media would be preserved and that I would somehow get by without really doing much. Here is the quirky twist. At the end if I wanted to subscribe to this disclaimer and tick the neat square next to "I agree", the following would appear:

Not Found: Error 404

I thought it to be terribly clever - a perfect irritated first blog.

And of course, to no disappointment, I came to the earth shattering conclusion that I was wrong and not so clever as I thought. It almost sounds like the climax to every movie ever. This wonderfully irritating platform might just be the start of something unexpected.

So here follows the new pledge.

I agree to guarding my own freedom and privacy. I agree to not posting twelve selfies every day and not check in at every coffee shop in the Western Cape. I agree to not post every intimate thought and place it under public scrutiny. I agree to posting something relevant and hopefully interesting. And I agree to do it in a small way, for taking up too much space in life (and on social media) limits authenticity.

This social media monster under my bed might not be the source of my nightmares. Rather, it might be the guardian of my thoughts. It might be the place where my vicious opinion gets tamed before I have to go through an awkward moment. It might be the place where I learn. It might be the place where I stretch myself and explore the written word and spirited debate.

And hey, it might even be fun.