We hear these terms introverted and extroverted everywhere, and I notice people use them about themselves and others in some very inaccurate ways. Even when they’ve read a ton about it!
A typical stereotype showing a so-called introvert overwhelmed by a so-called extrovert. Let’s see what’s true or not.
Here’s a list of truths behind some common misunderstandings. See if you can find one or two that are new for you. Or else one or two that are good reminders for you. Continue reading
We all need connection, and yet it seems like there’s so much in the way of it, and not just during COVID. These are the main barriers I hear about:
No matter who you are, we are pack animals at heart. We need each other. Even the “lone wolf” idea for success is a myth; wolves are pack animals too.
![[Image: Humans are pack animals too.]](https://valnelson.com/wp-content/uploads/wolf-pair-by-Tambako-CC.jpg)
Introverts and HSPs have learned how much we need connection during this pandemic when isolation got to be too much at times. We need some connection for sure, but not a ton, and not all kinds.
I know from experience that there are ways around those concerns listed above. I’ll explain more in this post and suggest some kindred spirit communities you might like. Continue reading
I hear some introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs) saying they don’t want to go back to certain pre-pandemic things like working back at the office, or attending certain social events.
They like having the break from the pressure to be around others when they don’t feel like it. And they’re seeing how much the break has helped them. I can feel it too.
Are you having any of those re-entry dread feelings?
Now is a good time to reconsider how we used to do things, and what we’ll choose differently going forward.
One year ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It’s also when my state closed the schools and asked us to turn our lives upside down, for an unknown length. A lot changed in an instant.
It’s been a vague kind of trauma, that effects us in some invisible ways (as well as visible ways).
We’ve all been through a lot of change to say the least. Have you honored all you’ve been through and what you’ve learned? In your personal life, and in your work life? In your heart?
Maybe this anniversary is a good moment to pause, to look back, see where you are now, and to look forward with fresh and wiser eyes. I invite us all to bring a sense of grace and acceptance of all feelings that might be naturally arising at this time.
I want to honor you for your perseverance and all the ways you’ve worked hard to protect others. That means a lot to me. Thank you.
I notice a lot of uneasy feelings in those around me, perhaps in that way a trauma anniversary can creep up on us.
I wrote a quick poem, below, to attempt to capture this moment, with this intention:
May we find some gentleness for whatever feelings arise, and may we honor ourselves and each other for our perseverance. We are stronger than we knew.
There’s something about this idea of being the “wrong age” that comes up so much when I first speak with someone about their career or self-employment concerns.
You might be surprised that I hear this same worry no matter the person’s age! They can be 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60, and somehow they think it’s the “wrong age.” I would laugh if it weren’t so sad.
For instance, I hear all these kinds of things, regularly: