"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. " Helen Keller

Introverts can be easily overwhelmed with too much stimuli and will often deny themselves opportunities to experience new and exciting things for this very reason. While that might seem like the prudent thing to do…conserve energy…it can actually lead to a severe energy drain caused by under-stimulation.  As humans, we need a certain amount of excitement in our lives in order to stay involved and connected with our world. Without this excitement we begin to shut down and withdraw…which can become a serious pathway to depression.

As a very sensitive introvert, I effectively shut down for years. I craved exciting adventures but didn’t know how to manage them for my self. So like Helen Keller’s quote above, my life seemed ‘nothing at all’. Once I realized the complete prison I held myself in, I was able to begin breaking the chains of my shackles and begin living….really living.

Recharging and withdrawing are two different things, yet to the introvert they are closely linked by a fine line. In learning how to manage stimulus, the first step is to understand your unique needs. Chart your patterns of activity-to-energy ratios.  Discover what gives you positive stimulus and negative stimulus. As an introvert, all stimuli will drain you, but experiencing positive excitement will help keep you connected without causing further tendency to withdraw, only to recharge.

The next step is to choose the correct stimulus (excitement/adventure), because it must fit with, not only your innate personality needs, but where you are in your personal journey as well. If your daily life is filled with a lot of stressors, then a little excitement stimulus goes a long way...learn to keep your balance. Yes, you can even learn to manage extreme excitement with a lot of planning and fore thought. So add your stimulus carefully, and well…not too much, not too little, but, as Goldie Locks says: “Just right!”

Air Quotes No Longer Needed

When I talk about my Facebook friends, it’s usually with air quotes... you know, “friend”, and a little chagrin too wondering if I sound like that crazy cat lady. Well, I’d like you to meet my new FB friend, Sue Elliott, air quotes no longer needed. Sue lives in the Napa Valley—I love the Napa Valley. Sue writes an inspirational blog—I love inspirational blogs…but that’s only the beginning of this story.

I met Sue over brunch at Bank Bar in Napa. It was everything I expected it to be… I just knew. We became FB friends last year. We chatted via Wall Posts, Comments and Messages. All good, all fun, but last fall I had a gut feeling that I needed to connect with her face to face. Not surprisingly she agreed, and this weekend we made it happen on her turf, because I’m always up for an adventure.

She felt like an old friend from the moment we greeted. Our paths were different but somehow similar. We were kindred spirits long before we met. I could share with you the various conversations that consumed our short time together, because talk, we did—for three non-stop hours. But the conversation was secondary to the extraordinary energy that wrapped around us as new friends. Friends that would not have happened, had it not been for the internet and social media sites…the perfect medium for an introvert like me.

Where else can you meet with someone consistently on your time frame, in your comfort zone without sharing too much space and energy except you’re ready and willing? I’ve heard debates about how social network sites isolate us from the human connection…I find just the opposite. Without social network sites, those of us who are shy or reserved find it nearly impossible to generate new friends outside of our immediate circle. No, I do not use FB in place of friends, but I use it as a stepping stone to more involved, quality friendships. I certainly could never be with this large of a group of people so easily and happily in a physical space and time. And as with all social groups, I can enjoy many and cherish the few that I have been lucky enough to connect with deeply.

Sue, thank you for your friendship--from virtual to reality--and a fine adventure too.

My Life as an Introvert

Introverts are people who are energized by being alone and whose energies are drained by being around other people. They often avoid social situations for this very reason.  Please note that they do not avoid social situations because they don’t like people….if the average introvert is like me, then they truly like people. Just not en masse, and not for extended periods of time. I don’t judge a social situation by who will be there or how fun it will be, but rather how easily I will be able to manage my energy during and after the event. I hate feeling left out, but I hate feeling overwhelmed and exhausted more...it seems it's always a fine line I walk.

I enjoy being alone as it gives me time to be with my thoughts. I am considered reserved and reflective. I take my time to formulate my thoughts before speaking them. I am often left out of conversations for this very reason. I am not shy, but I am ‘slow-to-warm’ when meeting new people. I prefer to have a few close friends rather than many. If I don’t get enough time to be reflective with my thoughts I get a bit grumpy and begin to shut down socially. In that way I can be a bit of a bear…when it’s time to hibernate, outta my way!

