I’m an introvert and also a lover of quotes. I feel like I have gained a lot of wisdom from searching for specific quotes that match my mood or that shed light on something I want to know more about. My Instagram account is chock full of my favorite quotes and I thought it would be fun to share some of them here today. If you want to see more check out my Instagram and please follow if you like it!
7 Quotes Curated by An Introvert:
The world would be a much different place if every one of us followed the wisdom of this quote. It’s tenant is simple, but putting it into action in real life is difficult. Mother Teresa was a very wise woman and I aspire to be more like her.
This is one of my all-time favorite quotes and if I could do what it says, I know my life would be easier. Some days I’m able to do it and others – not so much. This quote is probably what I would like to achieve most in my life. If you can do this what problems would you have?
I agree with this quote wholeheartedly. A good sense of humor is my favorite thing about a person. If you don’t take life to seriously and see the humor in even the darkest days it makes life a lot lighter and more fun. I also think there is nothing better in this world than a good long laugh!
This quote by Groucho Marx is very close to the one by St. Francis. You can tell by my collection of quotes that this is something that I struggle with. I think we all give events and or people too much power over us. I strive daily not to let other people or events dictate my happiness or peace. I’m also trying not to live in the past or the future, but in the present moment. These are difficult concepts to perfect, but that’s okay because I strive for progress, not perfection!
This quote is for all my introverted friends out there. Extroverts will not understand it at all. This quote reminds me of one I found by Charles Bukowski recently, which said, “I don’t hate people, I just feel better when they’re not around.” I think perhaps Thoreau felt the same. I am intrigued by people and I like to write about them, but I don’t understand most of them and I feel better when there aren’t a lot of people around. Hence, this is why I would rather sit on a pumpkin all by myself!
I love, love, love this quote. I did this my whole life as I’m sure many of you have too. I asked people who had never done what I wanted to do, who didn’t think as I did, and who conducted their lives differently than I did, for advice. I also let them have major sway over decisions concerning my life. It’s easy to do if you’re surrounded by strong personalities. I know now that this was a terrible mistake on my part. I no longer do this because I have realized this life is mine alone and I need to live it how I see fit!
I believe that the purpose of art is to inspire. I write this blog to help and inspire people to find their higher self and their true purpose. I agree with Bob, I think one of the most important things you can do for a person is inspire them. I feel inspired when I stand in an art gallery looking at one of my favorite paintings, when I’m listening to a beautiful song, or when I read a favorite poem. I am grateful for all the artists who create to inspire!
So there you have it, 7 quotes curated by me – an introvert. I hope like me, you were able to gain some valuable insight from the quotes of these wise people. Take care and remember you’re amazing!
Cats and introverts are two peas in a pod. As an introvert, I feel cats are my spirit animal. I have a special affinity with them. We have three cats (Ellie, Olive and Peeps.) We enjoy spending time together and then we go off and do our own thing. It’s a perfect relationship. They crave time alone to recharge as much as I do.
I thought it would be fun to share some interesting facts and trivia about cats in this blog. As well as some surprising similarities between introverts and felines. I hope you learn something new about these wonderful furry introverted creatures!
benefits of a human-cat bond
Research has found that the human-cat relationship makes both humans and cats happier.
Cat owners are healthier psychologically.
Good for our hearts and help reduce the risk of having a stroke.
Being exposed to cat’s in childhood reduces the risk of allergies, pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
things you may not know about cats
Research is being done that shows that cats bond with their owners the same way children do. Through personality mirroring. They may absorb and mirror some of our personality traits.
Cats have physical traits that are similar to infants. This is known as “baby schema,” facial features like small nose and mouth, big forehead and large head and eyes. These cute physical traits enhance our want to take care of them.
They are the only mammal who can’t taste sweetness
They can jump up to six times their length
Cats have an extra organ that lets them taste scents in the air. Have you ever seen them stare with their mouth open? They are actually tasting something in the air when they do this.
They walk like camels and giraffes, they move both of their right feet first and then both of their left feet. No other animal walks like this.
These furry friends sleep between 12 and 16 hours per day.
Cats have 100 different vocalizations, dogs only have 10.
Cats mark you as their territory.
similarities between cats and introverts
Neither cats or introverts are too jazzed about having people in their space, especially strangers.
We both prefer spending time with one or two of our favorite people.
Cats and introverts both enjoy spending time alone.
