Introvert in a Blogging World

I am an introvert.  

Its a fact about me.  I am not one for labels but this word best describes me and how I interact with people.  I am fairly outgoing when I want to be but I am mildly socially awkward when I am not prepared for a situation.  

BUT, I draw my energy from small, more intimate gatherings or being alone.  I am better 1 on 1 then I am in a group, most of the time.  Even though sometimes 1 on 1 can intimate me.  

I am shy.

This one has gotten worse over the last few years. I used to be shy only in large groups or with people I don't know at all.  Once I got to know you I was far from shy.  But lately, I find myself shy even with people I know well.  I think its a security and insecurity thing but its there.  

I love people.

I love getting to know people. I love learning what makes people tick. I like helping people.  My introversion and shyness can get in my way but I do love people.

I started to realize lately one of the reasons I love the blogging world so much is because I can be an introvert and still get to know people.  Sadly, its because its on my own terms. That part I feel bad about but its true.  

I've loved developing relationships with people with common interests.  I love being able to pray for, encourage, learn from and grow with some amazing people.  I really wouldn't trade my time blogging for anything.  

I do find myself getting overwhelmed at times.  There are just so many of them out there.  Battling with when its appropriate not to respond or even to respond.  Who to get to know and who not to get to know.  I get overwhelmed with expectations... my own of course.  I don't want someone to feel jilted or ignored because I know what its like to feel that way. I am learning how to trust that relationships will form naturally and its not my job or responsibility to force anything that isn't there, on either side.  

Although, being an introvert in a blogging world is safe, I am also learning that I can't let my shyness or introversion keep me from developing real relationships right in front of me.  I retreat into the blogging world because it's easy and somewhat safe so I need to make sure I don't overlook the relationships and needs going on in front of me.  

Are you an introvert? What are piece of advice do you give other introverts in/out of the blogging world?  

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a great week!

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Sweet Discipline, Part 2

Picture curtesy of HGTV

I wrote a blog the other day about God's discipline on my life. Another area of discipline for me has been in how we view ourselves in relation to the situations and people around us.  I've heard several people in various places lately make comments like "I deserve this" or "I just want to be recognized for this" or "I need to do this for me."  Most times I have been the one saying these things.