The need for small talk escapes me. I cannot fathom the fun in large, noisy parties. When I find myself in such social events, I’m usually the one in the corner or somewhere on the periphery. Feeling trapped scares the daylights out of me.

Am I a hostage to my personality traits? Not in the least. I know who I am and what to expect from my sensitivities. I am just an introvert…nothing more, nothing less. I am a problem solver and a free thinker. There's rarely a subject that doesn’t hold fascination for me…my mind never seems to shut down, and I prefer it that way. One of my greatest joys is finding the time to just take that mental journey into the unknown…

I have learned to embrace an adventurous attitude…the thrill of discovery is all around in the ordinary and the extraordinary. I seek the new, and the never seen in my everyday life. I require nothing but my imagination to amuse myself…well a bit of solitude and a distant, far-off horizon helps too. I am an introvert pure and simple. I am enough. I don’t dislike people, I just like being with myself more.

Social Camouflage for Introverts

“The more open you are, the more you can hide.” 

While I'm using this quote from media expert Juliette Powell out of context—as she was not referring to personality traits—it started me thinking in terms of introversion (of course). I believe that I’ve adopted this philosophy in my own way. My need for privacy is huge…and so I have learned the art of talking all day without really saying anything. No, not in a mindless, small-talk blather, but instead, I have a range of topics that I feel perfectly OK to openly share with anyone.

 

I’ve learned to take control of the conversation with this technique to avoid personal questions that I am uncomfortable fielding. Most people are happy just to have the air waves filled with words, and I have found that when I talk a lot no one seems to notice my inherent need for privacy. So in the words of Juliette Powell, yes, I can seem to be very open without alerting others that I am really giving nothing away.

It’s one of the social camouflages I use, which is probably why I hear “you don’t seem like an introvert to me” so often. The benefit of this strategy is that I appear fairly ‘extroverted’ in social gatherings, but downside is it takes so much energy to chatter away happily…it depletes me even faster than usual.

What do you think introverts…how often do you wear your camo?…and is it a good idea to ‘hide’ in the open once in a while?

(Juliette Powell, and her expertise, can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/juliettepowell)

At the End of My Rope...

I was feeling ‘at the end of my rope’ the other day. It doesn’t really matter what the particular issues were. What does matter, however, was that intense feeling of frustration, locking me all up inside…then I realized that with each rope we come to the end of, we are offered choices of paths to take.

One popular saying is "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." But I had to wonder, am I so busy hanging on to the rope that I am totally missing the opportunities that are presenting themselves to me? And if that were true, just what did my rope look like and why was I so attached to it? Well, that’s less of a question because it’s pretty easy to dearly hang on to the known just to avoid the unknown. It’s what we call our comfort zone (no matter how uncomfortable it is).

Lately I’ve been drawn to stories and quotes about adventure…I know that adventure is less about climbing mountains and more about attitude and taking personal risks…especially emotional risks. I feel that I am, once again, on the precipice of another great leap in my life, for I have battled with this ‘end of my rope’ syndrome for months now. I’m not sure what my new direction will be, but the thing is, I can't go in a new direction until I'm ready to let go of the rope.

What ‘ropes’ are you hanging on to? What opportunities are showing up for you, that you are ignoring? Just what would happen if you let go of that rope and let your feet land where they may? Hmmm… Happy adventuring fellow introverts.

Life In a Traffic Circle

We have a traffic circle in my small beach town.  It’s either humorous or irritating depending on how your day is going, but it’s rarely dull. Yesterday it reminded me of a metaphor for life. Some people get in and out with the greatest of ease. Others seem to get stuck in the inner lane and don’t know how to exit. Some will make it to the outer lane but get so confused that they stop at all exits, not sure really what to do next. And then there are people who can’t even get into the circle because they’re always waiting for the right time…the safe time.

In my life I want to be able to get into and out of situations with the greatest of ease. I want to explore all exits and see where they take me. I want to navigate cautiously around others with less resolve and perhaps entice them to follow my path for a little while.

My Adventurous Introvert self won’t allow me to travel with the crowd.  Am a loner, yet I love people. I need quiet and serenity, yet I crave adventure. I will seek places both innermost and outermost, but adventure I will. Next week I will begin taking Facebook from Virtual to Reality. I will be armed with laptop, GPS and cameras, both still and video, and I will begin sharing my adventures through the eyes of an introvert.

