Faith When People Don't Believe In Your Dreams 7:00 AM When People Don't Believe In Your Dreams When people don't believe in your dreams, remember that it is not your inadequacy that shows but theirs. When people don't believe in your dreams, look at their history. Most of the time, these are people who once dreamed the same dream but failed. They must have seen the same spark and zest in you that they had when they were dreamers. They can sense your enthusiasm and determination in reaching your dreams. They can see the dreams they once had in your eyes. But that must be why they don't believe in it anymore. Because they failed. They went crashing down hard and it was so painful that they never want to try again. Nor do they want to be near that dream again. And hearing you speak about your dreams remind them of their failure. When people don't believe in your dreams, it is their fear that they feel and they project on you. Their negativity has nothing to do with you or your dreams and everything to do with who they are and their lack of faith. It may be discouraging, painful, and frustrating especially if these people who don't support you are close to you. It would be nice to hear them cheer you on. It would be easier to face trials and conquer your mountains along the way if you know there are people who got your back. But that's not always the case. That's alright. When David was about to face Goliath, everyone including his brothers didn't believe that he could win. How could they? He's just a boy. All he had was a sling and a stone. That's all they could see. Repeat: That's all they could see. But David is more than just his sling and stone. David knew He could because He had faith. And what did his brothers know of what he can do? They weren't there when David was alone and honing his skills. They don't hear his conversations with God. They don't feel and hear God's calling for him. They only know what they can see with their naked eyes. They only understand with their limited knowledge. Plus, there is envy in their hearts. Aren't we guilty of this too? At some point, weren't we like David's brothers? We think we know someone so well. We see their limitations and what they can do and we think we can predict what their future will be based on what we see. We are fast to judge and discourage with our words. Yes, we may have good intentions. We may want them to see what we can which we think is reality. But we do we really know about them; their hearts, their faith and the depth of what they can do? What is reality? As Krishna Saagar says, "You don't see the world as it is, you see it,as you are." We didn't see the time they put in to work on their God-given talents. We didn't see their sleepless nights and hard work to get to their dreams. We haven't walked in their shoes, we don't know the battles they faced and are still facing. Who are we really to judge? Let's be like David instead. Let's perfect our skills and offer the world what we have been gifted with. No matter how small or insignificant it may be to most people, even if the world would mock us, even when those we love and hope to support us laugh at us instead and tell us to "dream on," may we never waver in our faith. God Himself planted those dreams in our hearts (Bo Sanchez). Who are they to question it? Most importantly, why would we doubt that? Hasn't God shown us He can deliver? Is the God who can part the sea, calm the storm and raise the dead not powerful enough to equip us of what we need to accomplish the mission He has entrusted in us through our dreams? When we question our capabilities, we are insulting God. When people don't believe in your dreams, remember David. You may be facing a giant with only a sling and a stone in your hands, and that might look ridiculous indeed. But that's not all you've got. You have a big God Who will not let you be defeated and Who knows what you're capable of and believes in you. When people don't believe in your dreams, don't show them what you can do, but what God can do through you. When people don't believe in your dreams, listen to God's voice in your heart. It's God's opinion that matters most. The rest is just noise. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle How To Start A Lifestyle Blog: 7 Simple Steps To Follow 10:49 PM It is the digital era indeed. Online influencers and bloggers do not only have the trendiest and coolest job today, they also are financially and emotionally rewarded. How many lifestyle bloggers do you know are living your dream life? They travel, they “experience”, they share and they do what they love. For some lucky ones, they get paid to do what they’re passionate about. How to start a lifestyle blog? That is the million dollar question. Where do you begin? I’ve gathered some simple and practical tips to start building your own little kingdom on the internet as a lifestyle blogger. But first, what is a lifestyle blog? A lifestyle blog is where you, the blogger, shares your life to your readers; your interests, your activities and your thoughts. It’s as simple as that. How to Start a Lifestyle Blog: 7 Simple Steps to Follow Find Your Niche Before you even create an account, think about what your niche will be. Your niche is that one topic your blog will be centered on. Most people (like me) have numerous interests and so their blog niche is wide and varied. This is okay as long as you know how to categorize and can talk about each regularly. But for beginners, the advice would be to stick to a specific topic first. To find your niche, ask yourself these questions: What is your major interest? What do you love to do? What are you most knowledgeable of? Knowing and having your own niche is important in blogging because: Your niche will attract your target