The Quiet Power of Introverts

My name is Diana.

I am an introvert and I love it.

And I am not alone, introverts are everywhere.

And our quiet approach to life, and our need for solitary time, isn't a flaw, it's a gift.

But as an introvert, it's not always easy to realise how wonderful you are.

The world feels like a place that rewards extroverts, where being loud is mistaken for being confident and happy. It's a place where everyone has something to say but nobody listens. A world of open-plan offices, networking parties, and big personalities.

For those who speak softly, it's easy to feel left out.

As a child, I blended into the background. Many thought I didn't have anything to say or that I didn't like others. But that wasn't true.

People often think that introverts are shy, or anti-social. But these are misconceptions.

Introverts, like everyone, can find socialising fun. But while parties leave extroverts energised, after some time, introverts need to recharge away from everyone.

There is a scientific theory for this. There are two important chemicals found in our brain; Dopamine and Acetylcholine.

Dopamine is like a hit of energy when we take risks or meet new people and it makes extroverts feel great. Introverts are more sensitive to dopamine and get quickly over-stimulated. That is why we prefer the more slow-burn feeling we get when our brain release acetylcholine. That happens when we concentrate, read or focus our minds on a specific task. It makes us feel relaxed, alert and content.

Of course, like anything else it is a sliding scale. You can lean one way or the other, or a bit of both, known as an ambivert.

This is how I am and I am grateful for this. Instead of filling up space with small talk, I listen patiently and make my words matter.

I have a few friends, but our connection are deep. I love spending time alone. It's where the chaos of a long day can finally settle. I can reflect and listen to my thoughts, and eventually reconnect with myself. Only after that am I ready to share with the world again. I have learnt strategies for finding comfort in our noisy world - from using music to create bubbles of peace, to escaping to a quiet park during lunchtime.

I adore the intensity and chaotic beauty of the world. But it's in quiet space where I can truly feel at home.

If introversion were more valued by society, it could make a massive difference to our collective future. The unique attributes of introverts are a deep, quiet strength. And as Ghandi puts it, "in a gentle way, you can shake the world".

Have an awesome weekend folks!