I hope you follow along as I connect with my new friends and experience their town through their eyes. I’ll be creating as I go as I’m never sure what I’m doing until I’ve done it. Just like my traffic circle, it will never be dull. Adventure is an attitude, create a new one each day.

Do Opposites Really Attract?

Extroverts: Can’t live with ‘em and can’t live without ‘em. They can keep things interesting and they can certainly be entertaining, and when properly trained they can learn to respect your need for cave time too.

But what happens when two introverts get together? It’s been described as “I like being with you, it’s just like being alone.” Well, that’s one way to look at it. It is nice to be able to be in the same room with someone without having to talk or perform. If your work entails lots of people interaction, being alone with someone certainly has its appeal.

Introverts spend time in their heads. It’s what they do. It’s what they love. It’s how they function. They are the great thinkers, planners, and dreamers of the world. They are forever watching a home-made movie in their head. However, when you have two individuals running their own mind-movies at the same time it’s pretty hard to leave one script and join the other’s.

Communication is paramount to any successful relationship. Sometimes we introverts spend so much time in our head (and yes, even having a mental conversation with that person sitting across from us), that we think the other person is up to speed with our thoughts. That’s not necessarily so. How many times have you thought something yet forgotten to verbalize it? You know you’ve processed it because you’ve gone over and over it in your mind…but you forgot one tiny little detail. You forgot to tell the other person. You both end up not on the same page. You’re not even in the same book. 

I’d love to hear from you. Looking at your significant relationships, do you function best with someone like you, or opposite from you? Or do you find other traits to be more important? While we love our solitude, the reality is we love our relationships too. Only...we want them on our terms and in our own way. What is important to you? I’d love to know.

Flirting

Just what is it about flirting that is so fun? The other night my friend and I were having dinner at a little bistro in town. The place had that continental flair—all dark and cozy, a handful of tables for two, crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room while candles glowed on each table. It was an absolutely charming place to have a quiet meal and visit for a while.

There were two guys dining at the table next to ours and the place was so small, we couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. Growing hops. Now you’ve got to admit, there’s a conversation you don’t hear everywhere. You hear talk of wine, food, travel, work, relationships, but hops? Never.

Now it’s not my style to interrupt or impose myself on the conversations of others, but here we were, two single women out on the town and there they were two (presumably) single men sharing an interesting conversation over a cheese board and beer. Yes, there was a little flirting going on too.

As we left, my friend and I commented on how great flirting makes you feel and wondered why don’t we do it more often? Well, I don’t know about you, but it’s not a natural thing for me to do. It feels forced. I just don't have that easy-going, relaxed, flirty personality. I think I come across as too serious most of the time. But there it is…that ‘too’ word. Maybe I’ll just give it a try a few more times. After all, flirting is fun. Besides, you can be serious and have fun at the same time, right? It's just like adventure--it's simply an attitude, and a fun one at that!

Packard, Party of One

Eating out alone can be an unusual experience, and not always a pleasant one. I’ve talked to so many that have their strategies for getting through it. But mostly it’s a strategy for getting through it, not necessarily enjoying it. What’s an introvert to do? Here’s some of the advice I’ve gathered through the years:
• Bring a book—it’ll give you something to do and look at.
• Make lunch your main meal out to avoid the “I’m the only one here eating alone” stigma from the dinner
  crowd.
• Pretend you’re waiting for someone, but order while you’re waiting.
• Sit at the counter/bar.
• Eat before the dinner rush

I’m sure there are countless more, but what strikes me the most is what depths we go to disguise or lessen the stigma of eating alone. Some of these strategies have benefits for the introvert. We love to read, and we often prefer noncrowded places; but why have we become conditioned to apologize for our circumstances…as if we don’t deserve the nice table next to the window?

I know, a lot of it is economics, but I’ve found that if I eat a bit earlier that the typical rush hour, I can ask for the nice location without feeling guilty (and the guilt is purely for economic reasons). It should be noted that I usually eat early under normal (i.e. home) circumstances, so this isn’t a concession for someone like me.

But eating and enjoying the experience are two different things. One thing that I love to do is talk to the server about his or her recommendations. I’ve tried many a dish based on server recommendations that I’ve ended up loving and would never have chosen on my own. Many times I’m up front about feeling uncomfortable eating alone and would like to make an experiment out of this…being honest more often than not yields great results.