audience. You will be considered as an expert on this topic. If you haven’t established a following yet, stick to one topic so as not to confuse your readers. A confused reader will unlikely return. Choose a platform The experts would advise to choose Wordpress to make your blog look more professional. I have started with Blogger (while it was still Blogspot) and so far, no regrets. For me it is easier to navigate. There are numerous layouts now that are either free or paid that suits your taste and style. I’ve seen a lot of successful lifestyle bloggers that use Blogger and also Wordpress. Do your research and find out which one works for you. Get a domain name In deciding what to name your blog, remember: Choose a catchy name so it’s easy to remember. Keep it simple. Make your domain name reflect your blog’s niche so people would know what to expect. This also helps a lot for keyword searching. People who want to read about traveling to Southeast Asia will not likely use the keyword “constellation” in the search bar. It is tempting to use your name as a domain name but experts suggest against it if you’re not a celebrity. Some use their names and it works just fine. Just put in the work of increasing the traffic to your blog. Get your own url Nothing says more “professional”, official and authentic that having your own .com. There are many hosting services to choose from. Do your own research (yes, research is a big part of blogging), which one is best for you as most of these services offer promos and discounts all the time. They can also offer other services like customized email address and plugins. Design your page Your page is your online home or presence so to speak. It is like welcoming your visitors into your sanctuary and offering them what you know and have. Design your page to reflect your personality and niche. Make it show your signature. As for me, it’s pink because everyone who knows me knows I love the color. Plus it makes me happy. You’ll be spending majority of your life on your blog so might as well create one that you’ll be always happy to visit. Make sure it doesn’t only please you but that it also appeals to readers. Some font colors are too painful and strenuous to the eyes. Some background music or designs are too distracting. Your reader's experience is important. When they find it hard to focus on the content, they leave and most of the time, they never return. Research As mentioned, research is a huge part of blogging. Be diligent in finding answers and tips online to help you with your content. Research also helps you find solutions when you encounter technical issues. The world is bursting with fake news nowadays. Doing your own research before publishing something to double check the authenticity or credibility of the source will be much appreciated by your visitors. Write great content No matter how appealing your domain name is, even when you have the most impressive design in your blog, if you write like a robot, no one would want to follow your blog. Write contents that are interesting, informative, inspiring, funny or stirring. Proof-read. Double chekc speling. (See what I did there?) Give people a reason to hit that Share button, leave a comment and recommend your blog to their friends. Most importantly (and this is what I strongly suggest,), write honestly and from the heart. Write for people and not for SEO ranking. When you do what you love and you love what you do, you hit the sweet spot between profit and passion. That is your purpose. Keep these tips in mind and don't forget to always bring your patience, perseverance, and positive attitude. Because successful blogging is not just about posting a photo or a frivolous hobby. It involves a lot of hard work and you will encounter some frustrations along the way. If you believe blogging is your purpose, the best time to start is today. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Fashion & Style Online Shopping For Cheap Wedding And Bridesmaid Dresses 9:42 PM Just before my birthday last year, I got engaged. Yay! Like any other brides-to-be, my dress for the big day is one of the top priorities. Also not to forget the dresses for my ladies who will be there to hear me say ‘I do’. Busy as expected, online shopping for cheap wedding and bridesmaid dresses is there to the rescue. Online Shopping for Cheap Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses There are so many choices for online dress shopping. But I narrowed down my selection according to my priorities. Style, quality, and price---these are the top three things I need to consider. Thankfully, I’ve come across PromShopau.com which offers all three. There are cheap wedding dresses for every bride’s taste. There are A-line, ball gown, ivory and even maternity and plus size wedding dresses. What did I say? EVERY bride. Upon checking, PromShopau is now selling marked down prices on their select bridal gowns, mother of the bride dress, bridesmaid dresses and even prom dresses. For those wondering what to order, they have recommended dresses, recent designs for 2018, dresses under AU$100 and styles, colors, and lengths that will suit every woman’s taste. They also have a helpful size chart. I’m checking them out for more options. I think you should too. They have dresses as budget friendly as AU$50 to more than AU$800 for those willing to splurge . They have styles for the simple and sweet bride. For those with fairy tale-themed wedding, they have gowns fit for a princess. Check out their website to see and be in awe. Photos from PromShopau website. This article may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Health & Wellness How To Sleep More Soundly At Night 8:20 AM Most people have difficulty getting to sleep every now and then. Fortunately, there