Today is World Introvert Day and it seemed like a perfect day to celebrate introvert power. It also seems like the perfect day to bring back a weekly feature that I used to have on this blog, which I later moved to the erstwhile WriteTribe until I stopped doing it altogether.
Introvert Power
Marnie listened as her sister, Blix, ranted and raved on the phone about the pandemic and how she felt so locked in at home. “There’s only so much television I can watch,” her sister had said. “Try reading or take up some other indoor hobby?” Marnie asked quietly. “You’ve got to be joking! What? Take up those old maid habits of yours? Knitting! Reading! Who even does that in 2020?”
“I do and it keeps me from grumbling,” reflected Marnie, ignoring the barb.
“Who’s having the last laugh now? Introversion is power!” Marnie thought, smiling to herself.
(100 words)
I first heard of Introvert Power on Terri Connellan’s blog, Quiet Writing and realized that I must read it.
Book Description
It’s no wonder that introversion is making headlines—half of all Americans are introverts. But if that describes you—are you making the most of your inner strength?
Psychologist and introvert Laurie Helgoe unveils the genius of introversion. Introverts gain energy and power through reflection and solitude. Our culture, however, is geared toward the extrovert. The pressure to get out there and get happier can lead people to think that an inward orientation is a problem instead of an opportunity.
Helgoe shows that the exact opposite is true: introverts can capitalize on this inner source of power. Introvert Power is a blueprint for how introverts can take full advantage of this hidden strength in daily life.
Revolutionary and invaluable, Introvert Power includes ideas for how introverts can learn to:
•Claim private space
•Bring a slower tempo into daily life
•Deal effectively with parties, interruptions, and crowds
Some quotes from Introvert Power
“As an introvert, you can be your own best friend or your worst enemy. The good news is we generally like our own company, a quality that extroverts often envy. We find comfort in solitude and know how to soothe ourselves. Even our willingness to look at ourselves critically is often helpful.
But, we can go too far. We can hoard responsibility and overlook the role others play. We can kick ourselves when we’re down. How many times have you felt lousy about something, only to get mad at yourself for feeling lousy?”
“An introvert may feel asocial when pressured to go to a party that doesn’t interest her. But for her, the event does not promise meaningful interaction. In fact, she knows that the party will leave her feeling more alone and alienated. Her social preference may be to stay home and reflect on a conversation with a friend, call that friend, and come to an understanding that is meaningful to her. Or she might indulge in the words of a favorite author, feeling a deep connection with a person she has never met. From the perspective of a partygoer, this introvert may appear to be asocial, when, in fact, the introvert is interacting in a much different way.”
Only in my late forties did I realize and own that I’m an introvert. The pandemic has only underlined just how much of an introvert I truly am. This year of quiet has been so healing!
Are you an introvert? Do tell.
The theme for #100WordsOnSaturday will be around special days. If you’d like to join me, please leave a comment with your link on my post/s. Next Saturday’s (9 Jan) theme is ‘Dry January’ – getting off alcohol.
I definitely grew up as an introvert, but now I guess I am an ambivert. That description of an introvert going to a party is so apt. It totally described me. Especially the part about feeling more lonely at a party. Being an introvert has taught/helped me to enjoy my own company. I am never bored.
rajlakshmi recently posted..Mekhela Chador | Assamese Traditional Dress