It boggles my mind how a lot of people cannot spend their time alone. Almost as though they don’t like their own company, paranoid that some creep is lurking at their door, or just can’t stand not having any noise so keeping the t.v. on will mend that void. This is sort of looked upon as a weird or eccentric concept. Who would do such a thing?

Well I am predominantly an introvert. I say that with the fact that yes, even though I like socializing, talking with anyone, my ‘me time’ is what helps to recharge my energy along with taking that necessary break from people in general and just secluding myself in solitude.

A lot of people will not admit to their introversion because having a predominant ( I say this word often because our personalities are not always one thing or another) extroverted personality is at times more favoured as opposed to being introverted. For whatever reason, this is seen as being the more strong-willed than the latter, but this is not always the case. When I say or type this next point, this is in no way throwing any shade to people who are more so gregarious, but the saying: all that bark and no bite, does tie into the fact that the louder counterparts are not always the strongest. Plus there is such a thing called quiet confidence which is something you really can’t fake.

With that being said, I believe in a thing called give and take, introverts can learn from extroverts, and the loud and boisterous can learn a thing or two from a quiet and more bashful individual.

1. Having The Time To Think

Talking is great, it’s basis of human communication. However just taking 20 minutes a week in deep thought is a great way to just… think. Now a lot may say that this is counterintuitive because we are conditioned to just do things without at times thinking twice. But just imagine thinking more often, this is in fact meditative and you’ll be doing more good than bad. Plus your intuition will become more stronger; we all have this aspect that we ignore, but your intuition can at times make more sense then just logic.

 

2. Sparks Creativity

My favourite hobby, aside from writing which is a very introverted craft to do, is jogging. With me, jogging is that ‘me time’ that I was stating earlier on. When I am mad, I jog, when I am happy, the running shoes are on and I am out the door. When I need to clear my mind just because, there I go again, tying up those shoe laces, wearing my sunglass, blasting that music and there I go… jogging… by myself. I can’t tell you how may stories, articles or scripts, changing my hair just as much as I change my clothes, have been sparked by my daily runs, but this introverting is the basis of my creative flow as I call it. All of a sudden, me getting deep into my thoughts, an idea arises and I have to put it on paper or make that concept come to life.

 

3. It’s Healing

It’s healing because you are facing the music of pretty much what makes you tick, what makes you happy, pissed, what or who inspires you, the things that made you the person that you are today and even how you were raised. When you discover all of this, that’s when the healing process begins.

 

4. You Listen More

Remember the concept about thinking before reacting? When you listen more than talk it creates a better dialogue all around. Sometimes not saying a thing and just listening to someone whether they are discussing a problem that you even know that you can’t fix, listening is all that is needed.

 

5. There is Success

I won’t elaborate on this because success is varied. There is no one way on how to define it, not one thing. And if you’ve been reading this far, you will have seen the facts that I have already listed here that’s equated to the aspect of being successful in this life.

6. Gain Independence

I don’t think this part is overlooked, but it’s forgotten. As though quiet people are lost puppies. We feed off of having that time to ourselves. Being independent requires that time for yourself. This is healthy, much more than codependency which is the opposite of independence.  You don’t want to depend on anyone for anything especially your happiness. Only you can make yourself happy. Being independent creates that happiness while creating positive vibes with others.

 

7. You Are Self Aware

This point ties into becoming healed. Don’t we all want to be truly self aware? I am not talking about changing your hair, shaving it (which is pretty brave to say the least as a women but that should change), getting a tattoo, or even any other external changes. Becoming self aware is a daily chore but it’s a rewarding one. This goes with what makes you truly tick. Can you accept your anger? We all have that in us, and yes there is always a healthy way to deal with anger, but that’s just it, sometimes we suppress that part of us in at times unhealthy ways. For me self awareness is that I know what gets me mad, I know brings me joy, I am aware of what I need in my life at this moment, and the type of people I can live without. At days I am not at my best and that is perfectly fine because I am only human. There is more for me to learn, there always is as you don’t stop learning after graduating from school, getting that promotion, getting older or other events that occur in life.  Becoming self aware humbles you, knowing that life itself is unpredictable, you will never be at the same point in a chapter that at times needs the closure.

You are never exactly the same person you were 10 years ago, I hope not either, that’s what growth is all about.

And as you finish reading this, I am just finishing up this article while I have my earphones plugged in, it’s a cozy evening in, drinking my wine, with a scent of cinnamon soaring in the dining room, and I am articulating all of my thoughts without even talking, just pure introversion right here… peace and quiet.