are a lot of simple steps that you can take to make falling asleep easier, helping to ensure that your body gets its much-needed rest. How To Sleep More Soundly At Night Don't drink coffee or caffeinated sodas too late in the day. Caffeine has a stimulating effect that can keep you from falling asleep. It can take more than eight hours for the effects of caffeine to dissipate. That means that a late-afternoon cup of coffee can wind up keeping you up all night. Make sure to stop drinking coffee at least five or six hours before you head to bed. Don't rely on alcohol to help you sleep. When you drink alcohol, it makes you drowsy. As a result, it has the effect of making it easier to fall asleep. Unfortunately, it also makes it more difficult to reach the deeper levels of sleep required by your body. That means that you may wake up more frequently during the night. This can leave you feeling exhausted the following morning. Unwind before going to bed. When you are stressed out, it is practically impossible to fall asleep. You can help counteract stress by taking time to unwind before going to bed. Try setting up a routine that you do every night to relax. For instance, you could take a bath and then read a book to clear your mind and soothe your body before going to bed. You may even find it beneficial to write down everything that you are worried about. Next to each item on your list, write down steps that you can take to deal with the problem. Sometimes, getting these items out of your head and down on paper can keep you from laying awake worrying about them. Choose the right time of the day to exercise. Sticking to a regular exercise schedule can improve the quality of your sleep. It is important, however, to exercise at the right time of the day. When you exercise, your body releases a stress hormone known as cortisol. This hormone can keep you awake if you exercise too close to bedtime. Most experts recommend exercising in the morning instead. Minimize noise and light in your bedroom. As a general rule of thumb, you will get better sleep if your room is dark and quiet. Turn off your TV, radio, or any devices that make sound. Invest in room-darkening curtains or blinds. Avoid using the overhead light too late at night. Instead, rely on a small, dim nightlight. Make sure your room is the proper temperature for sleeping, as well. If your room is too hot or too cold, it can keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Try to keep the temperature in the 68 to 72° range. Modify your eating habits. If you are used to eating a huge meal right before you go to bed, it could be keeping you awake at night. At the same time, however, if you go to bed too hungry, it also can keep you from getting to sleep. There are certain foods that can help promote sleep. For instance, foods that are high in tryptophan such as milk may make it easier to sleep. You can also try eating foods like halibut, tuna, almonds, walnuts, oats, bananas, apricots, peaches, artichokes, eggs, and bok choy. Try to limit your fluid intake later in the day. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid drinking any liquids after 8:00 PM so that you don't have to get up for a bathroom break in the middle of the night. Don't smoke right before bed. Even though having a cigarette may feel soothing, nicotine is actually a stimulant. As a result, it can wind up making it more difficult for you to sleep. Try to finish smoking earlier in the evening so that the nicotine has plenty of time to leave your bloodstream before you head to bed. Try not to nap. If you are having difficulty sleeping, taking naps may compound the problem. If you absolutely have to take a nap, try to limit it to approximately 15 or 20 minutes. A short nap like this can be refreshing - especially if you take the nap about eight hours after rising. New mattress. A new mattress can be a lovely thing to help you sleep and really make a huge difference to how you feel when you wake up. These mattresses from Hampton and Rhodes are known to be great quality. Don't allow your pets to sleep with you. Pets are cute and cuddly. Unfortunately, they also move around a lot during the night and leave allergens on your bedding. Try purchasing comfortable pet beds that you can place next to your own bed to provide them with their own place to sleep. Limit the types of activities that you do in bed. Your bed should be reserved solely for sleeping and for intimate activities. Never do work, watch TV, snack, or talk about your problems while you are in bed. Otherwise, your body may have a hard time relaxing in bed, making it more challenging to get to sleep. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Health & Wellness Pick An Ideal Retinol Cream For Your Skin 2:39 PM There is no dearth of products available for skincare in the industry. Every few weeks there are new launches that take the fashion and beauty industry by a storm. With hundreds of products in the market, it can become difficult to make a choice. However, it is important to note that every cream is not suitable for your skin type. There are creams which contain retinol and it is said to be very effective. You need to choose a cream with retinol that works the best for your skin. Here are the top 10 creams available in the market: Pick An Ideal Retinol Cream For Your Skin Skinceuticals Retinol Cream: This cream is the top choice for many. It is easy to use and gives significant results. It is used by many professionals and it works fast. It will ensure that the skin becomes clearer, smoother and has less noticeable wrinkles and fine lines. SkinMedica Retinol Complex: Professionals vouch by this cream currently available in the market. It does not produce any irritation or redness but it is a little bit sticky after