Are you an introvert or extravert? Why understanding this theory can help you fasttrack your healing.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Maybe you are a combination of the two like I am. If you are an introvert you may find solitude and a quite environment the best for rejuvenating yourself. You most likely need time to reflect and recharge, I know from my own experience that this is true. Especially if I have been out socializing, going to events or even partaking in the things I really enjoy around lots of other people. I know this to be true for myself. I was never one to join in on big group activities, some of it stemmed from fear and a lack of confidence but has I have grown older I find that it's a protective mechanism for me because of my own CPTSD and anxiety disorders.

Maybe you are creative and enjoy doing and creating things on your own and perhaps you are a very deep thinker and avoid overstimulation. All of this is totally okay, it's by uncovering your own personal balance of being an introvert and the recipe that is right for you.
On the other hand you may be an extrovert if you find that you thrive on being around lots of people and participating in many activities. If you are talkative and expressive, love new experiences and have a wide range of interests. You are probably a quick thinker, a bit of a risk taker and do not need much time alone. Again all of this is totally normal and okay.
I remember the first time someone told me I was an introvert, I took it has an insult because the social atmosphere at that time with where I was in life was all about being super active in the church. I did not understand the whole scope of things or how understanding my own make up of the two that I could find thhe perfect balance of activities for myself.
Which description do you relate to more? Do you find at times that you suffer from feelings of loniness and like you do not fit in? It is important to have some places and people that you feel safe enough to do things with, especially while on your healing journey from anxiety.
If you are a combination of the two or lean more in one direction than the other it is important for you to understand how to build in a sense of community for yourself. Here is an example for you, I can go days without interacting with others and sometimes that is okay, however it is important that we know the signs that can lead to a downward spiral if we isolate ourselves to much.

On the otherhand if you relate more to the extrovert you also need to be careful to not be involved in so many things that it leads you to burn out. The more you get to know and understand your own make up concerning introvert and extrovert and the delicate balance the easier it will be for you while creating a day to day, weekly and monthly plan for your life.
To the other extreme you can sometimes go completely in the opposite direction, doing to much, over burdening yourself and not finding the right balance specifically for you. During my own healing journey it has been and continues to be very important to remember where I am on this introvert/extrovert scale in my day to day process.
Here is another example for you, once I have gotten to know people or have become comfortable with certain situations or places I can totally embrace my extrovert side. This was made very clear to me only yesterday while doing a collaboration with a group of photographers.
We were shooting at the Halifax water front by the harbour, a beautiful place full of activities, restaurants, play grounds, venders and with many things to do, if I had not been in the right frame of mind it could have exhausted me for days. With this particular situation I am verycomfortable in. I know what to do and what is expected of me and I tend to feel very comfortable. with.
During the shoot a couple of people stopped and chatted and I invited them in to be part of the experience, not something I would normally do, but like I said it was a situation I am completely at ease in.
It is the same when I am invited to speak or be on a podcast, I must make sure to allow enough down time before and after to recharge, regroup and get the self care I need before moving forward. It truly is a balancing act and one that I know you can master.
So where do you feel you fall on the introvert/extrovert scale? Are you more inclined to spend lot's of time alone? That is okay. Do you like to get out often and with many friends around? Perfect!
The magic key is to know your own balance between the two and have tricks in place that you can use to help maintain your personal balanca.
I am leaving you with a few journal prompts today to help you uncover some traits to move you forward in your healing journey.
How do you recharge? Are you more energized after having time alone or socializing with others?
Do you enjoy small gatherings or thrive in group settings?
How do you feel about spending time alone, do you find it to be enjoyable or uncomfortable?
* Ambiverted: a persona having equal portions of being an introvert and extrovert in their personalities.
These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to discover more about yourself and in creating your own support system for your healing journey. I would like to invite you to become a part of our Sacred Healing Circle private community, you can check it out here. Thank you for your time and know that no matter where you fall on the introvert/extrovert scale you are beautiful just the way you are.
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