encouragement

Introverts, Be You!

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   I’ve just started reading a book about an introverted young woman trying to be an extrovert for a year.  The title is “Sorry I’m Late. I Didn’t Want to Come.” It’s pretty good so far.  I’m also an introvert, but thankfully not a shy introvert anymore like the author is. I was painfully shy until my mid teen years and it was a long slow process coming out of my shell. 

   As I said, I’m still an introvert but I do enjoy social events now. I love hanging out with friends, going places and doing things, and meeting new people. I just need downtime to reenergize in between. A good example would be back in my late twenties when I worked in the Men’s Department at Sears and we had “Super Saturdays” every week of the Christmas season. We had four registers and the lines were all a mile long.  I actually enjoyed the stimulation and the holiday atmosphere.  I cheerfully waited on customer after customer, for two or three hours. Unfortunately, it went on a good hour longer than my energy lasted. By the time I got a break, I was emotionally exhausted. I just felt drained, not anxious or depressed or angry or anything like that. Just pretty tuckered out. But after a somewhat secluded break, I felt rested.

   When I was younger, I had a lot more anxiety and the above experience might have been more intimidating, and not so enjoyable. I had both generalized and social anxiety. I don’t have much anxiety anymore. Frankly, I don’t care too much about what other people think as I’ve gained experience and confidence. I’ve also met a lot of nasty or arrogant people.  Their negativity is their problem, not mine.  It’s very freeing when you realize that, while not perfect, you’re one of the good ones and there’s no need to be fettered by jealous haters, snobs, well meaning friends and family, or malicious sociapaths. (I’ve met all kinds.) Focus on the good folks you meet and don’t worry about the rest, or their judgment. It doesn’t matter.

   You be you!  And have the confidence and sense of adventure to keep developing who that is.

Living, giving, striving

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A commercial for Shriners Hospitals just reminded me to be thankful for what I have, and not feel sorry for myself about the negative things. The kids in the commercials are not sitting around helplessly. They’re working to overcome whatever obstacles life has dealt them.

I can’t speak for them, of course, and I expect that they sometimes feel sad or discouraged. Everyone does. Still, it’s inspiring to see them smiling and handling challenges at very young ages.

I’ve shared some things in this blog that I’ve dealt with, including some health challenges, but I was born with all my limbs, fingers, toes, sight and sound, organs intact and functioning normally and all the things we take for granted.

I feel like I’ve dealt with a lot and have shown a lot of strength and tenacity, and I have, but I would do well to remember that there are so many others who have challenges to deal with every day beyond what I’ve experienced or could even imagine.

I don’t mean to belittle anyone’s personal struggles which may not be as serious or severe as others’ by some measure. We all have crosses to bear, and they are important. The point is that we can take heart from those around us, or that we hear of through media sources.

It’s a strength of humanity that we experience empathy, and have a desire to help and support each other. Many people lament that we’re losing that capacity as we become desensitized, ever busier and harried, distracted, and perhaps, overwhelmed.  Not to mention, how divided we are in recent times.

But, when disasters happen, or a children’s hospital commercial is aired, or any of many causes, people give. Many people volunteer their time to better the lives of others. Family members make sacrifices to make life more livable for their loved ones.

There is good in humanity and we all should be thankful for what we have, and what we are able to do. Remember to give back because we’re all in this together.

Sunrise, sunset

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A follow-up to Tuesday’s post: I was about to hit the snooze button the very next day, when I spotted a red glow through the closed blinds. A peek through revealed a gorgeous sunrise. I took it as a sign, and opened the blinds to enjoy a good long look at nature’s beauty. Then I went back to bed. Just kidding, I’m happy to say.  Did I get ya?

On the contrary, I turned the alarm off and got ready for work. I got there the earliest I have in a while. I quite accidentally overslept today, but still got to work a couple minutes ahead.  Momentum starting.

Then I was reminded by a news update that today was the first day of summer. It was a good day. Now, I’m watching the sunset on Midsummer’s Eve and enjoying the longest day of the year come to a close.

The lightning bugs rise up from the lawn to meet the day’s last light with their own. Earlier, my cat joined me in my chair on the deck, purring and padding my shirt. He has really soft fur, soothing.  I feel like I can do this. Working a lot, trying to write, keep house, take care of business, and myself.

I guess you have to find inspiration in the everyday beauty around you.  Find strength in the people around you, most of whom are dealing with the same things, or similar that you are. We’re all in this together. We can do it!

 

Photo credit: Eric Ritchey, Summer solstice sunset, 6/21/2018