it dries. It is a good wrinkle cream which works on fine lines, discoloration and rough skin. Strivectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Cream: This cream is the easiest to apply and even a little bit goes a long way. It spreads with ease and blends quickly on the skin. The best thing about the cream is the light and fresh smell which lingers on for a long time. It gives short term and long term results that are effective and your skin will look smoother and clearer once you start using it. Obagi Retinol 1.0s: This cream has been a top performer for a long time now. Its 1% concentration formula is gentle but very effective. There are no side effects of this product and includes skin soothing ingredients like shea butter and bisabolol. Kate Somerville Retasphere Retinol Night Cream: This is a very good retinol cream which shows effective results in the short term and the long term. It works on the fine lines and increases skin smoothness. Another advantage of the cream is that it is moisturizing, this can be rarely said about all retinol creams. However, it is a little thick when you apply. Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM: This simple but effective product works wonders on the skin. It does not have many ingredients outside of retinol and the retinol percentage is higher than other treatments. It does a perfect job on fine lines and wrinkles. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream: This is one product which proves that you do not have to spend a huge amount to get good results from a wrinkle cream. There are a few better retinol creams out there, but this one is value for money. You will not find a better cream for this price. It is easy to use and works really well on the skin. Algenist Retinol Firming and Lifting Serum: This cream is priced on the higher side but works well for firming and lifting the skin. It shows excellent short term and long term results in addition to improvement in the evenness and softness of the skin. Philosophy Help Me Retinol Treatment: This is a perfect product for individuals with a sensitive skin. If you want a product that reduces fine lines and dark spots without causing irritation, this cream is meant for you. It is a highly preferred choice of many. Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus: This cream shows exceptional results in the long term. Its short term results are impressive, but the long ones are even better! However, it has a high price tag but scores well if you look at all the other areas. Find the best retinol creams at www.retinol.com/best-retinol-creams. Their review has been prepared after using the cream and trying out every product for the short term and the long term. Consider your skin type and the kind of treatment you are looking to provide your skin with. If the product meets your requirement, you should definitely go for it. Depending on your skin type, the cream will show its results. Hence, if you notice significant results on your skin after regular use of a particular cream, it is advisable to stick to it. With tons of options available in the market, you will be spoilt for choice. Read the reviews and consider the ratings when you make your decision to buy. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Fashion & Style 9 Things You Need To Consider When Buying Diamonds 5:19 PM Buying a diamond, whether for oneself or a loved one, will probably be a big decision in most people’s lives. After all, a diamond is not only a statement piece but also a big investment. As such, it is necessary to do a thorough research to ensure that you only buy diamonds that are the best bang for your buck. If you are not too knowledgeable about what to consider when buying a diamond, then the below tips will definitely help you make the right choices. 9 Things You Need To Consider When Buying Diamonds Decide On Your Budget The first factor to take into account is your budget. How much are you willing to spend on the diamond? Since they come in all price ranges, knowing what you can afford will definitely help you narrow down the choice and keep any tendency of overspending in check. Usually, people tend to follow the ‘3-month rule’ which means that one should set a budget equivalent to ones three month’s salary to make a purchase. So, if you have a monthly salary of $2500, you can set a budget of $7500 when it comes to buying a diamond necklace, ring, or anything similar. However, do keep in mind that this is only a recommendation. The real budget must only be decided based on your financial situation. So, if you cannot afford to spend $7500, then never try to set it as the budget. Overspending on your diamond can easily punch you into deep debt that can take years for you to settle. That is definitely something that you should totally avoid. via ActiveHolidayCompany.com The Four “Cs” The next big thing you need to watch out for when buying a diamond is something called the Four Cs of diamond – cut, color, clarity, and carat. The cut of a diamond refers to the way in which it has been shaped. This will determine how well the diamond sparkles. As a rule of thumb, you should only buy diamonds which has a cut that has been at least rated a ‘Good’. Never buy anything less than that. Not only will the diamond have less sparkle, but you might also find it pretty tough to get good resale value in case you decide to sell it off at a future date. If possible, definitely buy a cut that has been rated ‘Very Good’ Color does not actually refer to how colorful a diamond is. In contrast, it refers to how colorless it is. The color of a diamond can range anywhere from yellow to complete transparency. As should be obvious, diamonds that are the clearest are considered to be the most highly valued while those