A Sentimental Nature

Y'all. This week has been Stressful. With a capital "S." Balancing work as the largest event of the year draws ever nearer while making sure to keep up with all other responsibilities has lead to me to wake up in a panic at 3 am more than once. I'm terrified of forgetting to do something. Or making a huge mistake the effects the efforts of others. When I woke up at 3 am this morning, the relief that came from knowing I didn't have to wake up for reals in a few hours allowed for some time to gather my thoughts.  I started to look around my room and noticed that all of my favorite pieces of decoration were gifts. My Deer Lodge blanket was a going away gift from my supervisor in Montana. The beautiful green hand-knitted blanket hanging off my headboard was a graduation present from a dear friend. My walls are covered with pictures, paintings, and cross-stitches from people I am lucky enough to call friends and family. Just taking in that thought, and remembering all the other pieces around my apartment with similar origins suddenly calmed me and reminded me that even though times have been stressful in the past there have always been people willing and able to help in some way.  Through action or simply encouragement. And if a mistake was made there was always a way to recover or be forgiven. And then I went back to sleep. 

If you're feeling weighed down by the many things you need to accomplish, personally or professionally, take a minute to look around you and think of all the different people of which your surrounding remind you. Think of how they helped you along the way and how, maybe, hopefully, you helped them as well. Allow it to make you smile. Take a deep breath and remember I'm rooting for you! Just thought I would share that in case someone else has been waking up before the sun :)

Sheila

Honesty Alert: Alone Time

I always enjoy long drives. Audio books, car singing, and pretend conversations. After the eight hours to Florida and back, it makes me wonder if anyone else loves this type of alone time as much as I do.

Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Test? The real one is long, and you have to pay for it but there are plenty of free shorted versions online. I took one this year and was a little surprised with the results. I am an INFJ, which I may seem to be extroverted but after too much time spent around others I have to shut myself away for a time to recharge. This is SO TRUE. I love people, but I love being alone too. Maybe it's all the moving around, or maybe it's just closed social recluse in me, but I crave alone time like chocolate and naps. It's energizing, enlightening, and invigorating. It's just amazing to me, how everyone can be so uniquely human. Some people need someone around them at all times. They will go to a place they don't want to be so they can be around others. They thrive in large social settings. They don't have to be the center of attention, but they have to be near the center of the action.Some people enjoy the company of their close friends but prefer to spend time in small, intimate groups. They are interested in a deep connection and are far less concerned with the lives of others outside that circle. Some people avoid others if at all possible. They are more than happy to be alone. A large party sounds like a punishment. The thrive on quiet and calmness.

So, essentially, someone can be lonely for people around them or lonely for the company of solitude. Where are you on that scale? Do you think your Myers-Briggs type is accurate? I'd love to know.

Sheila :)