The Power Of An Introvert
Why do some think that “introvert” is a bad word?
Many people believe that being an introvert is a weakness, that it leaves us in a vulnerable position in front of anyone else. After all, in many cases, it is the shyest children who receive the most intense bullying, which unfortunately often continues into adult life.
“I have reason to be shy. I’ve been hurt plenty.”
‒ Ethel Waters
That could be one of the reasons why some people say that being an introvert is an insult. They associate that word with being unattractive, weak, cowardly, and some worse things. And so, they go through life disdaining their introverted nature, feeling as though not being a social butterfly is a source of shame.
And in a way, it’s easy to see one of the main points where that misconception comes from, at least for a good percentage of younger people. Social networks, and in general, the mass media, show the youngest images where extreme extroversion is associated with social approval and success in general. Yes, I mean a certain percent of the so-called influencers.
And no, I’m not going to blame influencers for everything bad in the world, it would be absurd to do so. Instead, I want to question, what is the message that the media is sending to the new generations, emphasizing the likes that an influencer gets for doing something ridiculous or dangerous, sometimes forgetting to recognize the work of people, who perhaps they do not live it under a spotlight, but they certainly contribute to a change in society, as doctors, teachers, volunteers, etc.
Success comes to those who dedicate everything to their passion in life. To be successful, it is also very important to be humble and never let fame or money travel to your head.
It would be important to remember that there are many introverts who have managed to make considerable contributions in fields as diverse as rock music to astrophysics. Perhaps you think, dear reader, that you are not at the same level as them, but I have a little surprise for you…
Within you lives a great power that today, many seem to have forgotten, seeing themselves absorbed in a race to please people they don’t even know…
So is. I am referring to the power to look inward and be able to reflect and sometimes marvel at all the little things that surround you on a daily basis. Yes, it sounds terribly common, but today, people want to look less into their hearts. Or worse yet, they get used to always being surrounded by others, who don’t know what to do when they find themselves in the middle of silence.
But what are you saying? How can something like that be a strength, in this day and age where even going to the bathroom seems designed to be a violent popularity contest where if you fail, you risk being a social outcast?
Exactly for that. At this time, in which even when we sleep the notifications of our phone don’t stop ringing, on television we are attacked by many programs that only seek to sleep our conscience, and a good number of YouTubers seem to be in a competition to see who is more strident, that is when people who know how to value the sweet peace of silence are most needed.
But this goes beyond silence. The enormous contribution that introverts have made to areas where a little sensitivity is needed, in addition to the ability to introspect, is undeniable. Some examples are philosophy, writing, theology, and in general, the fine arts.
But what if I’m an introvert but I don’t think I have any notable talents? In that case, I think I’ll leave this world unnoticed, right?
Believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be that way. An action, no matter how small, can change the day, the week, the month, or even someone’s life. We have been accustomed to believing that the only things that matter are the most ostentatious, the ones that are seen by millions of people.
You may not know it, but to give an example, if you have suffered from rejection or bullying, giving a word of encouragement to a person who is going through something similar, even online, is a huge contribution to the world.
Therefore, you are not ashamed to know that it is not you who is dancing drunkenly on the bar counter or the one who is doing a silly challenge on TikTok to get millions of likes. Feel yourself the owner of an enormous force.
