Have
you come out? What was it like? How does it feel? PLEASE LET
ME KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE AN ARTICLE IN YOUR OWN
WORDS! Most of my readers say these are the most helpful items
on the site ... when someone else puts into words what you've
been thinking all this time. Give it a try and help someone
else come out.
My
experience of being introverted by KATI
My
coming out as an introvert was an amazing time of healing in
my life. I was 31 years old and like most introverts I had no
idea what being an introvert even meant. My childhood was filled
with hurtful even abusive moments that had left huge ugly scars
on my psyche. In 1998 I decided to let go of past pains and
move forward to embrace a new and exciting life. The following
is just a small part of how I came out as an introvert.
In
March of 1998, I attended a personal growth weekend that became
a catalyst in my life. The Sunday morning celebration was a
time for me to reconnect with my intuitive self and embrace
what I believe is my life calling. After a few months had passed
I knew I was ready to go back out as part of the team, a group
of peer facilitators who would help to lead weekend events and
to share agape love. Dreams and intense daily visions made me
seek to go out though I was not sure I had anything to offer.
I
was invited to training in August and not so surprisingly the
MBTI was used to help all of us learn more about our human and
spiritual value.
As I sat hunched over the test, I kept wondering if everyone
else was having such a hard time. You see like many of us introverts
I had been told that there was an ideal type of person to be
and being me was simply not good enough.
The
ideal in our house was the ESTJ. If only I was not so stubborn,
so lazy, immature, and defiant surely I would be able to be
transformed into this ideal.
My
pencil hovered over the perfect answers, however, no matter
how
hard I tried this time I could not lie to myself. Something
powerful
happened. There was a need from deep within to claim my truths
and I did-
Yes,
I needed quiet time.
Yes
I hate large noisy crowded rooms.
No,
I am not shy or lazy-just precise , thoughtful and spiritual.
More and more answers flowed from my very center through my
hand. The hardest truth-
Yes,
I am an intuitive.
Finally,
the tests were scored and the group gathered in the meeting
room. We assembled where for thirty years people just like us
had come to learn more about loving others , and today I felt
I would finally learn to love myself.
My
story would not be complete without naming the beautiful woman
named Elizabeth who shared some of the simplest yet profound
wisdom with us all. She started off by reminding us that no
one test can define us. Then came the word introvert. This was
me-the test said so. Then came the best part-She said that we
are all valued. That even thought the western world put a high
value on extroverted talents, extroverts needed introverts in
very important ways. We are the counselor to their warrior king/queen.
We are the sage hermits that the world needs to remain in balance.
All of us carried within a divine spark and the way we shared
this was through our various personalities. All necessary. All
having a grand purpose!
How could I have not known this? I think I did, but was just
too afraid to defy those well-meaning extroverts who were always
trying to "fix" me. A place in the universe! Not a
lesser place, just a place to share with other INFPs ( peacemakers,
healers, artists, and empaths ) . From that day to now I have
continued to seek knowledge about being introverted and finding
a way to be true to my nature by creating a sacred place for
myself and making sure that I remember that divine spark. I
wish the same for all of you.
Namste Kati
