Many women I interview for Bright Ideas enjoy time alone. A case in point is my new friend, Constance Alexander.
“I live alone–and I like it,” she said. “Maybe I’m an introvert.”
Then Constance described how she posts lovely sunset images on Instagram almost every day–just to share the beauty with others. She meditates weekly with a Buddhist sangha and she is active in her political party, having worked with others on three successful fundraisers. Constance treasures her friendships with both men and women, some of which go back 50 years.
Webster defines an introvert as “One whose interest is more in oneself than in other people.” Is Constance an introvert? I think not!
A much better word to describe Constance–and me–and many women I know, is introspective–defined, simply, as needing time alone to “look within,” before emerging, renewed–and in Constance’s case, ready to capture a sunset!
Dear Reader, we’re curious. Have you ever thought of yourself as an “introvert,” simply because you need time alone to “look within?”
I’m the same way. I have lots of energy when I’m with others. The excitement of activities is energizing. Yet when I want to restore my internal resources, I crave alone time. In fact, when the COVID shut down was initially announced for two to four weeks, I was excited. I looked forward to the time like a sort of vacation. But it wasn’t long before I felt like a caged bird, unable to interact with other people, places and things. I think we all need that restoration time, although different people strike a personal balance that’s unique to themself.
What a stunning photo! Thank you!
Donna