Making Every Day World Introvert Day

I am an introvert.

What does that mean, and why does it matter?

Let’s get this out of the way first: it’s not a label, a box, or a limitation. It’s not something to overcome, reject, or be embarrassed about.

It’s one very influential aspect of my complex being that informs choices I make every day.

On a basic level, it means I gain energy from solitude and silence, and drain energy from socialization and sound.

Does this mean I always want to be alone and quiet? No. But I do relish the opportunity to be both.

Does this mean I dislike people and parties? No. But I do need to choose both carefully, because they can wear me out (even when there’s love and fun involved).

Given enough solitude and silence to charge up my batteries, I can socialize and whoop it up with the best of ’em.

When I’m done being out and about, I need to retreat and recharge. This bookend approach to taking care of myself – ¦solitude¦socializing¦solitude¦ – is what enables me to be happy, healthy, and whole.

Recognizing this, and being able to share it with others, has changed my life.

And because I choose to talk about and celebrate my introvert nature, it doesn’t mean I’m better than, separate from, or dismissive of extroverts. On the contrary, understanding and loving myself increases my capacity to understand and love others.

January 2 has been designated as World Introvert Day. It’s awesome to have our own day. But for introverts, every day is World Introvert Day. Honor, trust, and celebrate the energy within you that is the birthplace of your creativity, focus, magic, and possibility. Every.Single.Day.

Please share: What do you appreciate most about being an introvert?