thankful introvert

One of the greatest kept secrets of the past century is how awesome introverts are. Thankfully, that is all starting to change. People are beginning to recognize that introversion is not an affliction that needs to be cured. There are many advantages to being a introvert. That’s why I’ve put together 8 reasons to be thankful you’re an introvert this Thanksgiving.

1. You see things and you understand.

One of my favorite introvert quotes comes from The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky:

“You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.”

Introverts are known for standing on the sidelines. We are the ones who hang out along the edges of the party – for good reason. Fringe dwellers have the best view. From a distance we are able to see the world objectively. As we quietly observe our surroundings, we gain a deep understanding of things that others might not even notice.

2. You don’t need to be around people all the time.

For a long time, introverts got a bad rap for our love of being alone. But if you think about it, the ability to go solo is something to be thankful for. It frees us up to do what we want, when we want without worrying about pleasing the group.

This is especially advantageous when travelling. As an avid traveler myself, I’ve noticed that people who travel in packs are constantly wasting time trying to agree on what to do next. Don’t get me wrong, we introverts enjoy the company of others, too. But we are happy to be the lone wolf for a while, then join up with the group later.

3. You don’t buy into the busybody mentality.

Busyness has become a trend, and extroverts have latched onto it like its the last pair of parachute pants at an MC Hammer concert. Admittedly, introverts get sucked in by the busybody mentality, too, but we quickly recognize its futility.

It wears us out, while offering little fulfillment. We’d much rather focus our limited energy on things that matter to us: our creative outlets, our close friends, our animals, our projects, our fictional friends. This approach creates a life with more meaning, and less of the empty filler that the busybody mentality promotes.

4. You think and feel deeply.

This can hurt sometimes. It doesn’t always feel good to be a deep diver in a world of shallow swimmers. Sometimes, it seems easier to numb our intense feelings and keep our thoughts superficial. I used to do this. I buried my emotions so well, I’d forgotten how to find them.

Then I realized that the spark of life is fuelled by our deepest thoughts and emotions. Emotions literally make us feel more alive. So do ideas, dreams, and lightbulb moments. Living in the depths might be turbulent at times, but it’s better than flatlining at the surface.

5. You don’t get bored.

Introverts are rarely bored alone. We find endless amusement in our own thoughts. Our ideas and fantasies are great company. We can also sit for hours with our favorite quiet pastime.

Whatever our passion – reading, writing, drawing, playing video games, or making model airplanes – we become totally engrossed. We forget that there is a world outside … one that is full of extroverts relentlessly searching for bigger and brighter forms of entertainment.

6. You can live well on less.

Extravagance is an extrovert’s game. Introverts tend to be more interested in the simple things in life: a good book, a pumpkin spice latte, time in nature, a scenic drive with a close friend. Since we are easily overstimulated, introverts gravitate toward a more minimalistic lifestyle.

We like our quiet rituals and routines. We enjoy a pared-down existence with fewer friends, and personal belongings. This allows more space for our heart and mind to expand without the risk of overwhelm.

7. You take your talents to the next level.

There are A LOT of extremely talented introverts out there. Of course, there are also many gifted extroverts. The thing about introverts is that we are more likely to put in the hours of solitary practice needed to become exceptional at our craft.

They say it takes about 10,000 hours to achieve mastery at a skill. An introvert’s love of alone, combined with our intense, often obsessive focus propels us to levels of mastery that others can’t sit still long enough to imagine. Think Bill Gates, J.K. Rowling, and Bob Dylan. They were all introverts single-minded and obsessive enough about their passions to achieve greatness.

8. You avoid drama.

Conflict averse introverts avoid drama like its ebola in an airport. This is indeed something to be thankful for because drama is a destructive form of distraction. It poisons workplaces, and tears friendships apart.

Sure, it can be entertaining when you watch it on reality T.V. At least, I assume it is, since people can’t seem to get enough of drama-filled shows like Jersey Shore. The thing is, we watch these shows because the characters’ lives are like a train wreck that we can’t look away from. We wouldn’t want to actually be part of the wreckage.

Thankfully, most introverts don’t have to worry about that because we’re the opposite of a drama queen. We’re anti-drama townspeople sitting quietly in our hovel, wondering who these Kardashian people are, and how the hell they became so famous.

I’m thankful for …

Not only am I thankful to be an introvert, I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing community of introverts that we’ve created. Introvert Spring allows me to feel connected to tens of thousands of introverts from around the world every single day. Best of all, I don’t have to leave the house to do it! Thank YOU for making my dream introvert life possible.

So you see, we have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, innie friend.

I hope you enjoy a drama-free, and turkeylicious Thanksgiving that feels as good as it tastes!

Lots of love,

Michaela-Signature