A Proud Introvert

"when psychologists look at the lives of the most creative people, what they find are people who are very good at exchanging ideas and advancing ideas, but who also have a serious streak of introversion in them, and this is because solitude is often a crucial ingredient to creativity."

This is a very interesting video on a topic that's not talked about enough. I have always known myself to be an introvert, no matter how often I've tried to deny it or reject that part of me. Like Susan says; society makes us feel like there's something wrong with us if we're the ones standing alone in a corner at a party, or prefer to sit at home on a saturday night reading. It's important to recognize though, and she supports this, we should never negate our "self" but rather embrace that because it allows us to be the best version of who we are. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m by no means an extreme introvert. I love hanging out with friends, and being around people. I’m also known to a select few as an assertive and dominating personality. I certainly go through phases of being super social and outgoing, but I also go through intense stages of being antisocial and quiet. So I've always had a hard time stating plainly that I'm introverted. However, I’ve continually come to realize my inclination towards introvertedness is a major part of my character, and I believe that there's nothing more definitive about who we are when we're removed from the presence of others.

I really do value my alone time, for me it’s a refuge, a sanctuary, and a necessity for my sanity. It's in moments of solitude that I truly feel freedom of self. Being by myself has been most revealing to who I am, has helped me to grow, and has been essential to my productivity and creativity.

Not just anyone can stay within four walls by themselves for hours at a time and make stuff. This is what I DO. Etsy photo shoots, jewelry making, painting, these are a few of my most time consuming tasks that require focus and many hours of being by myself surrounded by just my work and my goals. I have learned to become grateful for the fact I have no problem being alone for long stretches of time. Turns out, when I shut out the world, it gives the creative freak of nature in me full reign, which has mostly been rewarding.

Power to the introverts!
We will one day rule the world.