Oh the woes of being quiet! It's a world of wandering around society having to repeat yourself two or three times, because of your soft spoken voice, a constant feeling of being spoken over when that other person can't reserve his or her thoughts for five seconds, that dreaded place of work with all the constant bustle and noise, noise, noise, and the place where people always seem to overlook you, because you literally can't, nor do you want to bring attention to yourself. It feels like being a little insignificant nobody in a world of somebodies, but are quiet people really nobodies? I've struggled with this lie many times. We have a contribution to this world that is significant and greatly valued.
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Becky,
You are so quiet, but
you have so much about you.
You are one of the most gentle
loving people I know. I will
miss you next year. Take care.
Love Always... |
This particular note I received once was a great example of the influence we as quiet ones can have on the world around us. I selected this specific note, because it was an eye opener to me when I read it. It was during a time when I really struggled with who I was, the time when I hated the fact that I was quiet and felt like I wasn't good at anything. This note was a reminder I needed to see that there were some good things about me, and that despite all the so-called imperfections I seemed to have, there was at least one thing going good for me. I honestly didn't completely understand or fully see this person's insight until some time later, but it was certainly something I needed to be aware of at the time.
There have been times after this note when I received this same message. It seems like one I need to remember always since people keep having to remind me of it. Honestly, I don't realize it most of the time. All I know is that I like the company of people here and there, and I see so many other quiet ones out there that I've been privileged to get to know who seem to do so much better with that particular gift, but as it is with looking at yourself in a mirror, there are angles and shapes you don't see accurately.
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This note here was also one that took me by surprise. It was a message by someone who wasn't in my immediate group of friends. This goes to show that there are people outside of the circle watch also. There was no immediate significant personality change prior to this. I was still as quiet as ever. The only difference would be that I'd learned to accept it for what it was and continued on. What really surprised me is the fact that she stated I had an air of confidence about who I was. Sometimes what impressions I give off to people really surprise me. I'm still pondering over the word choice of calling me a "silent spirit" though. I naturally think that what she meant to say was that I was a quiet soul; however, it feels like there was something more significant behind that specific word choice. It could have meant that I had a significant unspoken energy that I emit, but I can't say exactly. I know there is something there I tend to give off to people, because I've seen it in their faces when they pick it up. Whether or not this is what this particular girl meant is unknown. It's reminders like these that keep me moving and knowing that despite my super quiet tendencies, people do pick up on things, so it really isn't true that you have to be boisterous and loud to be a good influence.
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This message was from my good friend. She came into my life not long after one of my good friends from childhood moved out. Not saying that she replaced her. No one does that, but it was nice to have a new face in the group. She was a little shy at first, but I probably was too. As soon as we got to know each other's personalities though, it was instant friendship. Her personality was not as quiet as mine, and she had a quick wit, which I absolutely loved, and that encouraged me to bring out some of my humor, which she fully understood. I can't number all of the times we laughed together. She was super easy to get along with. In the note she mentions my all-too-famous glares which I'm known to give sometimes. Some people have nearly feared death with those glares, but she laughed them off and turned it into something delightfully witty. She had some physical issues, but always seemed so cheerful. She claims I was an inspiration as well as a friend to her, but she was so good to me also. I have always loved seeing people with these close friendships. The impact we made on each other were significant.
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| Had to add a finale. |
I have examples all throughout my life that prove to me that despite all of the loudness and chaotic competition out there, there is a place for those of us who are quiet. The world actually needs us. There are so many places the others can handle and do well, but there are also so many places they neglect, and it is in those places those of us who are quiet shine at our best. We don't say much, but we have the ability to bring the project, no matter what type or matter it may be, to a more successful and pleasing result. There's no such thing as a better way when either extroverts or introverts are left out of the picture. Let all of those who excel at it have their spotlights while we who work better in the dark stay backstage and take control of the other stuff. It takes both to run the show.
A quiet influence: the world
needs it.
