Introverts, extroverts, & Ambiverts
Slowing down to understand how and why you’re at your best in certain situations and with certain people is very important. Introverts aren’t necessarily shy, but they refuel in solitude. Do not mistake solitude for isolation. The former is a choice to indulge in self-reflective practices: read, write, rest, study, and the latter indicates that a person doesn’t have meaningful relationships and may have begun to feel as if no one cares for him or her. If you spend a lot of time around people and feel isolated, it’s because the relationships aren’t meaningful, which can occur in one’s personal or professional life. Solitude is considered a healthy break from interacting with others while social isolation has been linked to cognitive decline, a shorter life span, and several physical ailments, including heart disease and high blood pressure. The studies on social capital, social isolation, mental health, cognitive agility and longevity point to one thing: meaningful relationships are as necessary as healthy food and water. Communities, such as this one I’m creating, Offer an opportunity for meaningful exchanges and creating a positive relationship practice. The introvert refuels in solitude, the extrovert refuels in a crowd and the ambivert is in the middle. What do you think you are?