Sometimes coincidences in the world are just too striking. I'm not joking when I say not even half an hour ago I was debating which name I should choose if I publish a book, anonymously, because I certainly would not publish my real name. Being an introvert is disadvantageous at times, but I know nobody else can help me overcome this but myself.
On a second note, I immediately jumped to the MBTI test to see if I changed even a little bit from last time (as I certainly feel I have) and after taking the test for the fourth time in a row I'm still INFP, Mediator (79% introverted). If only that number would turn to 80% just to make it even!
Damn that's so strange! Did you come up with any good names? 👀
It's weird, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like I've changed so much, but I suppose my core characteristics have stayed the same. I've been an INTP for years now.
I was thinking something unique like Rumpelstiltskin (this may be taken though, Idk ;). And yes It seems something never change, no matter how much you think you did.
Being an introvert is a beautiful thing, we’re observers of the world, we listen to it, we absorb it rather than imposing to it. We’re like a tree that silently lets the wind move its leaves. Being an introvert is definitely a challenge in a capitalist society, where the only thing that seems to matter is to be seen, and we are the beauty that is hidden in that overwhelming world.
Thanks for your wringing! Was really moving and I could really relate to it.
Thanks for the practical understanding of how developing your writing can work alongside your introversion. It’s so refreshing to see it explored in this light!
Finding the courage to show ourselves can be tough, especially if expressing reflexions about life or personal matters.
When I struggle with the fear of being read or judged by someone else for my writing, I try to stay focused on:
1) the joy that the act of writing brings to me
2) the positive growth and value which I can achieve from other writers, storytellers or anyone who has something interesting to share. This encourages me to see things differently.
Easy to tell, harder to put into practice. Anyway, it's worth it!
Thank you for this interesting and truthful point of view, Lucy.
Yes, yes, YES! It's unfortunate that there are negative parts of something that should be enjoyable, but all we can do is focus on the good and keep uplifting one another
Lucy this was PHENOMENAL. Thank you so much for articulating this so well... It’s not about doing what OTHERS deems as "right", it's about doing what "we" know in our hearts. And good god that can be terrifying! Like swimming up river in the freezing cold and dead of night. But if we want different results... we have to do different things. 💛 And I am an introvert too, but with a loud mouthy mind 😅, so I extra relate to navigating the extra vulnerability of putting yourself out there. But, fuck it. 🙏🏼💛
Aw thank you so much Megan, this is a lovely comment 🥹 as someone who doesn't like swimming, that analogy seems very relevant 😂 but yes, it's so important to acknowledge the fear too - it's not embarassing or uncommon, and I wish someone had told me that when I first started
Lucy this was PHENOMENAL. Thank you so much for articulating this so well... It’s not about doing what OTHERS deems as "right", it's about doing what "we" know in our hearts. And good god that can be terrifying! Like swimming up river in the freezing cold and dead of night. But if we want different results... we have to do different things. 💛 And I am an introvert too, but with a loud mouthy mind 😅, so I extra relate to navigating the extra vulnerability of putting yourself out there. But, fuck it. 🙏🏼💛
I love this! As a fellow introvert I often get disempowered by the fact that my ways of doing / seeing the world may not attract as many people as others or just don’t feel like fitting in. But as you say I think the key is truly to find self compassion and self love in our self expression and it’s a constant reminder isn’t it?! Not easy but I’d rather spend my days now truly feeding what’s aligned with who I am than trying to fit in a role that isn’t right for me!
We need more diversified peeps making waves! I am more and more excited to find more people like this in here on Substack. So thanks for sharing your story as I feel seen / heard / connected
I'm so happy you commented. A part of me was still scared that maybe it was only me and a few others who felt this way, so seeing so many people have similar experiences is reassuring. We're all in this together
Thank you for this great post. The topic of vulnerability is what I've been thinking of recently... As someone who keeps a lot to herself, writing online feels paradoxical. I would find it very uncomfortable if people from my real life were reading me.
There's the fearful side of me that wants to quit. Then there's the other side of me that wants to connect through writing. Because I think there's a core desire behind every writer, and that is: human connection.
I agree. Although, I personally think my writing journey has been less about connecting with other people, and more about exploring our shared humanity - what it means to be alive, to feel, to exist on this planet, etc. It's a way of understanding myself and my position in relation to others.
But don't quit. If you're uncomforable with the idea of people in your real life finding out, then you don't have to tell them. Write anonymously, or post in places you know they won't go. But don't give up if writing is something you enjoy. Why let fear hold you back from happiness and fulfillment?
Indeed! I also relate to writing as a means to explore our shared humanity. I think it has a great link to connection in general. Thankfully my desire of writing is higher than the periods of fear/self-doubt :) Nothing beats the priceless feeling of ending an article, I agree that there's a fulfilling aspect to it.
Ha that's good! I wouldn't take it so seriously, though, the MBTI test isn't exactly based in science. But it's all good fun
Sometimes coincidences in the world are just too striking. I'm not joking when I say not even half an hour ago I was debating which name I should choose if I publish a book, anonymously, because I certainly would not publish my real name. Being an introvert is disadvantageous at times, but I know nobody else can help me overcome this but myself.
On a second note, I immediately jumped to the MBTI test to see if I changed even a little bit from last time (as I certainly feel I have) and after taking the test for the fourth time in a row I'm still INFP, Mediator (79% introverted). If only that number would turn to 80% just to make it even!
