What is the FB group ‘Thoughts & Tips’? And more importantly, why should you care?

Today I created yet another FB group. In a world where everyone can share their opinion, ask their questions and blog their issues, why do I think we need yet another space to ‘talk’?

Years ago, my one of truest friends told me that he loved following me on Facebook. Despite having nothing in common on the surface — he was single, gay and utterly gorgeous! — he felt that I had so much to share about life. He told me that I look at the world in a unique way, and that I can solve problems before others even realise that there is a problem.

Perhaps this is all true, but I actually think that we are all unique and that by connecting and talking and asking and sharing we can all help each other. Sure, I have done the puppy training thing, and I have raised two half-decent boys to the ages of 8 & 10, but I know nothing about dealing with employees, or how to grow veggies, and as I discovered yesterday, I have no idea about how to use an electric screwdriver! You may think this isn’t important, but I can’t explain how useless I felt when trying to build something and the stupid screw wouldn’t go in.

I can’t do any sort of hairstyle aside from a ponytail or loose and I don’t wear makeup, because I can’t get it on without looking like a clown. I am not putting myself down, but simply stating the facts. So I have been wondering recently how I can share what I am good at with those who need tips, and learn from those who are better than me at other things.

A few days ago I had a conversation with my rather smart husband and explained how I have so much I want to share, and how I’d love to help people with tips about things from breastfeeding to getting a kid to revise for their GCSE’s to advising teens how best to talk to their parents, to managing a building crew when refurbishing a house… but the thing holding me back was fear.

Fear of setting myself up to be laughed at, fear of saying ‘look at me, I am so awesome’ and then my world falling apart. Fear of over-sharing my kids’ lives, fear of being seen a patronising or annoying. Fear of being ‘Ruth’. (‘Ruth’ is a fictional Perfect Mother, that everyone hates.)

His response? “You are smarter than you think, you are articulate and passionate. I think this is something you would do really well, and I am sure if you put your mind to it, you will find a way around your fears, and how to explain yourself to others.”

So how to create a space where I can share what I want, where anyone can share what they want — be it advice or questions? Somewhere that doesn’t limit the people involved. I toyed with the idea of a book, or a blog or a website. However, these things are perhaps a stage ahead of where I am now. So I will start with what I know. Facebook.

This isn’t for parents, nor pet owners, nor gardeners. It isn’t for rich or poor, it isn’t for atheists or for believers, it isn’t for employed nor unemployed. It is for humans. It is for everyone, regardless of age, stage, religion or status.

So if you have something to offer — and I believe you do, please join us at Thoughts & Tips. We are waiting to welcome you, whomever you are.

“The aim of this group is to create a safe space to collaborate.
To enable you to help yourself and others.

Ask any questions from kids, to work, to DIY, to life. We have pet experts, DIY enthusiasts, teachers, parents and a whole collection of individuals whose life experience may help you with whatever you are going through.

You don’t need to wait for questions. If something works for you, share it, you may have solved a problem we didn’t know we had!

There is only one main rule. BE NICE.

We will not tolerate any rudeness. A single rude, cruel or unnecessary comment and you will be blocked. No warnings. No nonsense.

(And finally NO SALES.)”