“The best description I’ve heard of difference between introverts and extroverts is that introverts get energy by being alone and extroverts get their energy from other people. That’s my experience exactly! I love being around people, but it drains my energy and I need quiet, alone time to restore balance. I love being alone in nature. It feeds my soul - - as do music, art, beauty . . . . I still would mostly rather experience this alone, than share it with a friend (there are exceptions, of course!)

“The plus side to being an introvert is that I do enjoy a rich inner life. I feel that I’m more inner directed than following any external norm or cultural values . . . . The down side is, I don’t often feel validated by world - - much of my life I did not feel like my gifts, talents were welcomed or received. I had a different way of knowing, perceiving, expressing, carrying information, and often kept silent because of these multitude of experiences of put downs, ridicule, shame. I know I was often perceived as shy, weak, passive, opinion-less, just because I didn’t speak out.

“So - - it’s often been a lonely life. I don’t readily open up to people until I know and trust them. I often feel vulnerable because my energy often spins inward and I can become an easy mark for taking on other people’s stuff, unless I protect myself.

“At same time, all this can be a powerful gift. As an adult, I’ve created work that fits my personality, uses my intuitive skills and empathic nature and allows me to share my gifts. What a blessing!

“Growing up, I always longed to “find my people” because I sure didn’t feel like I belonged in my family. As an adult, as I’ve found more and more people like me, who I can resonate with (mostly through women’s consciousness groups and other healers and artists), I’m finally feeling more “at home”.

“As an introvert I tend to gather my seeds and nurture them in quiet and darkness of inner world - - rather than being anxious for them to sprout and grow and be visible in outer world. In my journey toward wholeness, I’ve found peace in balance as my inner and outer worlds merge more easily.”