I was excited to find a new book written by Holley Gerth entitled The Powerful Purpose of Introverts. It reminded me of when I was in school and I was able to sit in a desk made for left-handed writers. While I am used to adapting to what seems like an extroverted world, I feel like this book was written to describe me.

Using these labels to categorize everyone in one group or the other seems too restrictive since most people fall somewhere in the middle of the continuum. However, for the sake of clarity, I will use introvert to describe people who generally are recharged by solitude and extrovert to refer to those who are primarily energized by being with others.  Here are a few interesting things I learned. Introverts and extroverts tend to use different words to describe feelings of happiness. While someone else may be enthusiastic or excited, I may feel calm or content. This was validating to me because I don’t often feel “happy” in those extroverted ways, but when I examine my moods, I frequently feel cocooned in the Lord’s peace which is my version of happiness.

Introverts’ nervous systems are differently wired than extroverts.  Overall, they are more like to also be “highly sensitive people” which means over stimulation in the environment may overwhelm. This could result from loud noise in the background, clutter, continual binging of cell phone notifications or busyness.  However, the positive aspect of sensitivity means we are also sensitive to perceive unspoken hurts or needs. Our schedule may not be as busy, but we are present and deeply connected to those closest to us.

There is such a thing as an “introvert hangover” which explains why I want to take a nap after church. According to the book, I have overindulged in dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is released when spending time with people. As much as I enjoy seeing familiar people and hearing about what God is doing in their lives, I reach a point of overload and need time alone to de-compress.

Reading this book helped me to reframe what I perceived were the more desirable traits of extroverts to examine strengths I have inherent in the personality the Lord has created in me. I am a good listener, resilient and patient. While I may not be good at small talk and quick responses, I am a deep thinker who enjoys pondering what to write about in my next blog 😊