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Okay, I Admit It! Will You?

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 new blog photo dec 11

I have a confession (or two). And perhaps…just perhaps you may be with me.

Confession #1. As much as you’ve seen me proclaim how I loooove this time of year… there’s also one aspect I dread.

Nope, not commercialism… no, it’s not family (my family rocks!)…

It’s holiday party invitations.

Okay, I do love dressing up, the holiday festiveness, and general food yumminess… So, what’s left to hate?

Socializing.

More so, socializing with “strangers.”  …Hey, my parents taught me never to talk to strangers… Whaddya want me to do?! ;D

Hi, I’m Charlene + I’m an introvert.

Going from one party to another, making forced conversation, and the overwhelming, unstoppable energy buzz is enough to send me into a migraine!

Can I just stay home, curled up on the couch in cozy clothes with hubby, watching tv or reading?

{{Granted, I am borderline extrovert + can do with socializing from time to time… but really, that side mostly comes through when I’m 1-on-1 with someone.}}

Confession #2. Years ago I had a problem that’s actually NOT that uncommon. Translation: Even if you’re an extrovert (or somewhere in between), this could be you!

I was a People Pleaser.

Despite my introversion, I said “yes” to EVERY get together + party even if I didn’t have the energy to go.

Why? Because I didn’t want to let people down.

But how much are they REALLY getting from me if I’m showing up with no energy to give?

 

No Means Yes!… What???

Here’s the thing, though…

No matter what sort of “-vert” you are, we need to honor ourselves and our body’s intuition — especially when it says “no!” {{This, of course, can go beyond social events.}}

Putting ourselves out there to please others only to have our systems break down (i.e. exhaustion, migraines, illness), doesn’t do ANYONE any good.

Yes, there will be times when we just feel lazy* or have an irrational fear** about going to an event. In those cases, reevaluate. Your intuition will absolutely let you know what you should do.

Hint: the answer is usually “GO!” AND you can always plan to make an early exit. Leave them wanting more, baby! 😉


bird* lazy = not tired. You have the energy to go, you owe it to yourself or friend to be there, you just don’t “feel like it.”  This not your way out! Please go. 😉

** ahem, fear shouldn’t stop us — unless the event will put our lives at risk!


As soon as I started to put “no” into play + saying “yes!” to my body’s intuition, it’s been a whole other ballgame!

Sure, I still have to make the rounds of gatherings here + there, but I know that I am honoring myself and/or my friends by doing so… AND because I said “no” to other event-drainers, I have plenty of energy left to spare!

And for all you fellow introverts out there, here’s a book that’s on my Holiday Wish List by Susan Cain: “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking.” Click the image below to check it out:

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever gone to a party (holiday event or not) + regretted it? Haha, and I’m not talking about the college or early-20-something mischievities from back in the day. 😉 (and yes, I’m creating a new word: mischief + activities = mischievities)

Have you been able to say “yes!” to your body intuition more + have tips you can share?

I LOVE hearing from you, so tell me about it in the comments below!

Wishing you lots of joy, love, physical + spiritual health this season. Thank you ever so much for reading!

 

with love + charm,

p.s.  Share the love! Pass this on to your family + friends… Scroll down + click on one of the fun Share buttons! xoxo

 

 

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4 Comments on Okay, I Admit It! Will You?

  1. Erin Chumas
    December 13, 2013 at 9:31 pm (10 years ago)

    Well, I have already been run over by the holiday party wheel. Too many obligations! Wouldn’t it be just HEAVEN to curl up under the Christmas tree with a cup of hot tea and watch movies and read books? And isn’t it ironic that when nature slows down for the winter months, we humans pick up speed? Great blog, Charlene!

    Reply
    • Charlene Marie
      December 13, 2013 at 10:08 pm (10 years ago)

      Oh my gosh, simply HEAVEN!!! And yes, totally ironic. It’s a great time to celebrate with family + friends, but let’s just be cozy and have a movie-watching night by the fire, Christmas or Yule tree, and some hot cider to boot! 😉 xo

      Reply
  2. Christina
    December 19, 2013 at 7:20 am (10 years ago)

    I am definitely mostly an introvert. I would much rather be cozy at home and/or at a small outing with a few friends, than at a party with a bunch of unknown people. I will definitely pay more attention to my body and my intuition. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Charlene Marie
      December 19, 2013 at 8:04 pm (10 years ago)

      Yeah, it just puts a lot LESS stress on our body when we can honor our natural inclinations, doesn’t it? Even for those who are extroverted, having some time to wind down and take time for themselves can be so beneficial by keeping their immune systems up and healthy! Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! xo

      Reply

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