My journey thus far

This is my 200th post. I’m completely blown away by this fact. My blogging journey originally started when I was taking graphic design several years ago. We had to create and provide weekly updates for a design blog. It was one way to create an online presence for ourselves. I enjoyed working on my design blog but there was a certain amount of stress involved. After I graduated, I forgot about it. A few years later, I remembered that I had a blog, and started working on it, but never really had the same passion for it.

This happened right around the same time I discovered I was an introvert by taking the Myers-Briggs test online. I then devoured everything I could find on the subject. I read the Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. This book changed my life. You mean I’m actually normal? It was awesome. I followed up with Quiet by Susan Cain. Another great book I’d definitely recommend. I was also encouraged to read Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe and its been a great read so far. I googled introversion. I pored over articles, blogs, and forums dedicated to the subject. I took several different tests online and got the same results. I immersed myself in knowledge about who I was, and why I was that way.

This all led to a desire to connect with like-minded individuals. I wanted to meet others like me. Others who knew they were introverted and who accepted that part of themselves. That got me started with blogging again. I felt that being able to connect with these people could help me in my own journey. And I have found so much help and support here since I’ve started writing about my own experiences. I’ve met some absolutely amazing and inspiring people. And I feel very comfortable sharing my own story, even things I haven’t shared with people in person. You all are really special and I hope you know that 🙂

And now the question is, where do I want to go from here? I definitely plan to keep blogging. I really hope that people can relate to what I write and maybe get something out of it. And I want people who are younger than me to be able to accept themselves for who they are, whether they are introverted or extroverted. It took me 25 years to get to this point, I don’t want anyone else to struggle with a feeling of inadequacy for as long as I have.

There’s been a “Dear Me” trend going around on Youtube lately where people give their younger selves advice. There’s so much I want to tell my younger self. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re lovely the way you are. Don’t worry, class participation marks are useless. Don’t feel bad because you don’t fit into the prescribed mould. You don’t need to come out of your shell. Its a good thing to have alone time, don’t let people take that away from you. Don’t be afraid to say no, you need to take care of yourself first. Taking care of yourself is not selfish.

I’ve learned a lot recently, and have had the support of so many people. And I hope that somehow I can pass this on to others. So I’ll keep writing, and if you need someone to listen, I’ll be here 🙂

What has your journey been like?

Image credit: “Untitled” by lauren rushing is licensed under CC by 2.0