Knowing What Fuels You
Image by sarowen
I’m an introvert at heart.
I remember the first time I took one of those personality tests and scored high in the introvert category. I almost immediately protested, “But, I love to be around people/have relationships!”
The truth is, whether your an introvert or an extrovert has little to do with how social you are. It has everything to do with what fuels you.
- Are you someone who seeks out others as the ‘perfect place’ to unwind and refuel yourself?
- Or would you rather curl up in a corner of an empty room with a good book?
I love being around people. I love having people in our home. Anyone who knows us very well knows that we lovingly call our home, “The Ediger Hotel.” Heck, we have 10 people staying with us again this year for Catalyst! And I can’t wait!
That enthusiasm dies down after a time, though. 10 people in our home for 3 days = amazing times! 10 people in our home for 6 days = draining.
There is a breaking point where the energy begins to drain and I grab my book looking for a dark corner!
I read a recent blog post by Leonard Sweet where he described Twitter as a place of “social solitude.” Something about that phrase resonated strongly with me. I have often described myself as a “social introvert.”
It’s a healthy balance to try and maintain, I believe. I’d encourage you to…
- Discover whether you are an introvert or an extrovert
- Pay attention to what fuels you and make regular space and time for it, and…
- Stretch yourself to play on the ‘other side’ from time to time to help balance out community and solitude
What about you? Are you an introvert or an extrovert at heart? What fuels you?
Share this post on... 
Conversation About This Post...
Add Your Voice...
Sorry. Commenting is no longer available for this post. In most cases, you may leave comments up to 30 days from the time a post is published.
What Are Thin Places?
"Thin Places" are rich in Celtic tradition. They are the places in our lives where the divine and the natural worlds come so close together that we can catch a glimpse of God. For the Celtics these places were very real - places within creation where we could physically go. The Thin Places in our own lives are those moments where the space between us & the Kingdom is thin, when we are introduced to a greater glimpse of Who He is through our experiences and through the stories of others.
Where From Here?
This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on 08.19.2009.
The previous post in this blog was
"When Plans Fail"
The next post in this blog is
"A Give It Back Mentality"
More can be found on the home page, by using the search box at the top of the screen, or by looking through the archives below.
The Whole Shebang
- July 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
Need something older than a year?
There's a lot here (539 posts, to be exact, dating all the way back to 08.30.2003). Try using the search box at the top of the screen.
Latest Life...
Follow me on Twitter
Matt shared their voice on 08.19.2009:
Hey
Great post! I’m also an introvert who loves spending time with others! But I also need my own time, time to think/reflect/be quiet!
I’m fueled by spending time with others and being alone equally. But I find, especially as a leader, that the time I have alone, helps me to be able to give my best to my family/friends/team etc.
I NEED the time alone otherwise I wouldn’t be the best I can be, just as I NEED the time with others to be the best I can be.
Like you say, it’s all about balance!
Matt