Being an introvert.

I just finished reading Susan Cain's Quiet Power- The Power of Introverts in a World That Cant Stop Talking. One thing that struck me was her idea of 'Reactivity to Stimulation'. In her words, introverts and extroverts generally have different nervous systems. Introverts' nervous systems react more intensely than extroverts' to social situations as well as to sensory experiences. Extroverts' nervous systems don't react as much, which means that they crave stimulation, such as brighter lights, and louder sounds to feel alive.

As an introvert, I concur with this. I can understand why I always like my lights dim- with different hues depending on my mood, why too much noise wears me, why during the company get together I have to sneak out a few times, why I cringe at the possibility of sitting next to a chatty passenger on an 8 hour flight and how at the end of it all I crave to get back to my little mancave!

Craving times of solitude- a big challenge! There are times I would love to 'chill' for a little while- she calls this recharging, a very important part of an introvert's life. However this is impractical, and sometimes can come out as rude, like in a family setting.

There is a thin line between shyness and introversion and sometimes the society thinks introverted people are either shy or timid- far from the truth.

As an introvert, I feel like the lone wolf sometimes- walking and fighting battles alone.

We may not make the first move, we may not be so outgoing, but beneath the quietude, there is a lot going on, and much power. I like this quote that goes by 'quiet people have the loudest brains'.

Understanding introversion helps one to adapt to different situations. How to be quiet and not silent. How to recharge. How to be introvert and social...how to unleash that inner quiet strength.

If you have introverted family members, especially young ones, it is very important to understand them- otherwise it is easy to judge and conclude that they are different.

And speaking of introverts on one of my favorite movies is Bilbo- yeah of the hobbit. To quote, "all Bilbo wants to do is sit on his chair with a cup of tea in the comfort of his cozy hobbit hole. He is horrified when a group of dwarves descends on his fortress of solitude." And at the end he tells Gandalf "I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains, and then find somewhere where I can rest. In peace and quiet, without a lot of relatives prying around, and a string of confounded visitors hanging on the bell. I might find somewhere where I can finish my book..."