In case you didn’t know… I’m an introvert.

I used to feel like it was something to hide, be ashamed of, liked I’d failed at interacting with society, inferior, etc. etc. etc.

Now I feel like shouting it from the rooftops,  I’m so happy about it, about this description that so wonderfully encompasses… me.

I feel free.

Free to be me.

And it’s awesome.

People have thrown that word at me over and over – it used to be shy, quiet, anti-social, nervous, anxious, afraid, weak even – and I never really took the time to completely understand it. I think I might have alot of forgiving to do – of all the acquaintances, teachers, professors, leaders, speakers – all those who crossed my path and just had no clue.

That I didn’t have to be like them to be a “normal” part of society.

That being me was, in fact, a good thing. And not something to be “fixed”.

Ya – do you sense a little ‘tude in my words? Maybe I do have something to work on 🙂

But it’s not me – not the core of me, the essence of me – that can wholeheartedly stay.

Being an introvert, a perfectionist, a people-pleaser, a pastor’s wife, and the oldest child of British parents is quite a recipe for potential angst, don’t you think?

I’m sure we’ve all got our own ingredients to throw into whatever recipe we’re trying to make ourselves into.

Mine? I have longed for a peaceful, fun, adventurous, meaningful, contributing, healthy life since I can remember. I treasure a couple of hours with a good book, a bike ride along the lake, a hike through the forest, a conversation with close friends or family, and a night at the movies.

And I LOVE watching my guys in their different activities. All 3 of them – from Josh preaching to Josiah and Elijah on their sports teams. And I love when sometimes I’m the only one that gets to see their antics – like when we went for a walk in the forest just the four of us the other week. They got up to their usual playfulness, and I was the only spectator… what a treat! Once in a while I’ll even join in with them… once in a while.

You know what? THAT’S OK!

I’m really coming to terms with it, no more trying to be someone else, because then the world would miss out on… me. Whatever it is that I can bring to the lives of my family and friends and whoever I cross paths with in my introverted way.

I guess I just wanted to encourage any of you fellow introverts out there… you’re good. You’re so good. You’re ALL good. Deny it no longer. Believe nothing else.

You are free to be you.

Like I’m free to be me.

Maybe one day you’ll tell me about it.

But probably not. You’ll probably write me about it, if you tell me at all. And you know what? THAT’S OK!

Because I really, truly get it.

Take this quick quiz if you’re curious about whether or not you might be an introvert at heart.

I’ll probably write at least a little more about being an introvert in the next couple of blog posts… I’ve just been holding this stuff in for too long!

And writing is usually the way I get things out… to you.