I hate this week's topic: me. I don't mean that I literally hate me, but this week's Introverts Thrive assignment is to list all the attributes of your introversion that are positive. The assignment isn't to list positive attributes of introversion in general - you know, all those other introverts out there. Nope. It's to list those positive attributes of introversion that you (I) personally hold and exhibit from time to time. Ugh. Really, I've been stuck on this one for three weeks. Squirming. Writhing. Ignoring. Re-reading. Surely I misunderstood.
Not a chance.
Honestly, I would much prefer to make a list of the attributes of God. It would be a lot easier and more fun, but I think this exercise is important in understanding ourselves, in accepting ourselves, in loving the person God created. In order to make your list, try looking at yourself from God's perspective. Picture you and God sitting down for a chat. He starts singing to you the song from those one-hit wonders, The Romantics, That's What I Like About You, but instead of singing about the way you really know how to dance or that you tell Him all the things He wants to hear, He has another list altogether.
Take a few minutes and shovel through the lies to find the heart of who God created you to be. He didn't make a mistake when He made you an introvert in an extroverted culture. He has a purpose, a design, and a plan for you - just the way He made you. So, grab a shovel and start digging!
This is my handsome hubby. He knows no strangers. Everyone loves him (I seriously cannot count how many people have told me how wonderful he is, which by the way, he most definitely is). I've spent years envying his easy people skills and the fact that everyone knows him and loves him...until about a year ago when he told me that he envies me. What?
I was incredulous, but it's true. He says he envies me the depth of the relationships that I have.
And so my list begins...
* few, but deep, relationships
* empathetic
* sympathetic
* trusting
* listen well
* creative
* focus for long periods on one task (or person)
* observe, dissect, and analyze - think things through - before acting or making a decision
* don't force personal opinions on others
(Of course, if you know me, you may read this list and think, "Wowzers! That woman is delusional!" but I sincerely hope not)
Now it's your turn to come up with your own list. What do you like about being an introvert (regardless of what your extroverted spouse or family or friends or co-workers or culture may tell you or insinuate)? In what ways do you excel thanks to your sensitive nature?
I'd love to read your lists (really, I would!). Feel free to email me (lgal116@gmail.com) or leave a comment on this blog.
Not a chance.
Honestly, I would much prefer to make a list of the attributes of God. It would be a lot easier and more fun, but I think this exercise is important in understanding ourselves, in accepting ourselves, in loving the person God created. In order to make your list, try looking at yourself from God's perspective. Picture you and God sitting down for a chat. He starts singing to you the song from those one-hit wonders, The Romantics, That's What I Like About You, but instead of singing about the way you really know how to dance or that you tell Him all the things He wants to hear, He has another list altogether.
Take a few minutes and shovel through the lies to find the heart of who God created you to be. He didn't make a mistake when He made you an introvert in an extroverted culture. He has a purpose, a design, and a plan for you - just the way He made you. So, grab a shovel and start digging!
I was incredulous, but it's true. He says he envies me the depth of the relationships that I have.
And so my list begins...
* few, but deep, relationships
* empathetic
* sympathetic
* trusting
* listen well
* creative
* focus for long periods on one task (or person)
* observe, dissect, and analyze - think things through - before acting or making a decision
* don't force personal opinions on others
(Of course, if you know me, you may read this list and think, "Wowzers! That woman is delusional!" but I sincerely hope not)
Now it's your turn to come up with your own list. What do you like about being an introvert (regardless of what your extroverted spouse or family or friends or co-workers or culture may tell you or insinuate)? In what ways do you excel thanks to your sensitive nature?
I'd love to read your lists (really, I would!). Feel free to email me (lgal116@gmail.com) or leave a comment on this blog.
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