Do you ever let other people, personality tests, and past experiences define you? Do you ever feel like “I guess that’s just the way I am!”?
I do.
One of the ways I have let external influences define me is in the area of introversion and extroversion. We love to make it black and white- some people are introverts, some are extroverts. Full stop.
And so, I agree each time I’m told I’m an introvert. I believe each time I tell myself that people wear me out. I believe that sore ears in a loud room mean I want to be alone.
But, I think we’re a little bit more complex than that. We aren’t simple machines. We are alive, we are human, we are growing, changing. We are different depending on the context, our mood, our stage of life, and who we’re around. We are dynamic. We are people!
And sometimes I’m introverted.
And sometimes I’m not.
I know this is true because of something 2022 has taught me.
I have taken my art outside this year. I’ve taken it to galleries, and events, and shows. I’ve shared it in emails, and displayed it on social media. I’ve talked about it and celebrated it, and put it in front of eyeballs.
And I’ve loved it.
I’ve loved the people-y part of sharing my art.
I’ve loved each person who has laughed or cried or hugged me because a piece of art made them feel honored and seen.
I’ve loved the stories people have entrusted to me about the precious life I’m coaxing out of the canvas.
I’ve loved the buzz of a full gallery and the hush of art conversations in the corners of the room.
I’ve loved kids who want to paint with me and have no shame in embracing the fact that they are artists!
I’ve loved the generous spirit of other artists in the community who invite me, include me, encourage me.
Thank you art, for teaching me that I am a people-loving introvert who needs all the beautiful connections with other humans that you offer.
