Finding inner peace
in a complicated world...
"I used to think I was introverted because I really liked being alone, but it turns out that I just like being at peace and I am very extroverted around people that bring me peace…”
Every one of us is a unique human being in every aspect of our existence, whether it is our appearance, our personality, our view of the world, the way we interact with others…
I like comparing people to snowflakes - just as no two snowflakes are exactly alike, shaped literally by the environment and conditions surrounding them, no two people are completely alike.
Unfortunately, as unique as we are, labels and categories exist in our society and we find ourselves placed within them, sometimes by others and sometimes by ourselves.
Two of those labels are the broad categories of extroverts versus introverts.
From everything I have read and concluded, I would probably be labeled both an introvert and an empath. My demeanor is one that could best be described as serious-looking, and at its worst, it might be described as unfriendly. I have what would be called a poker face because I am in a state of constant contemplation, overthinking and analyzing every situation and every person I come across. I am a difficult person to read but not a difficult person to like or love.
I have always liked to point out to people who have made such observations over the years that my calm demeanor is actually a positive quality. As a teacher and librarian, my ability to appear to be “the calm within the storm” got me through some very challenging days. But that calmness does come with a price.
My ability to absorb everything around me leaves me with no outlet. Sometimes I wonder if the autoimmune diseases I have are the result of not letting go of emotionally painful memories and experiences. I am working on that part…life is a work in progress…
Interestingly, I’ve also discovered that when I’m around people who give me a sense of peace, I find myself feeling that peace… probably because those same people accept and love me for who I am…
In other words, they “get” me and maybe more importantly, they don’t feel the need to change me - even if they themselves may be more extroverted…
It has been said that like snowflakes, we are uncommonly and marvelously beautiful in our thoughts and our actions.
Maybe we should celebrate that…by supporting one another…as often as we can…
What do you think?
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
Glen Lake Elementary School in Hopkins, Minnesota, has a lot of students with physical disabilities, but it didn't have a playground that was accessible to them. That bothered a fifth-grade class, which stepped in to raise $300,000 to make it accessible. Steve Hartman shares more in "On the Road."
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
Children’s Corner
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party... until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin the new boy arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
What I am reading…
This week I am reading Wild Hope: Healing Words to Find Light in Dark Days by Donna Ashworth. Her poetry inspires me and reading it feels like your having a conversation with a close friend.
The Amazon description is as follows, “Wild Hope is Donna Ashworth’s powerful new collection of wisdom to help us find comfort, hope, peace, self-acceptance, and inspiration when we feel worn down, helpless, or sad.
Find solace in Ashworth's eloquent verse. Through contemporary poetry, Donna explores the human condition. This inspiring poetry collection brings comfort and guidance, offering a lifeline to those battling anxiety, depression, or merely the strain of a demanding career. Hope exists when nothing else can. Wild Hope helps you find light on the darkest days.
Unlock the power of kindness and hope. Ashworth underscores the impact of acts of love and kindness in shaping a better future, reminding readers of the innate goodness of humanity. Through her heartfelt work, you are guided towards emotional healing, enhancing your mental well-being, and fostering an atmosphere of positive thinking.
Mental health poetry. Written with love and understanding, Donna reminds us that amidst our daily struggles and constant outpourings of bad news, we have so much to hope for and that every one of us can play a part, big or small, in making the world a better place.
In Wild Hope discover:
A reservoir of inspirational poetry
Empowering wisdom and practical guidance
Strategies to cultivate self-love and self-acceptance
The powerful role of acts of kindness and love in creating a better future”
What I am watching…
This weekend I finished watching season 2 of Arcane on Netflix with my son Michael.
Set in Utopian Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun, the story follows the origins of two iconic League of Legends champions and the power that will tear them apart.
If like fantasy/action/drama animation, you would love this series. We certainly did!
Podcast pick…
Instead of watching the news in the morning I have changed my routine in hopes of a better start to my day.
This past week I started my days listening to The Book Case, one of my favorite podcasts.
Are you stuck in a reading rut? The Book Case makes the case for books outside of your usual genre. Wander the aisles of your local bookstore with Kate and Charlie Gibson and meet fascinating characters who will open your appetite to new categories while deepening your hunger for books. This weekly series will journey cover to cover through the literary world, featuring interviews with best-selling authors, tastemakers, and independent bookstore owners.
Interesting thoughts…
On those days when you miss someone the most, as though your memories are sharp enough to slice through skin and bone, remember how they loved you.
Remember how they loved you and do that, for yourself.
In their name, in their honor.
Love yourself, as they loved you.
They would like that.
On those days when you miss someone the most,
love yourself harder …
Donna Ashworth Artist Credit: Elizabeth Ladwig
Mind/Body connections…
This Restorative Gratitude Sequence (with props!) is all about taking the time to honor yourself and the gift of your body. In restorative yoga, we embrace the power of slowness and find nourishment by exploring the depths and hidden corners of each asana. Together, we will melt into the postures with each exhale, finding both harmonious intensity and tranquil ease.
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here’s Dionne Warwick singing What the World Needs Now...Enjoy!
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….
The best descriptions of introverts and extroverts that I've recently read is that introverts are drained by social interactions and extroverts are charged up by social interactions. I am definitely more of an introvert but I do feel calm interactions keep me in a more neutral state so the social battery drains a bit slower. Being comfortable alone is a skill not everyone has. I am glad that I do.