Walking through a winter forest earlier today, I saw bare trees and fallen branches. Everything seemed lifeless.

But beneath the decay, I noticed something powerful: the forest wasn’t dying—it was preparing for new growth.

The trees had left nuts and seeds on the ground. The decaying leaves provided nourishment and protection, waiting for spring to arrive.

It made me rethink the changes happening on social media right now. TikTok bans, Meta shifts, platforms falling apart. It feels like loss.

But losing a platform doesn’t mean losing connection. Just like the forest, new life depends on what you do next.

Here’s what I’ve learned after 20 years on social media:

• Platforms come and go, but relationships last. Genuine connections outlive follower counts. Numbers don’t equal community.
• You own your message, not the medium. Diversify where and how you share. Your podcast, newsletter, or blog gives you agency.
• Be present where it matters. Go to the platforms where your audience is, but don’t rely on just one.
• Engagement beats algorithms. Talk with people, not to them. Invest in meaningful conversations.
• Loss creates space. Mourning a platform can open the door to deeper connections and new opportunities.
• Let go to grow. Holding on to what’s gone prevents you from building what’s next.

Platforms don’t define your value. Your voice and your impact do.

What’s one step you can take today to strengthen your community beyond social media?