Are You Feeling Grouchy And Miserable? Are You Too Busy? Are You An Introvert?
Posted: Saturday, February 20, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
Have you ever had a day when you felt grouchy, negative and just plain bothered? You don’t know exactly what is bothering you, but you are in a “funk.”
That recently happened to me. How could I be anything but happy? I have line dancing 2-3 times a week, bunco, mah jongg at least once a week and book club once a month, cards with another couple once a week and I had given myself writing assignments every day. There is also a social board meeting (in our community) for which I am the secretary.
What is wrong with me? Do I not have a fun, balanced life?
It took be a while to figure out what was wrong.
Then I remembered. I am an introvert. That means it takes more energy for me to interact with others than it would for someone who is an extravert.
I began to research the subject of being an introvert even more. I found out something in just one line that brought a moment of clarity to me. It is this: An introvert finds energy in solitude and loses energy through socialization.
That explained volumes to me. No wonder I didn’t have any energy. My loss of solitude had drained me of all energy. I must be like a bear that has to hibernate at some point. (Free Dictionary describes hibernation as To be in an inactive or dormant state or period.)
We introverts do enjoy and need socializing. It’s just that we need smaller amounts spread out over time. We love parties; conversation and can even make good speeches. In fact sometimes, we are good actors, teachers, and leaders. It has been said that Tiger Woods, Tom Cruise, Meryl Steep, Johnny Carson and Thomas Edison are/were introverts. This list also includes Steven Spielberg, a three-time Academy Award winner, and the highest grossing filmmaker of all time.
We are unique people, we introverts. We have very good social skills; we just don’t want to be a social butterfly. Often, we are in jobs that require us to be creative, like writing, painting or acting. We are successful in these professions because we are introverts, not “in spite of.”
There are myths about introverts. One myth is that we don’t like people. That is simply not true. The fact is we do like people; we just have to be alone sometimes to get our energy back. We are not secretive, aloof or necessarily shy.
A scientific study by the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that personality traits such as introversion or extroversion may be present because of cerebral blood flow. Your personality type is decided in your brain.
Test results revealed that introverts showed more activity in the frontal lobes of their brain and the anterior or front thalamus. These are areas of the brain, which take on internal processing, such as remembering, problem solving and planning.
Extroverts on the other hand exhibit more activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus, temporal lobes and posterior thalamus. These are areas that are thought to be more involved in sensory processing such as listening, watching or driving.
I am so relieved that I am a normal introvert.
I can feel stress leaving my body, energy returning and bursts of creative juices flowing as I clear my calendar….
Do you think Tiger Woods was sincere in his apology? Please read what I have to say and comment. I really want your opinion. Read: searchwarp.com/swa569493-How-To-Apologize-Sincerely-3-Tips-From-Tiger-Woods-Apology-To-Mend.htm
Fran, I loved the article. Why, you described me to a "T" -- a fellow introvert. I get dead-tired sometimes, not from activity, but from lack of aloneness. I also get bone tired when I'm bored (go figure). I am a writer and an artist so I guess I'll enjoy my frontal lobes 'til the day I die.Isn't it interesting when we discover something about ourselves that makes us understand why we do the things we do? Glad to meet a fellow introvert! Thanks for reading my article.
Very interesting Fran,I believe that I am an extravert. However, I have been in a funk lately because of my disabilities and to top it off the cardiologist is putting me through it. He says I have had a small heart attack and may have to have a blockage removed. I don't want to believe it and know that God is bigger than all of that. Nonetheless, I will do what he tells me, like it or not.Love, hugs and blessings,MichelleMichelle,
I am so sorry you are having these health issues. You are in my prayers, for sure. Remember, when you first hear news that is not so good, you are still digesting it. Your mind is probably already thinking the worse (even though I know you have a lot of faith, we are all human).
Michelle, there is power in knowledge. So try to remember when you have the knowledge (tests are done, etc), then you will have the power in your hands to do something. Right now, you are like a sitting duck, not knowing what is going to happen....remember..knowledge is power and God is right there with you.
Blessings, Fran
I love this Fran. As a fellow introvert, I completely agree. I guess one of the reasons I love the Internet because it allows me to socialize to a measured degree. Of course it's no replacement for real-world socialization, but it does level the playing field a bit.Bruce, I would have never guessed that you are an introvert. Introverts make great leaders, which is what you are on this sight....not that you need reminding. This subject is so fascinating that I am doing more research about it....I always wondered why I was "totally washed out" after having houseguests for a couple of days. It wasn't that the houseguests were unpleasant, it was my need to crawl in my quiet zone for a while to get energy..It is almost like being undrwater and I have to come up for air once in a while.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. As one introver to another..we totally understand each other and have SW to be social on our own terms.
THAN explains it if the reverse is them true. I am an extrovert living 13.5 miles from the nearest town which doesn't have a grocery or gas station. I am home day after day by myself (draining me?) No wonder I struggle to have my quiet time (sit still and be quiet???) GRIN that explains it all....Marijo married to an introvert - not shy but he'd really rather not.Look on the bright side - you and Mick complement each other. If both of you were the same, life could be boring! Wow! 13.5 miles from the nearest town...