that tend to be colored are of less value. The diamonds are assigned grades where, D, E, and F signify pure, clear diamonds, while X,Y, and Z represent the diamonds that have the highest amount of coloration. Typically, most experts suggest that one must only buy diamonds which have at least been color graded as H. Clarity denotes whether a diamond is clean and free from any defects, both inside and outside. The clarity of a diamond is rated from IF (internal Flawless) which is considered the best clarity diamond, to I3 (Imperfect 3) which is considered the lowest clarity diamond. Now, you don’t have to be obsessed about getting a diamond with the highest clarity. Some inclusions in the diamonds are not only okay but also lends the diamond its own unique identity. If you plan on selling it in the future, then you should only buy diamonds with a clarity grade of VS1 or higher. Carat refers to how much the diamond weighs. If you are on a tight budget, it is recommended that you look to buy a diamond that is just shy of standard carat cut-offs like 0.5, 0.1, 1.25, and so on. It is at these carat weights that diamond prices increase the most. As such, buying just below these levels can get you a good quality diamond that fits within your budget. So, if you are planning to buy a 1.5 carat ring, then opt for something like 1.45 carat instead of 1.5. If you do focus on ensuring that other factors like cut, color, and clarity are all up to the mark, you will definitely end up with a diamond that is good value for money. Trusted Seller You must only deal with a seller who has a good reputation for dealing with diamonds. Remember that you will be investing quite a lot of money in the diamond. As such, dealing with a shady seller may result in you owning a low-quality diamond at an exorbitant cost. So, check the background of the seller and ensure that they have been in the business for several years. Get the opinion of your friends, relatives, and co-workers to find a good seller. And above all, be wary of a seller who offers a diamond at a price that seems too good to be true. Fluorescence Fluorescence has been called as the invisible flaw in a diamond, and here is a reason for it. Unless the fluorescence is strongly observable, its effect on the appearance of the diamond is pretty minimal. However, this does not mean that the price is not affected. Even the slightest indication of fluorescence will cause a diamond to be valued at a lesser price. So, when going to purchase a diamond, you can get some pretty good deals if you are willing to compromise and are okay about buying diamonds with fluorescence. Considering that a normal person will never be able to distinguish between a diamond with slight fluorescence and no fluorescence, this should be a good buying opportunity for people with limited budgets. Shape When it comes to shape, diamonds which are round in shape tend to be the most expensive. And as the roundness of the diamond decreases, its cost also decreases dramatically. While around 1 carat VS1 diamond might cost you around $9000 to $9500, an oval-shaped diamond of the same weight and clarity will only cost you around $6500 to $7000. So, if you are not too obsessed with getting a perfectly shaped diamond, you can literally save thousands of dollars. And if your budget is pretty limited, then this is your best choice. via Giphy Certification Diamonds also come with certifications from professional bodies. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) represent two of the most popular certification authorities in the world. Other professional certification bodies you might come across include the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD). As far as possible, stick with diamonds that have been certified by AGS and GIA. That will ensure that the diamond you are buying is of the highest quality. Setting You must also decide on the setting of the diamond. Generally, people prefer to have the diamonds set in platinum since the colors tend to match each other. The diamond will also reflect the metal in which it is being set to some extent. Since platinum is white in color, it blends in very well with the diamond. In recent times, there has also been an increasing shift to gold. If you do decide to set your diamond on a gold ring, then you have to understand that the diamond can appear slightly yellowish around the corners since it is reflecting the gold. But on the positive side, this also means that you don’t have to spend too much money on a diamond that has been rated very high on the color grade since that level of color clarity will not be required when you are setting the diamond on gold. Girdle If you are buying a diamond that has an extremely thin girdle, then do consider setting it in a way that all its corners will be protected. In case the corners are constantly exposed to rough surfaces, then it is very likely that the girdle will be prone to chipping. This will inevitably cause the diamond to look flawed which can negatively affect its resale value. It is to avoid such difficulties that it is recommended to protect the girdle when you set the diamond. via Giphy Conflict Free Finally, you should make sure that the diamond you buy is ‘conflict-free’. Since diamond is extremely valuable, it often tends to create various conflicts in areas where they are mined. Severe human rights violations, genocides, slave labor etc. can also be present in the acquisition of such diamonds. It is in this backdrop that the Kimberley process was conceptualized. If the diamond is being sourced from a country is following the Kimberley process, then that is a guarantee that the diamond has been mined under a fair environment where no human abuse was committed and fair labor laws have been practiced. Such diamonds are also called ‘conflict-free’ diamonds. By deciding to purchase them over other diamonds, you will be doing a good deed for this world. 