Dear Diary: On Being an Introvert
I am an introvert.
Anyone who knows me at all, knows this to be true. Yes, I can be social, and enjoy gatherings, and can speak out in public, but my inner soul loves to be alone.
There has been a lot of spotlight on introverts in the past few years, especially since Susan Cain's book Quiet came out, 5 years ago now. I knew I was an introvert long before that though. From what I can tell, I come from a line of introverts. Many of my extended family members are readers, thinkers, and writers. That's not to say there are not many extraverts too; but some of my ways of being must be inherited or modelled.
This current season of life has allowed me to pause, and look within. I started thinking about being an introvert after I spent most of last month indoors, taking care of myself and my sick family. There were a few social outings throughout the month (after all, it was Christmas), but I was content as could be to stay in while we were battling sickness. Content. In a way, thriving.
When I started to think about it, I realized that nearly so many of the things I enjoy are personal things: Walking, reading, listening to music, playing music, jogging, listening to Podcasts, puttering around the house, knitting, having a bath, and blogging. I still enjoy doing social things, and I really enjoy a good party or get-together... but all of my "grounding" comes when I have space and time to be alone. Its like I feel like I can take a deep breath when I have the chance to be alone. This is why, as much as I love spending so much time with my kids, I need the time to be apart from them. It's like a huge breath after running a long run. Many of my closest friends (including my husband) have found a way to walk alongside of me in my quietness at times, and have accepted me, though I am not the most flashy person out there. These are the people I truly value.
The past 6 months of being off work has reminded me how much I treasure the time to myself. It has been a gift to indulge this side a little bit more. I don't have much else grand to say about it, so I'll just sit here, sip my tea, and continue reading and writing alone... for as long as I can.
Anyone who knows me at all, knows this to be true. Yes, I can be social, and enjoy gatherings, and can speak out in public, but my inner soul loves to be alone.
There has been a lot of spotlight on introverts in the past few years, especially since Susan Cain's book Quiet came out, 5 years ago now. I knew I was an introvert long before that though. From what I can tell, I come from a line of introverts. Many of my extended family members are readers, thinkers, and writers. That's not to say there are not many extraverts too; but some of my ways of being must be inherited or modelled.
This current season of life has allowed me to pause, and look within. I started thinking about being an introvert after I spent most of last month indoors, taking care of myself and my sick family. There were a few social outings throughout the month (after all, it was Christmas), but I was content as could be to stay in while we were battling sickness. Content. In a way, thriving.
The past 6 months of being off work has reminded me how much I treasure the time to myself. It has been a gift to indulge this side a little bit more. I don't have much else grand to say about it, so I'll just sit here, sip my tea, and continue reading and writing alone... for as long as I can.
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