As introverts, we need our time and space alone to recharge and reflect and this a wonderful thing for us to honour.
However, if we also find ourselves regularly avoiding people or holding back from expressing ourselves due to fear or anxiety associated with these activities, life can start to feel very lonely (not to mention overwhelming, due to keeping all our problems inside).
If you can relate to this, I'd like to highlight something to you that I know can easily be overlooked.
Have you ever stopped to notice how we all depend on each other to survive and thrive every single day?
Think about it.
Every single thing that we use or consume...
...the food we buy, the water we use, our home itself, the electricity, the furniture, the devices, the products, the internet, the transport...all made accessible to us by people.
Then there are the people who are there for us whenever we want to build something, fix something, learn something, heal something, enjoy something...
from builders, designers, plumbers, technicians...
to doctors, teachers, therapists, coaches...
to authors, artists, musicians, actors...
to lawyers, bankers, accountants and advisers...
not to mention the scientists, environmentalists and researchers who are continually updating our knowledge base, and protecting and conserving our planet...
There are so many more, it's endless!
Each and every one of us has something to offer, whether it's our knowledge, experience, skill, natural strengths, or simply being a role model for what we value...and it's through these things that we are able to survive and thrive.
So next time you feel alone, separate and disconnected from the world, remember that you are a part of this network and you are being supported by people every day.
Choose to feel grateful for this and to acknowledge what your gifts are to the world.
Grab your journal now and write a list of all your strengths, skills, qualities, valuable knowledge and lessons you've learned and challenges you've overcome.
Tip: it doesn't matter how many people share the same knowledge, skill or strengths as you, or how simple they are, it's YOU who makes them unique, because there's only ONE of you in the entire universe.
The world needs you just as much as you need the world.