I’ve had to stick up for my temperament and my writing many times. It never seems to get easier. I still feel I’m saying the words ‘awkward’ or ‘weird’ when I say I’m an introvert. I still hesitate to say I’m a writer when asked what I do as a career. Both words seem to need justification, validation and positive explanations immediately after their utterance. Will they ever be as cool and accepted as saying you are an extroverted corporate executive? Perhaps not, but introversion awareness is growing and I find a lot of purpose and pleasure in the work I do. I see light at the end of the tunnel, lots of light.
This week I wrote a post for Wise Introvert. Marla Hunter-Bellavia, the beautiful mind behind Wise Introvert, is delightful and insightful. She encourages women introverts to Be Brave, Be Seen and Be True. She is a coach, inspiration and mentor who gets behind her readers and clients and helps them define introversion on their terms and create careers/lives that allow them to be authentic and free. I do not take the time to do guest posts unless I truly believe in the message and quality found on the other person’s site. Marla’s work inspires me. Please enjoy my writing and hers this week on Wise Introvert. Please click on this link: How to Foster a Career Despite a Lack of Support to find my post and Marla’s wisdom.
Thank you.:)
Brenda
I’m an introvert and my older sister is an extroverted. My sis used to hang out with her friends nearly every day, she’s always been outgoing and a people-person, but I’ve always preferred to stay at home and see my friends less often. Our mom is an extroverted as well, while our father has a sort of social anxiety, therefore my mom and sister assumed that I was meant to be like my father.because of that, I spent literally all my teenage years hearing stupid crap like “why don’t you never go out?”, “you stay all day in this goddamned computer!”, “you’re going to be a loner like your father!” , so on and so forth.
As the years went by, my mother eventually understood it was all about my personality trait, but my sister didn’t. At a certain point, my sister would get actually angry on me because I was talking to my virtual friends instead of, you know, socializing with the family. So, after spending pretty 15 minutes hearing her rant, I simply told her “instead of ranting on the fact I don’t talk to you, why don’t you just come around and talk to me?” Surprising, it worked, and we get along so much better know.
About my friends, most them consider me as “quiet”, “witty”, “creative”, “sensitive” and “the voice of truth”. My ex(trovert) boyfriend used to told me that my “quirks” and “sweetness” always fascinated him, but he couldn’t believe I am introvert because I’d always feel radiant around him. He had so much energy somehow I’d get some of his liveliness as well.
So, I assume that, even though my loved ones aren’t fully aware of my introversion or just don’t understand it well, that’s exactly what they appreciate on me 🙂
That is an excellent point! Even though our loved ones may not understand our introversion, its traits are often what they enjoy about us. It goes both ways. We may envy their energy but they may envy our insightfulness or empathy. I love the descriptive words your friends use when talking about you – witty, creative, sensitive, voice of truth. Lovely.
Thank you so much for sharing your insight. I think many readers will find it valuable.
I just spent the best 20 minutes of the day watching this video, and you’re the only person I can think to share it with… It fits in perfectly with the theme of your guest post.
Be inspired, Brenda. And keep doing more of what you’re doing.
PS: “I see you.”
I watched it! I love Neil Gaiman. I don’t really get into his writing but I love his personal style and have seen many quotes from him that resonate deeply with me. He offered lots of good advice in this one. Inspired me to get out there and make good art, MY art. I’ll try to enjoy the ride while doing it and if I feel inadequate I’ll just pretend I’m someone who can do the work.;) Thanks for sharing Brett.
I have a confession to make: I haven’t the slightest idea who Neil Gaiman is! I’ve never heard of him. (Perhaps I don’t get out too much…)
Feeling humbled and grateful Brenda. Keep spreading your light.
I will, you too wise and thoughtful Marla. 🙂