Bookindipity

Introvert.

1. To turn or direct inward.

2. Psychology To concentrate (one’s interests) upon oneself.

Intro- + Latin vertere, to turn;

From the Free Dictionary and American Heritage Dictionary.

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Labels are tricky and for the most part I try to be careful with them. When the labels are applied very carefully in medical and psychological settings, they can help. However, I also believe that there is a fine line and even if appearances reveal black and white, there are still those shades in between and labels can also cause harm, trapping a person. I am also optimistic and know that there are great exceptions and, as a whole, it’s better to have ways in which to categorize if done with care, understanding, and caution—and maybe a little dash of love.

I have continued reading The Fourth Treasure and am enjoying it immensely. It leaves me with much to think about and it is also a love story. When I was done reading for the morning, I turned on my Kindle and wanted to see my Amazon “Wish List.” I had added a few books there and I was curious. When the screen flashed, it briefly showed another screen and my eye barely caught what book it showed but I saw the words Power and Introvert. I double checked to make sure I hadn’t added this to my “Wish List.” I had not. I was curious and tapped in “Introvert Power” to see if I could find the book I saw. Why had this title flashed up on my screen? I have always identified—and I’m careful to use the word identified and often substitute it for related—If my memory serves me, I recall reading something by Joseph Campbell that made an impression on me. He was speaking of how when someone identifies too strongly to something, they may lose a part of themselves in that which they identify with—this is how I remember it anyhow. My curiosity may take me to the memory later on.

Introvert, though is a word that when I first learned of it, made sense to me and I do identify with the concept. And that’s the elusiveness of concepts: there is the black and white of it and then there are the individual layers and nuances. Aside from the usually cut and dry definitions of an introvert, what stands out for me besides tending to turn inward is the energy aspect—of my understanding—that a main difference between the introvert and the extrovert is how they derive their energy. And of course, we often have the tendency toward both qualities, some leaning more one way than the other. My understanding is that introverts can be in socially stimulating situations, but they can become drained and then need the solitude to re-energize, their energy coming from inward activities; whereas, an extrovert tends to need the extra stimulation of social settings and may actually feel drained in a quieter setting. Extroverts derive energy from the buzz of crowds and activity.

Back at my Kindle screen, the three book choices that popped up were: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain; Introvert Power: Why your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie A. Helgoe; and The Introvert’s Guide to Success in Business and Leadership by Lisa Petrilli. The first two caught my interest and I’ve downloaded a sample copy of the second book. I’m sure I will end up purchasing the book. The Amazon Kindle price is $1.79—can’t beat that. Even though I’ve lived with the concept of what it feels like to be an introvert from my perspective and experience my whole life, I look forward to reading more about it from this author. It’s time to “empty my cup again”!

When I woke up this morning, I would not have guessed that I would be thinking about introversion and then trying to think about when did I first come across that word? I’m not sure. It took looking for one thing and having another flash before my eyes. If I wasn’t paying attention, I may have missed the moment. I’m glad I was there—now I’m running late—but I feel good; now I’m off to get ready for work.

Happy Day!