Lady Gaga on Twitter, Haters, & Change

I truly find Lady Gaga amazingly inspiring and motivational. She's a mega talented writer and rock star who truly cares for her little monsters, preaches acceptance and tolerance,  & is a powerful agent of change. The full video is embeded at the end of the post - but let's talk about some of the highlights and how they can teach us some important lessons.
1. Be happy to be here
Lady Gaga says "I truly believe I have so many followers on Twitter just cause I write nice stuff! ...I don't whine, I don't make fun of anybody. I'm just happy to be here!"
When it comes to Twitter, G+, or social media in general - just be happy to be here! Who wants to talk to a Debbie downer at at party, right? I mean, I'm going into the hospital tomorrow to finally replace my busted knee (no skateboarding, parkour, or surfing this season!) but I'm really gonna try NOT to whine, angst, or go on and on about it on Twitter in the next few weeks. My Twitter sharing recipe: I try and share 89% professional & edtech tips, 8% pop culture, & 3% personal. 
I gravitate towards and follow those who are genuinely positive, encouraging, optimistic, & fun!

I also admire those who don't ONLY RT all the time but also curate and share interesting stuff and share their work shamelessy & generously. That's who I want to socialize with! Don't forget the SOCIAL in social networking.

2. When haters hate, be empathetic 
Don't let the haters get to you. When haters hate, or someone Tweets or comments something that is on the mean side of snarky, (not the funny & charming side that I try and hit!) ignore it. As Lady Gaga shares "Why give it energy? I always have a moment of empathy and I think to myself, Man! they must be really going through something today and let it go!  Ignore the negativity and stay positive" It's OK to be optimistic & an effing Pollyanna!

3. Stand Up
Lady Gaga goes on to say "when you see someone being negative to someone else it's ok to intervene and stand up for someone who needs it!" Don't just stand by if someone is being bullied, or battered with passive aggression. If someone says something that hurts your feelings, say "Ouch, what do you mean by that?" -OR just let it roll off your back. I like to say I'm not passive aggressive, just aggressive! In a bless your heart kind of way!
4. Be part of the change
Watch the video above."I don't believe that one person can change the world. I believe that human kind as a whole can change the world." ~ Lady Gaga

Join the Born This Way Foundation! Empowering Youth & Inspiring Bravery
"Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, the Born This Way Foundation was founded to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world.
We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, to be empowered and to make a difference in the world. Together, we will move towards acceptance, bravery and love."  From their mission statement: 

Read more about their three pillars: safety, skills, & opportunity and follow them on Twitter!