Life As An Introvert

Hi. Fellow introvert here. For a long time I thought I was shy. I associated shyness with being an introvert but they are two different things. As an introvert, I am quite comfortable at home in my own skin and my many... many thoughts. However I can be social when it's time to work or show up for others.

An introvert prefers isolation or anything opposite of what an extrovert would need to thrive. A shy person might actually want to be more of an extrovert but is afraid to be more outgoing. So as I learned more about my personality and preferences and more about the term introvert I learned that I was not shy... [that was a surprise].

I have always been highly sensitive so overtime, knowing when my social meter has dried up and knowing when it's time to go home and recharge is how I keep my nervous system regulated. That's the only way I can stay true to my needs and still be a support.

It is important that you honor your needs. A few things that I have learned to do unapologetically are:

• Saying no

• resisting the urge to explain when I don't want to do something

• Putting my phone on do not disturb automatically at a certain

• Telling family members not to include me in drama and reinforcing it

When I didn't know that it was ok for me to want to be an introvert I suffered. I went to family functions and tolerated a lot that caused great stress until I learned how to put my needs first.

What do you really want?

Do you enjoy your own company or want to be more extraverted? Do you need to choose or the other? Determine what feels more true for you in this stage of your life and do that- unapologetically.