Our speaker at the Cloisters Retreat, Tom Krettek, shared a few of Susan Cain's quotes on being an introvert from her book - Quiet.
And because I am an introvert, these comments very much resonated with me:
Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you're supposed to.
Stay home on New Year's Eve if that's what makes you happy.
Skip the committee meeting.
Cross the street to avoid making aimless chitchat with random acquaintances.
Read. Cook. Run. Write a story.
Introverts recharge their batteries by being alone.
Extroverts need to recharge when they don't socialize enough.
Shyness is the fear of social disapproval or humiliation.
Introversion is a preference for environments that are not overly stimulating.
Shyness is inherently painful, but introversion is not.
Enter solitude.
Sit alone with your own ideas.
Go off into the wilderness.
Enter solitude.
Sit alone with your own ideas.
Go off into the wilderness.
We have two ears and one mouth;
perhaps we should use them proportionally.
perhaps we should use them proportionally.
- - - - -
In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert.
But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world,
and should be encouraged and celebrated.
One of Cain's calls to action:
Go to the wilderness and have your own revelations.
The world needs you.
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