A scenario that I recently went through went like this: “I’m eating alone tonight, and I thought I’d take this opportunity to turn it into something of an experiment and order a variety of appetizers, unless you have a better suggestion from the menu?” The response was that my server suggested their trademark Soup Du Jour and two very unique appetizers (an Oyster ‘something’ and the Calamari Rings with a Cajun dipping sauce).

The food was great, but the real benefit was the interaction I had with my server for the duration of the meal…he was most attentive (almost as if he was making sure I wasn’t lonely perhaps?), but not intrusively so. It was fun to interact and to try foods I might not have picked otherwise. Because they were his suggestions, I could ask questions about the dish—how was it prepared, where the chef is from, how often do they change their menus and specials, etc.

This particular dining experience was an adventure that turned dining solo into something fun instead of something to endure. It was a perfect evening for an introvert alone (but not lonely!). I drove back to my room with pleasant thoughts, happy memories, and a satisfied palate—a nice way to end the day before I went back into my introvert cave and recharged for t he next day’s adventure.

Do Not Be Afraid of Dying, Be Afraid Instead of Not Living.

Has introversion been a prison for you? A reader’s recent question: “How do I climb out of my shell without making myself stressed and end up sick?” Now, I may not know what ‘coming out of my shell’ means to this reader, or how the stress manifests itself or even what the type of sickness might be…I don’t have to because for many introverts this is a familiar struggle. Our system’s struggle to handle the chemical and emotional overload that comes with the territory of being introverted is what we deal with on a daily basis: 24/7.

If it were as easy as being well energized then a quiet nap in darkened room would be the cure-all and we could go about our merry ways. But often, that’s only touching the surface of our struggles. This same reader wondered if they were just weird. Now that is a whole new box of crayons with which to color ones world.

I’m weird. I know I am, and I fully embrace it…now. But I knew I was weird as a child too, and that didn’t feel very solid to my young psyche. I knew I didn’t fit in, I wasn’t like the others. Therefore, I must be faulty. THAT, I think is what many introverts struggle with today…the wounds from childhood that happened as they tried to make sense of their world—to integrate their inner and outer worlds.

These wounds can be big ‘T’ traumas, or little ‘t’ traumas. But let me assure you, those little t’s can pack quite a wallop. So for introverts, we have to learn to come to terms with our misconceptions about the world before we can safely come out of our shell and adventure out into it on our own terms. The world is as safe and as scary as you allow it to be. For me, the true light began to flicker inside when I finally ‘got’ what was meant by these wonderful words: Do not be afraid of dying, be afraid instead of not living. 

Define Boring!

I’m not boring and I’ll bet you aren’t either. But if you’re an introvert you’ve probably had an extrovert or two take shots at your ideas of fun.

I was recently watching a seminar describing the differences between introverts and extroverts. The speaker asked for audience participation and wanted them to describe their idea of a perfect day. As you can guess, the introverts mostly described quiet, solitary, relaxing activities while the extroverts usually described action packed, people oriented activities. As the speaker paused and was grasping for words to explain the introvert’s activities, someone blurted out “Boring!”

That’s it isn’t it? Extroverts think we are boring as hell? Most extroverts would find us really interesting and quite funny if they would just pause long enough for us to catch our breath and collect our thoughts. My introvert friends know this about me. My extrovert friends…wait…do I have any extrovert friends? Maybe not. Maybe I’ve reached a point where I’m just tired of hearing that I need to loosen up more, I need to have more fun, and come out of my shell, join the party. Maybe I’m just tired of trying to talk over their non-stop chatter to convince them that I’m pretty darned happy the way I am, thank-you-very-much. I'm anything but boring, I've got a party going on in my head all the time, and it's fun in there!

Do You Have a "Do Not Disturb" Sign?

 Overheard: “I just want a day where no one comes over. Nothing is planned, and I don’t even have to answer the phone.” Spoken like a true introvert. Many of you have mentioned that your need for a day to yourself is something you crave. Me too, sometimes so much so that I physically ache when I don’t get it. The really odd thing is that most days I only have a small amount of distractions, or other-than-me stuff. Why does it seem to derail my momentum when I have to do something other than what I want to focus on? You would think that a time-out for an hour or two could be easily taken in stride.