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Lux Thinking Aloud The Power Of An Introvert 7:00 PM The Power Of An Introvert For years I was trying to find my place in the "social world". I don't understand why growing up, I don't enjoy large crowds or parties or group activities as people my age do. It was confusing that I found going out, partying, meeting new people and trying to socialize more boring than when I am home curled up in a corner reading a book or watching a movie. Or that one-on-one conversations are more interesting and elating than a group discussion. Late have I realized the power of an introvert. Labeled as a nerd or geek, weirdo, naive, spoilsport, boring or even a snob didn't bother me that much because I was and still am happy and comfortable with myself. I once tried to go with the majority thinking maybe I really was missing something or I have had a personal issue I needed to deal with. So, I went out and partied and tried to move in a fast pace just to keep up with everyone else and see if the grass is really greener on the other side of the fence. No luck. I found loud music, disco lights and parties in general shallow and boring. Really, I can sleep right in the middle of the party out of boredom. Yes, that sounds weird but everyone has quirks and that's mine. Then I came across a word that describes me best: introvert. According to science, introverts are people who are over-sensitive to Dopamine, so too much external stimulation overdoses and exhausts them. Their counterpart, the extroverts on the other hand, cant get enough Dopamine and so their brains require Adrenaline--- the hormone that's responsible for the increase in heart rate, pulse rate and blood pressure. Needless to say, extroverts are "out there", gregarious and the life of the party while introverts become more alive and switched on in the wilderness. That's so me! Sometimes when it gets too much talking, socializing and just listening to people chatter, I find myself locked up in the bathroom. Not really doing anything but just finding solace about being alone in the quiet. Recharging because being in the company of others sucks up so much of my life battery. All the while, I was feeling like an outcast and a weirdo. Little did I know I was being normal. I was just being myself. According to Susan Cain, a Wall Street lawyer and a self proclaimed introvert, introversion is more on how to react to a stimuli. She said it is often mistook for shyness which is the fear of social judgment but they are different. The problem with our society is that institutions like schools and workplaces are designed for extroverts. In school or in the office, you are forced to work with a group even on tasks that you can and would rather work on alone. According to Adam Grant, introverts make better leaders because they deliver better outcomes by letting their members run with their ideas unlike extroverts who tends to get too excited with their ideas. There are many great leaders who are introverts like Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt who led not because they want to but because, as Susan Cain puts it, they are driven to do what they thought was right. Check Susan Cain's video here. We often hear that we can find true wisdom and peace only in solitude and silence. Even in the Bible, God spoke to Moses when He was alone. God spoke to Elijah in the calmness. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. -1 King 19: 11-12 Sometimes I find it unfair when people force me to go out and tell me to have a break or let loose or relax a little bit and have some fun. People, I am having fun! Just because I am alone and quiet doesn't mean I'm bored and miserable. Just as not because some people are loud and going crazy shouting, screaming, being in the center of the party doesn't mean they are totally, perfectly, absolutely happy. It may not appear that introverts like me are enjoying because we don't move around and talk a lot but it is in the quiet that we are more comfortable---and thus, happier. This is where we thrive and where we find bliss. It may not seem much, but to us, it's heaven. Don't get me wrong though. It's not that I hate extroverts or I'm anti-social or that I'm agoraphobic. In fact most of my friends are "socially active" and we have tons of fun when we're together. Carl Jung, a psychological theorist said extroversion and introversion are typically viewed as a single continuum. According to Carl Jung: No one is a pure introvert or a pure extrovert. Jung compared the two processes to the heartbeat-there is a rhythmic alternation between the cycle of contraction (introversion) and the cycle of expansion (extroversion). However, each individual tends to favor one or the other attitude and operates more often in terms of the favored attitude. Introverts see the world in terms of how it affects them, and extroverts are more concerned with their impact upon the world. So balance is the key. I wish I can say that I am an ambivert and I live in euphoria but I cant. I am and I think will always be primarily "inward-oriented". Still, I think I am blessed that I know my strengths and I embrace my flaws that I don't need to try and fit in so that people will approve of me or accept me as I am. I have a gift. I am special. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am rare. I am exquisite. I am an introvert. I don't shout it out. I just revel on it and continue to watch the world get amazed on how my gentleness and quietude can change lives one hush conversation at a time. Photos and gifs from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
