This Introvert says YES!
For the last few days I have been musing about introversion. I even mentioned to a friend that I may find it even harder after the social isolation ends because for me it has been lovely to have space when I am out in public. The extra consideration being shown by others is actually how I want it to be EVERY day.
- It’s nice returning from a swim in the ocean to not find a family camped on top of my stuff.
- It’s great that I can drive to my local ANYWHERE and there are car parks galore!
- I love that other people seem as socially awkward now as I always feel!
- I like that when people are sick they are not only staying home from work, but away from everyone else as well “just in case” (shouldn’t it always have been that way?)
- I like that people move over on the footpath to make room for others now (mostly).
- I love that there are less cars on the roads, not only as a pushbike rider but as someone who can hear the M1 from my home day and night – my early mornings are so much quieter!
- I love that my social calendar is empty, I actually think this is the most relaxed I have felt in ages because there is hardly anything on my to-do list…
“Truly, I never thought I’d see the day when “social distancing” became not just the norm but an actual government mandate!“ ~ Lauren Reiff
Running On Empty!
Introverts, especially those running their own businesses and who are raising families are constantly pushing themselves past their comfort zones to do everything that needs to be done. Our much needed alone time, for processing and recharging, is limited if it exists at all and feeling overstimulated, overwhelmed and overcommitted is a regular occurrence.
Many of us have our little tips and tricks to minimise the stress of living an extroverted lifestyle but any introvert will tell you that a to-do list that is always getting longer and not shorter, a full calendar of events and a business that requires consistent social media interaction can leave us with our tanks never quite reaching full. Sometimes we are puttering along on the smell of an oily rag!
Some people are panicking at the idea that they may not be able to go to a party, or a gig, or a place full of other people for perhaps months. I can genuinely say that not having to socialise is probably a huge relief for many introverts, especially introverts in business!
Now that I am not having to do things from the moment I wake to the moment I go to bed there is so much more time to actually live my life…
What does that look like?
- I am cooking yummier meals because I have more time.
- I am connecting more with my daughter because at the end of the day I am not completely overstimulated.
- I am waking up earlier and feeling refreshed.
- I have been out in nature every single day, exercising and just BEing (without the need to rush off to the next thing).
- I have played more harmonium.
- I have listened to new music.
- I have only had to get in the car once or twice in a whole week!
- I have gained perspective on what’s important in life…
I know that the financial pressures and the disappointment of lost business and cancellation of important celebrations can leave us feeling incredibly disheartened at this time, however I encourage you to take this opportunity to reset and recharge.
Not many humans are designed for the amount of activity we had in our lives. The juggle of work, family, rest and play was reaching critical mass for too many people.
I hope that you can find moments, extended moments, of peace, that you can allow your nervous system to relax and your mind to quieten.
Enjoy this time, it will not last forever and before you know it you’ll be back in the busy-ness. Be here now, see what this moment has to offer and trust what it is showing you.
Sending you so much love!
Shekinah Leigh
Kahuna Massage Specialist * Civil Marriage Celebrant * Shamanic Practitioner * Rites of Passage Facilitator
How has Social Distancing and Isolation affected you? Feel free to comment below…
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