Could it be that I am so much on the edge of overload that simply attending to life’s little necessities teeters me closer to falling off? Or is this just the way things are? Me not wanting to focus on anything other than …well, me? Am I doomed to living in solitude to avoid interruptions? Alone but not lonely? Maybe, but I still think it’s a matter of managing my energies.  

Knowing that interruptions will cause me stress when I’m in my creative zone shouldn’t require not having interruptions or worse, not getting creative…Coulda, woulda, shoulda…it’s just what I deal with. Some days more so than others, but I’m learning not to place judgment on the way I deal with life’s little interruptions…sometimes they just suck.

I Hate Being Interrupted When I’m in a Frenzy

 Introverts can be pretty smart. We like to delve into a variety of subjects deeply if for no other reason than to satisfy our curiosity. I love following my intellectual urges and often feel happiest when I am thinking through a problem or situation. My brain works in an organized manner most of the time, but I can also jump into a creativity frenzy where food, sleep and routine are farthest from my mind.

I’m in one of those now, and hallelujah I haven’t been interrupted—well, that 30 minutes without power slowed me down a bit, but I kept my momentum going. I have been anticipating this spree for several weeks now. Trying to get my days arranged so that IF I felt the urge I could work uninterrupted. Needless to say many days passed with me simply enjoying my solitude.

But Friday’s Vision Board party started my juices flowing again…and I’ve been lost in my own world of creative energy. That’s the good news. That’s the joy of letting creativity run rampant through the house. The bad news is I’m not done, yet I have a day full of errands and appointments today. I feel like I’m being interrupted from this creative process. ‘Geesh, Zan, how delicate is your creativity’, I ask myself? Well, we’ll find out this afternoon when all is said and done…but for now, the juices will have to go back to marinating…might not be so bad after all: marinated things are sometimes the best.

The Path of the Introvert

I don’t like everyone I meet. There, I said it. I recently had to decline an invitation from someone who always (yes, always) leaves me feeling unsettled and irritated – you know the kind, the one who seems to like you but makes remarks that leave you wondering “What the hell just happened?”

As an introvert, I used to tell myself that I was too sensitive, or not social enough (too much or not enough…now there’s a pair!) The bottom line was that somehow it was all my fault…and I agree that my feelings are my responsibility. But sometimes a jerk is just a jerk, and the best I can come away with is the power to recognize that when someone leaves me with the feeling that I lack something…well, quite frankly, it is they who are lacking.

So I had to decide how to deal with this friend. As an introvert, I already know that socializing saps my energy, but with the right people it is still quite rewarding. Why in the world would I spend my precious energy with the kind of person that just leaves me exhausted and drained?  Why indeed…so in an act of true self-love, I decided to Just Say No.

Here’s another confession…that felt pretty good too.

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.

No Guilt For Me!

I received an email from a friend that has been following my New York adventure. The comment was something like "Go for it, you can always sleep when you get home". Hah, spoken like a true extrovert.

Made me a happy to be in charge of my own energy. That is precisely the attitude that I used to buy in to when I traveled. After all, traveling is a once in a life time experience, how can you justify not getting the most from the opportunity?

What I would find, in the past, was that over time I would become so depleted that I enjoyed very little of what I was doing and seeing. Extroverts can manage their energy in this environment...after all, they get their energy from people. But an introvert simply must recharge by spending time alone, in their mind.

It's hard to say no to all the activites that can come with traveling, but by saying no at the right time, I'm able to, not only do more, but enjoy all that I am doing. This adventure has been managed according to my energy...and I am enjoying all that comes my way. For once, I have no guilt about taking what I need from the experience.

I am an introvert...it is an innate trait. I have learned to manage my needs so that I can embrace life to its fullest-on my terms, even if that means withdrawing for a moment to catch my breath.

The Energy Game

Sitting on the edge of the sidewalk in The Village, he painted on vinyl LPs. Painted horrible, twisted images. I watched him work as his head bounced to the music coming from the boom box sitting near his elbow. People walked by, some slowing to look, but most pointedly looking away. He did not notice them. But as I passed, be looked up from his work and made eye contact. I don’t know what it meant, but it made me think. It made me wonder about this young man and the horrible images that he called art. I enjoyed that moment immensely. That’s what I love about people—watching them, looking for a glimpse inside their minds to understand them. I love people, just not necessarily interacting with them.