We both thrive on routine and predictability.
It takes introverts and cats awhile to warm up and get to know people.
We are both very picky about who we allow into our inner circle.
So, as you can see cats and introverts reallyare two peas in a pod. A dog may be man’s best friend, but a cat is definitely an introvert’s best friend! Take care and I hope you have a puuurfect day!
I would love to hear from you! Please let me know what you thinkin the comments!
Why should you teach your child mindfulness? If you have visited my blog before, you know that I am a huge proponent of mindfulness meditation. One of the best gifts you can give your child is to show them how to live in the moment. To accept the experiences of the mind, body, emotions, and environment without judging. By teaching them mindfulness you are furnishing them with a tool that will help them to navigate every stage of their lives.
Why teach them mindfulness?
Develops Self-regulation
According to psychologists Philip David Zelazo and Kristen E. Lyons, teaching children to be able to reflect on their experiences (mindfulness) in the moment helps them to develop self-regulation. Self-regulation means self-control of thoughts, actions and emotions.
They found in their studies that developing self-regulation in childhood has been found to predict outcomes in the children’s future. Children who have learned to regulate themselves do better in school, have better physical health, are less likely to have problems with substance dependence, have better socioeconomic status, are less likely to engage in criminal behavior, and have higher IQs. You can read their research in more detail in their article in Child Development Perspectives.
Decreases anxiety and stress
A child’s growing up years from birth through adolescence and into teen years are filled with stressful events. From learning to communicate and walk to developing relationships and trying to become independent. We all know growing up isn’t easy. Mindfulness is an enormously powerful tool to help your child deal with life stressors. Also, studies have shown that you can teach children mindfulness as early as preschool!
Helps them to manage their emotions
It has shown that when children practice mindfulness it brings them to a positive state of mind. It helps them feel better and happy because they feel in control of themselves. Studies have shown it may also help children who have aggressive behavior.
Improves attention and focus
Studies have shown it may also help children with ADHD.
Improves memory
Children spend their lives being told what to do; eat this, do this, go there. This may make them go through their day on autopilot. Mindfulness brings them back to the present moment so they can be present in their lives.
Helps with self-acceptance and self-understanding
Mindfulness brings their thoughts and feelings to the forefront. By looking at their thoughts and feeling objectively and without judgment, they experience more acceptance and understanding of themselves.
Practice What You Teach
Before you begin the process of teaching your child mindfulness it is important to learn about and try it yourself. Mindfulness is a simple concept and does not require years of practice to know what you’re doing. It would be helpful to you to know about it so you are ready to answer questions and make your child feel more comfortable with giving it a try. You can try the mindfulness exercise below and you can also check out one of my past blogs, Mindfulness Meditation-Begin Today To Change Your Life.
Fun Mindfulness Exercises to Try
For all of these exercises, begin with 5 minutes and then as your child becomes accustomed to it you can add on time slowly.
Simply Breathing
This is as easy as sitting or lying in a comfortable position with your child. Then bring your attention to your breath coming in through your nose, going to your belly, and then back out your nose or mouth. Just being aware of your breathing. As easy as that!
Nature Observer
You and your child should sit outside for this. You should get comfortable on the grass in the yard or a balcony. If you can put your bare feet on the ground all the better. Then sit and listen to the sounds you hear. Try not to talk while your listening. Tell your child they can tell you everything they heard when the five-minute timer goes off.
Heartbeat
For a minute do jumping jacks or running in place with your child. Then sit down comfortably and put your hand on your chest. Then pay attention to how your heartbeat and breathing feel.
These exercises are a great place to start. There are many other ways to practice mindfulness. You can find them online and there are also guided mindfulness apps you can use. It really doesn’t matter how you do it. It is just a matter of being in the moment.
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Jon Kabat-Zinn the founder of MBSR mindfulness-based stress reduction said, “mindfulness is defined as the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.” He also said, “Be aware and accepting of whatever state the body and mind are in. Mindfulness can be practiced through; mindful eating, driving, walking or any experience in our lives.” He is an amazing mindfulness teacher. I have taken his Masterclass and it was a life changer for me and I highly recommend it.
MindUp For Life
Goldie Hawn has created an organization called MindUp For Life – The Goldie Hawn Foundation. According to MindUp.org, “MindUp infuses developmental neuroscience, mindfulness awareness practice, social-emotional awareness practice, social-emotional learning and positive psychology to foster children’s well-being and resiliency.” Studies show that children who regularly practice “brain breaks,” a mindful awareness practice are better able to regulate their emotions and they have improved mental health.
