Discovering the Power of Introversion: Embracing My Unique Light
"We each possess a remarkable and distinctive gift. Unveiling that treasure is both our privilege and our exciting journey." ~ Mary Dunbar
Flashback to that moment when a simple comment left a lasting impact on my young heart. I was ten, attending a fundraising dinner for my travel softball team. With my plate of chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans in hand, I approached the large table to choose a seat. Seated next to an older teammate I admired, I was met with unexpected rejection. "I don't want to sit by Teresa. She doesn't talk," she remarked.
Even after twenty-three years, that memory remains vivid. Such remarks were all too familiar throughout my childhood. Questions like "Why are you so quiet?" or "What's wrong?" echoed in my ears. Despite the frequency of these comments, they consistently caught me off guard because my mind was far from silent.
In that moment, my mind was buzzing with thoughts. I observed the diverse individuals in the room, the cacophony of sounds, and the bustling activity. As I sat there, I couldn't help but reflect on the different personalities present, the cliques forming, and my own discomfort in my ten-year-old body.
That seemingly innocuous remark triggered a belief that haunted me through adolescence and adulthood – the notion that my quietness was a flaw. Society seemed to favor the bold and outgoing, leaving introverts like me feeling out of place. In high school, I grappled with inner spirals, struggling to find my voice. College led me to seek solace in alcohol, a fleeting remedy for opening up.
As an adult, I found myself evading interactions at conferences, seeking refuge in bathrooms to escape small talk. Engaging in casual conversations and making witty remarks became daunting tasks. The space between silence and meaningful dialogue paralyzed me.
However, my journey led me to an empowering transformation. At the age of thirty-three, I rewrote the narrative of fear and inadequacy that had plagued me for so long. This new story is rooted in intuitive wisdom, highlighting crucial insights: Rea More