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Margie's avatar

I'm an introvert and can totally relate to enjoying both solitude and the company of others.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Amen! Can't do one well without the other.

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Paula's avatar

Yes, your's truly is definitely an introvert. Lol . I love your swing...

Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend. I appreciate you.

xo

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Linda Stoll's avatar

May God bless you with a special sense of His lovingkindness and warm presence this weekend, friend.

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Maryleigh's avatar

It's been much too rainy for our April to do much here. Extroverting wears me out - I like how you say, "you’re actually extroverted around people who bring you joy." Ten years ago, I would have said unequivocally I am an extravert. Yet, I would say "brave" would be a more apt word. After being "brave," I find myself utterly exhausted!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh I love the word 'brave' when it comes to all this. And yes, in the worst of situations it sure can be exhausting, Maryleigh.

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Jean Wise's avatar

You are soooo right (write). We just had a trip cancelled and I have several days coming up with nothing schedule and I am sooooo looking forward to them. My plan is to write and read. One day will be dedicated to spring cleaning. but writing is the main purpose. I do relish them as gifts. And that quote you share at the beginning. I copied that. That really struck a nerve in my heart as real truth.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Jean, that combo of writing and reading sound like bliss. I can hear yearning in your words this afternoon!

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Pamela Ecrement's avatar

Beautifully said. There are also those of us who are extroverts (not flaming so) who long for peace and days when there are no outside requirements. Having just spent several years where our days were punctuated with medical appointments and procedures that took hours out of the days and left no time for fellowship with a friend over coffee, I resonate with this even though not an introvert. At 10 years into retirement my days still need management to have balance and put "first things first" as Stephen Covey would say.💕

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Pam, I am so glad you're here. And I am thankful for the way you've spoken into my life this week about first things first. It was a caution and a nudge I needed to hear.

And can you even believe it's been 10 years?!

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Lauren Muller's avatar

"You think you’re an introvert because you like being alone, but in reality you just love being at peace, and you’re actually extroverted around people who bring you joy."

I love this so much! This just so clearly articulates the fact that "introversion" is definitely not synonymous with "anti-social"!

P.S. Nothing like a swing to feel like a little girl again ... so fun!!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

This just so clearly articulates the fact that "introversion" is definitely not synonymous with "anti-social"!

Exactly! So well said, Lauren.

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Joanne's avatar

Wow, that first quote really does nail it. I think I'm an introvert but when I'm around people I'm very comfortable with I can be so outgoing.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I know, right? This is when we see that labels and categories can be overrated or misleading.

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Debby Hudson's avatar

Excellent quote. It's a good fit for me. Actually, I describe myself as an ambivert. It all depends on the situation and people. Of course, I'm married to a true introvert :)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I hear you, Debby. The situations and people we're in tend to draw out who we truly are.

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Pam Richardson's avatar

Linda, I love time with my people. It brings me so much joy to be with family and friends. But, I also enjoy times of peace and quiet. As I am aging (aren’t we all), I love days that I can be at home and just be. Love the photo of you!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Being at home and just being. Exactly. Aren't these the best days ever?!

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Cheryl's avatar

What a wonderful post! I love the photo of you at the end. I hope you share photos of your five garden areas one day! God bless you.🙏❤🤗

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Linda Stoll's avatar

They're little areas, nothing too exciting. One is in the shape of a heart where there's a plant to honor my mom, one for my neice, Jessica, and one for my life-long friend, Heather who are all now in heaven.

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Susan Kuenzi's avatar

Loved listening to this peaceful reflection. Thanks, Linda. Lovely.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Susan, I'm glad it was worth the listen.

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Amy Johnson's avatar

I can so relate to this post. I really need my alone time to recharge, but I love to recharge with my people too.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Amy, you're so right. Sometimes spending time with our nearest and dearest is the best re-fuel we could ask for.

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Ellen Keesling's avatar

I had never heard your quote before but is it SPOT ON. ❤️

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I know, right?!

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

It sounds like April brought you showers of refreshment! My husband is the gardener, landscaper, and maintenance man. I honestly have not done a lot to help out as I adapt to acreage living (not even riding the lawn mower). But you have encouraged me to spend more time side by side with him in the garden this year. And it is a good workout for our bodies! :)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

'Acreage living.' What an apt phrase for where you're doing life, Lynn.

Actually, the side by side thing is not something we often do, but I think he's seeing that I'm not as strong and agile and energetic (like I ever was?!) and so he's carrying out my/our ideas and I'm tagging along for the ride.

These are the days when I appreciate him more than ever.

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Lois Flowers's avatar

Your April sounds lovely, Linda. ♥️♥️♥️

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Thinking of you on this beautiful evening, friend.

xo

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Valerie Britton's avatar

Every week I write out a new inspirational quote to put on the board outside my office. I think next week I’ll use the quote you used here……reading it was an “aha” moment for me and I bet it will encourage my other introverted coworkers!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

And maybe educate those extroverts who can't quite figure us out!

I hope you're enjoying your new workplace, Val.

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