If any one thing stands out to me from my 30 Days of Inspiration, it’s how much I draw from being in a crowd of amazing people.
I was looking back over my July, and I was struck by a very clear contrast. I have posts about keeping a consistent journal, creative writing or creating a vision board. All pursuits that feel very solitary, individual, and a like chance to learn from my own thoughts.
But then there are big posts about finding inspiration at Listen To Your Mother and BlogHer. And I wrote about female friendships for Wendy Nielsen this month.
See? If that’s not the definition of contrast, then I need to go look it up again.
This month I wasn’t the best planner, I didn’t feel like I had a clear direction and inspiration can be an elusive thing to reach for. But I am a very firm believer that you have to listen to the world around you to learn some of the biggest lessons. You have to keep your eyes wide and your ears sharp to learn things that you could easily over look, you have to pay attention. And the universe is telling me to surround myself with people who shine.
I’ve been wearing the label of introvert for a long time. And I know I am a person who needs personal space, needs quiet to recharge, needs space of body and mind. There is no doubt in my mind that I’m more introverted than extroverted. But this month has changed the way I think about the term “introvert” and how it applies to me.
Maybe I’ve been using it too heavily. Maybe I’ve been relying on it too much. And (gasp) using it as an excuse to not be social and hide to myself. Maybe I’ve been too solitary by choice more than introverted necessity. These 30 Days of Inspiration has taught me that I need people around me. Maybe not all the time, but I do need to draw on the power and talent and strength of amazing people. I have to spend time in greatness for it to rub off.
When I’m looking for inspiration, I need to search out my tribe, strangers, or some other amazing group that has energy and power and strength to share. Sometimes I need to recharge in the middle of awesomeness and beautiful souls, and I see that so clearly now. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before.
Great post, Anna. As someone who has been labeled an “extrovert” my whole life… I feel I’m getting more and more introverted and like smaller groups as I get older, rather than large parties. I just don’t feel the need to do everything / be everywhere anymore. I’d rather be at home. (never in my life would I have thought I’d admit that, ha!)
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