Let’s be honest, anybody with half a brain knows that our current education system and the way we teach our children need to be reevaluated. We need to come up with new ways to teach our children that take into consideration different personality types, emotional and mental health wellness. If you are an educator please check out this amazing organization. They have programs already developed for schools and families. MindUp For Life – The Goldie Hawn Foundation.
I hope that I have inspired you to teach your child mindfulness. I am very passionate about this subject because I think that it can have a positive impact on so many kids’ lives. Take care and I hope you have many happy mindful moments with your child!
Introverted musicians create songs filled with despair, pain, hope, and triumph. Their music is steeped in deep emotionality. Introverts experience life on a deep emotional level. This is what makes them amazing creators and artists. This blog shares some insightful quotes from introverted artists and a playlist that includes songs by introverted musicians only. I hope you enjoy it!
Bob Dylan – “People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient and then repent.”
Prince – “A strong spirit transcends rules.”
Elvis – “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.”
Kate Bush – “I had friends, but I was spending a great deal of my time alone, which for me that was vital because there’s an awful lot you learn about yourself when you’re alone.”
Lorde – “I’m kind of over getting told to throw my hands in the air. So there.”
Alessia Cara – “I always told myself if I was going to be given a voice, I might as well say something worth listening to and not something that’s just going to feed people stupidity.”
Adele – “Being told how to look is about being a product and I don’t want to be a product.”
Ella Fitzgerald- “Just don’t give up trying what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
David Bowie – “I find only freedom in the realms of eccentricity.”
Anne Clark- “I always looked at any instrument as just a tool, an expressive voice to write with.”
Playlist:
Dylan McDonie – My son is an aspiring singer/songwriter and also an introvert. I couldn’t write this blog and not include his music. Below are some of his demos on SoundCloud. I hope that you enjoy them!
Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that means your reason for being or reason for waking up in the morning. It’s similar to the Greek eudaimonia, which says a life well lived leads to the highest and most lasting happiness. Ikigai brings meaning, purpose, and fulfillment to your life, while also contributing to the good of others. So how can we use this age-old philosophy to help us to find happiness and fulfillment?
It’s believed that everyone has an ikigai. It’s the intersection of passion, talent, and potential to help others. You can see this illustrated in the diagram below.
what you can gain by finding your ikigai
A longer life.
More happiness and peace.
An exuberance and excitement for life.
Improve others’ lives and make the world a better place.
Questions to help you find your ikigai
What activities do you love doing? Think about what you like to do in and outside of work. Also, remember hobbies, passions and things you are curious about.
What things did you love doing when you were a child or a teenager? Think about the games you played, your favorite classes in school and what jobs you dreamed of doing.
Do you have a dream project? Something that you’d like to make come true at some point in your life?
What matters to you? What kind of impact do you want to make? What kind of change would you like to see in the world?
Who or what inspires you? What makes you angry?
What are you good at? What are your strengths? Think about activities that leave you feeling great and energized. What makes you lose track of time?
Examples of personal strengths:
ambitious
creative
flexible
motivated
persistent
authentic
dedicated
honest
optimistic
responsible
caring
enthusiastic
integrity
open-minded
trustworthy
Examples of experience based strengths:
team player
motivational
great public speaker
great communicator
good listener
detail orientated
great leader
follows direction
problem-solver
What knowledge-based skills do you have? (Examples: accounting, marketing, financing, engineering, writing, music, teaching, photography, etc…
What do people ask your help for? What can you teach others?
What jobs can you do? Think about all the jobs you’ve had past and present. Think of all the skills you have.
What can you sell? Think of a product that you can create and sell. What problem would it solve and what need would it fulfill?
Finding your ikigai will take some time and reflection. Write down the answers to the above questions and then look it over and see if you can find your ikigai sweet spot.
How you know you’ve found your ikigai
You love it and are passionate about it.
You are great at it.
The world needs it.
You can get paid for it.
I believe every human being has a purpose for being on this earth. I also know it’s our birthright to have something that we love so much that we can’t wait to get out of bed so we can do it. We all deserve passion and excitement in our lives. Imagine a world where everyone was living their ikigai. I think it would be a much happier and more positive world!
