Celebrate The Fact That Life Affects You Deeply

It’s important to acknowledge that an introvert’s brain functions differently than the brains of extroverts. Different levels of thinking (deeply rather than surface) happen in different parts of the brain. PET scans have shown that introverts spend more time in the part of the brain that thinks deeply (accessing memory, problem solving)…pathways to that part require different neurotransmitters. It turns out that introverts also have a greater sensitivity to dopamine, the neurotransmitter that gives thrill seekers their ‘high’. Thrill seekers (often extroverts) love the dopamine rush. So an introverted thrill-seeker can feel at odds with them self biologically and emotionally.

Introvert’s brains are already highly active due to the way they process their thoughts. Add to that their sensitivity to dopamine, and it’s no wonder that introverts need plenty of downtime. The world is an exciting place…the best way to handle the excitement for an introvert is to monitor their exposure to it. Plan for it. Know that you will probably experience overload in new and exciting activities, and have strategies in place that will allow you to balance your energy as often as needed.

So to all introverts: Celebrate the fact that life affects you deeply…enjoy your rich inner journey and feed your natural tendencies to retreat to your quiet zone. Life is an adventure no matter how you experience it.

Friends I've Never Met!

For some time I've been dreaming of an adventure involving my new Facebook friends. Wouldn't it be fun to go and visit as many friends as I can? The friends I'm talking about are the new ones that I've developed strictly through Facebook - and I can tell you from my heart that they feel like really good friends to me. We have communicated via status updates, comments, private messages, personal e-mails and Skype. I often find myself referring to a 'friend' that is strictly a Facebook friend...part of me is a bit chagrined at that, but the other part of me really feels the true friend connection with these special people.

So my curiosity asks, how much of our core personality comes through in our status updates? I think mine have been genuine and authentic, and I think the many that I have connected with have been too. So maybe, just maybe, a grand adventure would be to travel to as many cities and locales that I can and just spend some quality time visiting...face to face.

I can name several people I would really like to know better...there is something about their online presence that really grabs my attention - speaks to my heart. So it seems that a wonderful adventure would be to just arrange a road trip to get to know these FB friends.

Part of my new lifestyle habits are to always consider deeply what keeps coming to my attention. This is one of those ideas...I think I'd better get my car serviced and start lining up some quality time with my newfound friends. After all, you know there isn't much that I like better than a good road trip, and a grand adventure!!

Today is Only Today

Whenever I feel like things aren't moving fast enough, I only have to remember how things were just a short time ago. Life is moving at exactly the speed it is supposed to go. Impatience is just an illusion, completion is just an illusion, success is just an illusion. Today is only today. It is all we have to work with. How do you spend each of your today's?

Compassion and Courage

I have much to be thankful for this holiday season. Far more of my life is in good order than not, but still I have my moments of doubt, disappointment and sadness. The holidays actually intensify these feelings for me. Sometimes I am gripped by sadness as I look back over the years…this sense is with me today, but does not fit in today’s world. Where, then to put it? I know it is momentary and will pass. I know there is not much intellectual logic in my feelings, but still it sits in my heart…this heaviness.

I am so thankful that the years of yore are past and are no longer a part of my daily reality. I recognize that the holidays are rife with triggers that dredge up these old wounds. Wounds that have healed over and are no longer inflamed.

I feel guilty having this sadness, not only at this time of year but also in the midst of such lovely abundance that I call my life. The holidays should be for joy, but I know all too well that they do not bring joy to everyone. I know all too well that we are not to display our pain at this time of year which adds even more to the feelings of brokenness and loneliness. If you are feeling the wounds of your past, know that you are not alone. Know that we all have a moment or two of pause, of sadness, of regret. This too is what the holidays bring. I wish you understanding and compassion in every moment of your life. Lacking that, I wish you strength and courage to be who you are and step boldly into tomorrow.  

Happy New Year November 30th!

Have you ever tried to enter cold water one toe at a time? It's not very fun or encouraging is it? Sometimes the best thing that you can do is just 'jump in'! But for those of us who have lived with our breaks on for most of our lives it is too easy to talk ourselves out of drastic moves.

Almost a year ago, I jumped and jumped big. I left Northern California where I had lived for twenty some-odd years back to sunny Southern California. It was frightening and exhilarating at the same time and I was so empowered by my courage and resolve.

I realize now, that I relocated like one-toe-at-a-time getting into cold water....A year ago I immediately found a small little studio to live and establish my base....I justified that I wasn't really sure where I wanted to live and felt the need to be 'in transition'. I always knew that this tiny studio, as charming as it's been, would not suit my needs forever.

After I returned from my wonderful adventure in New York, I knew that I did, indeed, want to stay in this area, and that I also wanted a more grounded, permanent feel to my life. Serendipity came to visit just before Thanksgiving.

My little haven lost its power and I was couch surfing for almost a week. That might have been OK if I hadn't just returned from almost three weeks on the road. Emotionally and energetically I really needed a home base to recharge and I wasn't getting it.

Having time on my hands I was roaming around my area and discovered this amazing condo that seemed to have my name written all over it. Yes, I signed on it and will be moving in shortly. The shift that happened within almost felt like "Ahhh, I'm home, I'm here, I belong." Without realizing it, I was yearning for a more grounded existence. Instinctively I knew that that is what would enable me to continue adventuring outward. To continue to expand my world of adventure.

Without everything falling into place at once, (desperate to be home after traveling, losing power and not being able to be home, all at the right time the condo was on the market) life would have taken on a different color. Right now I feel energized and excited about what tomorrow will bring...it's a new year a month early!