I know that extroverts get their energy from interaction, but as an introvert, interaction saps my energy. But the joy of being in the middle of a place like a busy city sidewalk is truly enjoyable. Interaction is not expected, nor even desired. I suppose that it is being able to watch and wonder about what you’re seeing that amuses me. I can’t help but go off on an imaginative trek when I see an unusual person. The beauty is I can spend as much time with them – in my mind – that I want without the concern of actual interaction. Spending time in ones mind is energizing isn’t it?

So, dear introverts, my challenge to you is to sit and people watch for a moment. When you spy an intriguing character, let your imagination go wild as you create their reality. Why are they there? What is on their mind? What are their plans for the day? Go as tame or as bizarre as you’d like…it’s your energy game, and you’ll find it’s a bit recharging for you as well.

The Balancing Act

I hit a wall today. I craved a slower pace, less food and much more solitude. Not because I don’t enjoy the people and activities, but because I haven’t had enough time inside my own head with my own thoughts…an introvert’s necessity. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to resist the urge to cram it all in and just go non-stop.

And I almost fell for it. But I know what will happen if I do. If I don’t listen to my body’s request to recharge, I will soon become the irritable and unapproachable lady hanging back on the fringes of activity, or (even worse) I will succumb to catching a cold—talk about enforced R and R!

Since I’m not here to hang back from the whirlwind of activity, nor to be sick, I wisely took an afternoon for myself…I went outside and absorbed the sun’s warmth on my skin, drank in the sounds of the birds busily competing for crumbs and just soaked in the quiet, rejuvenating energy of this beautiful area.

No, I’m not in the city…and thus recharging came easier for me here. However, curiosity leads me to imagine myself in the middle of Greenwich Village. Could I find a way to recharge amid the onslaught of the big-city energy? Yes, I think so. Any time I can spend time inside my own head to think my own thoughts without interruption is a time I am recharging.

Recharging for introverts means going within…often time solitude assists that process, but we can go within under just about any circumstances. It’s best to find a place to sit with perhaps an interesting book to read, definitely a cup of tea…all those nurturing little things that facilitate the recharging process. For me, today, I needed a minor recharge which I choose to do now, rather than let my batteries deplete completely. I have had a wonderful day filled with introspection and I am truly ready to get back out into the excitement of new sights, sounds, smells and tastes…another day of excitement is waiting for this Adventurous Introvert.

12 Hours To Take Off

I'm pretty excited. In a good way, not in an anxious way. I just had a dinner of eggs and toast and green tea. I'm following expert's advice to help lessen the effects of jet lag: keep away from caffiene, alcohol, and salt. Now I'm going to run a nice hot bath and soak to relax and, hopefully, get a good night's sleep-or any sleep at all.

I must admit that I am really surprised at  how ready I feel. All my preplanning on packing and getting the house ready to leave really paid off. My to do list just kept getting shorter and shorter and I am now simply relaxing rather than running around throwing something, anything, into a suitcase. I like this method soooo much better than past trips. I think it's all about understanding my optimum environment and methods and sticking with them. I'm not exhausted before I begin....looking forward to tomorrow morning at 7.

Count Down to NYC

My big adventure to New York is almost here. I am beginning to feel the excitement and the anticipation. I am also beginning to feel overwhelmed and I'm starting to have those first moments of discomfort that precede an emotional 'shut down' (the introverts survial technique for sensory overload).
The good news is that I recognize all the sensations in my body as a natural and predictable part of being an introvert.  I know from the start that I will be quite nervous as I begin my adventure--it's not a bad thing, it just is. Here are some strategies that I am using to manage the sensations coursing through my body right now:

• Recognize them for what they are without judgement--then let them go
• Allow plenty of opportunity to retreat to solitude to re-egergize and destress
• Get plenty exercise (walking, hiking and kayaking are my favorite energizers).
• Eat healthy...cut down or eliminate sugars and gluten products
• Keep a check-off list to visually assure myself that everything is manageable (visuals are a huge benefit for me!)
• Keep a New York Folder of all my thoughts, plans, itenerary, etc., to take with me.

The most important thing to do, right now, is to keep visual reminders and constantly acknowledge that my sensory overload is a natural part of being 'me'...by organizing my thoughts and plans in advance (well before the anxiety kicks in) I can trust that I am ready and I can simply ride out the discomfort. Here's to the next adventure of many...stay tuned to this blog for updates.