Damn that's so strange! Did you come up with any good names? 👀
It's weird, isn't it? Sometimes I feel like I've changed so much, but I suppose my core characteristics have stayed the same. I've been an INTP for years now.
I was thinking something unique like Rumpelstiltskin (this may be taken though, Idk ;). And yes It seems something never change, no matter how much you think you did.
Being an introvert is a beautiful thing, we’re observers of the world, we listen to it, we absorb it rather than imposing to it. We’re like a tree that silently lets the wind move its leaves. Being an introvert is definitely a challenge in a capitalist society, where the only thing that seems to matter is to be seen, and we are the beauty that is hidden in that overwhelming world.
Thanks for your wringing! Was really moving and I could really relate to it.
I love that imagery, and I completely agree. Thank you for your time words, I'm glad they resonated
Agree wholeheartedly! Love that writing and reading forces us to slow down and appreciate quiet and introspective content
I’m an INFP!
Ah, a mediator!
Thanks for the practical understanding of how developing your writing can work alongside your introversion. It’s so refreshing to see it explored in this light!
No problem! I felt a need to write it for people like me, because it's a perspective that I often find is missing from discussions about publishing
Finding the courage to show ourselves can be tough, especially if expressing reflexions about life or personal matters.
When I struggle with the fear of being read or judged by someone else for my writing, I try to stay focused on:
1) the joy that the act of writing brings to me
2) the positive growth and value which I can achieve from other writers, storytellers or anyone who has something interesting to share. This encourages me to see things differently.
Easy to tell, harder to put into practice. Anyway, it's worth it!
Thank you for this interesting and truthful point of view, Lucy.
Yes, yes, YES! It's unfortunate that there are negative parts of something that should be enjoyable, but all we can do is focus on the good and keep uplifting one another
Lucy this was PHENOMENAL. Thank you so much for articulating this so well... It’s not about doing what OTHERS deems as "right", it's about doing what "we" know in our hearts. And good god that can be terrifying! Like swimming up river in the freezing cold and dead of night. But if we want different results... we have to do different things. 💛 And I am an introvert too, but with a loud mouthy mind 😅, so I extra relate to navigating the extra vulnerability of putting yourself out there. But, fuck it. 🙏🏼💛
Aw thank you so much Megan, this is a lovely comment 🥹 as someone who doesn't like swimming, that analogy seems very relevant 😂 but yes, it's so important to acknowledge the fear too - it's not embarassing or uncommon, and I wish someone had told me that when I first started
Lucy this was PHENOMENAL. Thank you so much for articulating this so well... It’s not about doing what OTHERS deems as "right", it's about doing what "we" know in our hearts. And good god that can be terrifying! Like swimming up river in the freezing cold and dead of night. But if we want different results... we have to do different things. 💛 And I am an introvert too, but with a loud mouthy mind 😅, so I extra relate to navigating the extra vulnerability of putting yourself out there. But, fuck it. 🙏🏼💛
Thank you for the encouragement! And about that guy who does self-help speeches... Ykes!
Ha, yep. I knew something felt off. And no worries, I'm glad it could help you
Thank you for the encouragement! And about that guy who does self-help speeches... Ykes!
This is reaching me at the right moment. Thank you!
That's so good to hear! Keep pushing on, we've got this!
I found this really encouraging. Thank you.
I feel like Substack is a great way to get over the fear of being perceived. It’s a constant journey!
I love this! As a fellow introvert I often get disempowered by the fact that my ways of doing / seeing the world may not attract as many people as others or just don’t feel like fitting in. But as you say I think the key is truly to find self compassion and self love in our self expression and it’s a constant reminder isn’t it?! Not easy but I’d rather spend my days now truly feeding what’s aligned with who I am than trying to fit in a role that isn’t right for me!
We need more diversified peeps making waves! I am more and more excited to find more people like this in here on Substack. So thanks for sharing your story as I feel seen / heard / connected
I'm so happy you commented. A part of me was still scared that maybe it was only me and a few others who felt this way, so seeing so many people have similar experiences is reassuring. We're all in this together
Thank you for this great post. The topic of vulnerability is what I've been thinking of recently... As someone who keeps a lot to herself, writing online feels paradoxical. I would find it very uncomfortable if people from my real life were reading me.
There's the fearful side of me that wants to quit. Then there's the other side of me that wants to connect through writing. Because I think there's a core desire behind every writer, and that is: human connection.
I agree. Although, I personally think my writing journey has been less about connecting with other people, and more about exploring our shared humanity - what it means to be alive, to feel, to exist on this planet, etc. It's a way of understanding myself and my position in relation to others.
But don't quit. If you're uncomforable with the idea of people in your real life finding out, then you don't have to tell them. Write anonymously, or post in places you know they won't go. But don't give up if writing is something you enjoy. Why let fear hold you back from happiness and fulfillment?
Indeed! I also relate to writing as a means to explore our shared humanity. I think it has a great link to connection in general. Thankfully my desire of writing is higher than the periods of fear/self-doubt :) Nothing beats the priceless feeling of ending an article, I agree that there's a fulfilling aspect to it.
Spot on. As an introvert my fears of putting myself out there keep me from taking the first step.