World Introvert Day!
January 2nd is World Introvert Day. I promise that I did not make that up. For those of us introverts, World Introvert Day is every day.
I used to resist being an introvert. Growing up, it seemed that our society celebrates extroverts. And everything about young life is all about being extroverted. I mean, spending an ENTIRE DAY in school, surrounded by people? That is an introvert’s nightmare. Ugh.
Who came up with that idea? I know, I know, schools are critical. It was tough being an introvert in school. Add to that the anxiety, etc., and I was a mess. But no longer. I realize that being an introvert is my superpower. In honor of World Introvert Day, I will list the things I love about my introverted self.
I Love My Introvert Self
Love of Learning
I love to learn. Not to prove to others that I know stuff, but for the joy of learning. I am fascinated by the world. I can watch a documentary on any channel and be interested in what they talk about, even if it isn’t a subject that I would say that I am interested in.
It also means that I will use Google to look things up in conversation. I don’t necessarily want to prove the other person wrong (unless you are my hubs – kidding!). I want to know, probably in greater detail than others do, about the topic of discussion to participate in the conversation in greater depth.
If I don’t say much in conversation on a topic, give me some time. I am thinking about it. And most likely, I will come back with a more detailed response long after others have moved on from that topic.
Deep Attentiveness
I pay attention. I don’t just pay attention. I am hyper-attentive. I put all of my energy into conversations. ALL OF IT. It is why I don’t do well in large groups. I can’t fully participate in the discussion when more than one person or thing is going on.
Want to have a conversation with someone who truly listens? That’s me. I will ask questions to learn more about the topic, about you, about whatever we are talking about. I focus all my energy and attention on that one person.
My hubs have commented on that more than once. He is amazed by my ability to wholly focus on another person in conversation—even strangers at farmers markets. I ask questions about their products and what got them started. I listen, and I pay attention. Many people would refer to that as active listening. For me, it’s introverted listening. It is a whole other level.
Struggle Between Hypervigilance and Introvertism
It is an interesting struggle between my hypervigilance and my introvertism. I pay attention to everything, but I honestly prefer to focus on one thing or one person. I am working on that one, but I still think I am a unique person. And I do love it about myself. I noticed that push-pull scenario during the Las Vegas trip.
Who, Me?
I take the time to learn about myself. I am where I am because of my introvertism. I can sit in a room by myself and think. I go over the things of the last couple of days. I analyzed what I was thinking and how I reacted and interacted because I want to get better at being human. I want to be the best me I can be. And the only way to do that is to spend time reflecting on yourself.
Sitting by myself listening to my Creatives playlist is my happy place – when it’s just me and my brain. Most people do not understand that. But that is how I process the things going on around me.
When my husband deployed, people wanted to spend time with me, but that wasn’t what I needed. I needed time to be by myself. I didn’t have the right words to explain what I needed. I know they wanted to make sure I was okay, but what I needed was time to process. I can’t process around other people.
Power of Minds
Many introverts are the world’s foremost minds in the sciences, leadership, and entertainment. I appreciate every one of those introverts and their strengths. But none of that is what interests me.
I understand that being in a position of power would make the world a better place. But then the focus is split between running the world and making it a better place. Since I hyperfocus so well, I don’t want to break my time.
I don’t want to run the world. I want to make the world a better place in my way.
And now I need to introvert burrito.
BOX: Those are some reasons I celebrated myself on January 2nd and every day after that. I used not to like being an introvert. Now, as I come into my own, I realize that it makes me unique. I, for one, am celebrating that uniqueness.
Introvert, Dear has a great post about celebrating introverts, 12 Reasons to Celebrate Introverts on World Introvert Day (January 2nd)
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