Quiet Strength In A Crowd

     Raised as an only child, I spent a great deal of time entertaining myself in creative ways.  I enjoyed drawing, painting, reading books, listening to music and watching movies.  I was very comfortable spending time on my own or with close friends and family.  I was not comfortable, however, when the adults in my life, would say that I had been spending too much time doing this or that favorite thing, and would strongly suggest that I go outside and play with the other kids.   Yep, I was one of those kids.  That sick feeling of dread coming over me as I pull myself away from my source of entertainment and make my way to the door.  All too familiar with the awkward kid's "small talk" that was sure to follow and finally, trying to fit into a game that was already in progress.  I was one of those kids mentioned  in our reading, that the adults in my life felt they needed to point in the right direction to becoming more social.  The issue was, I didn't really have a problem getting along with other kids, I just had more fun with my own friends, not just anybody.  I usually ended up having fun, but boy, the relief when I could finally get back to whatever source of entertainment that I felt was so rudely interrupted in the first place.
     I have to say, none of it hurt me.  I have known for some time that I am, at the heart of all matters, an introvert.  I can come across as an Ambivert because there have been many situations in my life where I have had to force myself out of my comfort zone for both social or professional reasons.  Being an introvert myself, it has helped me to recognize it in others, especially the young children that I sometimes teach.  I know that pang of fear of not wanting to read out loud in front of others, or the fear of telling the teacher "I forgot my book".  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, has reminded me of the ups and downs in today's society we all go through as introverts, to find balance and peace in a noisy world.  And, that it is ok to know that I am that quirky, quiet person that likes positive reinforcement, kind words, creativity, trustworthy and loyal people and  private time to be with my thoughts to rebuild my strength to face it all again tomorrow.