An Introvert’s Life

 

I am an Introvert and I love it. And I’m not alone. Introverts are everywhere. And I am a quiet approach to life a need for solitary time in flow. It is a gift. But as an introvert, it is not always easy to realize how wonderful you are. The world feels like a place that rewards extroverts, where being loved and for being confident, and happy, and where everyone has something to say but nobody listens. In the world of open offices, network parties, and big personalities for those who speak softly of the extrovert world, it’s not easy to speak left out.

As a child, I was blended into the background with many thoughts that I had little to say or simply didn’t like others. But that wasn’t true. People think introverts are shy and antisocial. But there are misconceptions. Introverts like anyone can find socializing fun. But good parties leave extroverts energized. But introverts, after some time need to recharge away from everyone.

There is a scientific theory for that. There are two important chemicals found in all our brains called Dopamine and Acetylcholine. Dopamine is like a hit of energy when we take risks or meet new people and it makes extroverts feel great. But introverts are more sensitive to Dopamine and get quickly overstimulated. That’s why introverts preferred the more slow-burn feeling we get when our brain releases Acetylcholine. That happens when we concentrate to read or focus our mind. It makes introverts feel relaxed, alert, and content. But it barely registers with extroverts. Of cause like anything, it’s a slight scale, you can lean one way or another or be a bit of both known as an Ambivert.

Now I understand myself better. I am deeply grateful for how I am. Instead of feeling space with big talk, I listen patiently and make my words matter. Have few friends but our connection is deep. I love spending time alone. I can reflect and listen to my thoughts and eventually reconnect with myself. Only after that am I ready to share with the world again. I have learned strategies to find comfort in a noisy world. From using music to create a bubble of peace, to escaping to a quiet corner of the lunchroom. I adored the intensity and chaotic beauty of the world. But it is in quiet places that feel truly like home. If introversion were more valued by society, we could make a massively different story for the future. But unfortunately, the world cannot understand introverts in our own way. The unique attributes of introverts really are deep quiet strength. Don't be afraid, in a gentle way, you can shake the world.