Painting by Belynda Wilson Thomas

One thing you can do better than anyone else is, be yourself. Unknown

This morning I rolled over after turning off my alarm. I’ve missed my time for writing in my journal and reading. It’s raining so my dog Lulu didn’t get a walk. My hour was given up because I didn’t jump out of bed like I’m supposed to. Just five minutes became sixty.

Last night my daughter and I spent a fun evening with a Mary Kay consultant. I’ve known the Mary Kay consultant for years as the daughter of my Mother-In-Laws friends. She was encouraged to become a Mary Kay consultant by a friend who knew she was shy and it would help her deal with her shyness so she could go after the opportunities in life to use her talents. Mary Kay’s philosophy is to prioritize our lives with faith, family, and career in that order.

Back in the early 60’s when Mary Kay started the company she was hoping to give women opportunities to develop a business they could work at their own pace. She didn’t know the empire she started would grow to what it has. She started, she persevered and her company has outlived her.

Our consultant is a gifted singer. She auditioned for a spot in a prestigious choir and was accepted. Would she have done that without the confidence she’s gotten from Mary Kay? Who knows? Living a big life is taking chances, stepping out of comfort zones, using our talents and gifts.

The thing is we never know where getting out of our comfort zone will lead. We just have to do things, take the chance, risk failure and be uncomfortable until we become comfortable. We may only become comfortable being uncomfortable, but that is a big step.

Beauty is not flawless; it shines even through your flaws. Unknown

Introverts gain energy by spending time alone.

Extroverts gain energy by being around other people.

I’ve always thought of introverts as shy, but it seems we can be shy introverts or shy extroverts. There are also gregarious extroverts and gregarious introverts.

So introversion isn’t the same as shyness. We can’t change whether we are introverted or extroverted but we can work on shyness, getting comfortable speaking or performing publicly.

Introverts thrive in small groups.

Introverts like deep conversations. Introverts may be awkward at small talk but come alive when substantive topics come up.

Introverts need to have peace and quiet in their lives to set goals, recharge, process their thoughts, and tune into their feelings.

Introverts value their personal space.

Introverts like to talk about what they like to talk about. They are good listeners but it doesn’t mean they never want to get a chance to talk.

Introversion isn’t a mental health problem.

Whether we are introverts or extroverts, shy or gregarious we need to learn to accept ourselves and get out of our comfort zone enough to risk failure to risk success.

We can’t be different than who we are. Can we be the best we can be? Do we need to develop ourselves and use our gifts and talents? It may not be important whether we know we are an introvert or extrovert. We may find as we try to pigeon hole ourselves we don’t fit neatly into categories. We are individuals; we have quirks, strengths, weaknesses, challenges, gifts, and talents. If we can live our life with gratitude according to our values, priorities, and find passion and purpose isn’t that what’s important?

When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you’re beautiful. Confidence is the best makeup you could ever wear. Unknown

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed it. I hope you will come back and read some more. Have a blessed day filled with gratitude, joy, and love.

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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Paperback – Jan 29 2013

by Susan Cain (Author) 4.6 out of 5 stars 290 customer reviews

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