#tarotwriter

Fellow introverts, I hear you. It isn't always easy to stand our ground and get our point across when others seem to shout louder. 'Are you OK? You're very quiet.' #IntrovertProblems. 

We might fall into believing that louder = better qualified, a true marker of confidence, but sweet friend that isn't true! Confidence has nothing to do with volume. Confidence has everything to do with articulating our thoughts and believing in the value of our contribution - something we can all learn to do, introverts very much included. 

It's natural to feel a little wobbly and uncertain of ourselves when taking time to observe and contemplate before speaking is sometimes misunderstood as shyness or lack of insight. Quite the opposite! Taking time to refine our ideas, to come to considered and well thought through conclusions, is such an incredible strength.

I bet you're excellent at reading people. I bet you have a knack for responding to people's needs intuitively, born from a quiet assessment of how best to support and guide. I bet when you do offer your ideas, you have something meaningful and insightful to share. 

I've sat through numerous meetings in the past panicking about the need to 'say something' for fear of otherwise seeming uninterested or disengaged. I've worked myself into such a panic about needing to be 'like everyone else', extroverted and out there and 'on' 24/7. 

Yet the truth is, we need both in life. We need a rainbow of personality types, of preferences, of approaches. I may appear quiet or subdued at times, but more often than not I'm forming connections and processing observations, all essential in order to build authentic connections with those around me. 

That's something to be valued. That's a gift. Fellow introverts, the world needs us! And once we begin believing in the value of our gifts, our confidence soars. We are able to articulate our thoughts with greater ease and understanding.