Anyone who listens to music has felt an emotional response to a particular song at some point, if not often. Introverts, highly sensitive people, empaths, or anyone internally focused will naturally experience strong emotions to much of the music they listen to. After all, music interacts directly with your brain, affecting everything from your heart rate, motivation, and anxiety levels to emotional response, focus, and memory. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” – Plato Have you ever listened to an old song because it somehow brings you […]
How to Make Friends with an INFJ
As an INFJ, it can be difficult to make friends because we’re already highly selective of who we choose to befriend, and tend to be better listeners than conversationalists. That is, unless you get us talking about something you know we’re passionate about. Of course, you’d have to know us well enough to know our passions. I know. It’s a conundrum. So, how do you really get to know an INFJ to the point of creating a friendship? And, how can an INFJ get out of their own way to make a new and meaningful friendships? INFJs Tend to Play it […]
Being an INFJ Mother is Mostly a Blessing
When I first became a mother, I had no idea I was an INFJ personality type, but looking back, I can now understand why I struggled so much. Being a mom is hard enough, but being and INFJ mom (or dad) poses some unique challenges. Fortunately, it also has some incredible benefits. As an INFJ mom, these values were important to me: always be true to yourself, do your best, be honest, and do the right thing. And, be in the moment (especially difficult for INFJs, so still learning). A Creative Side to INFJ Parents There are no downsides to […]
An INFJ’s Freedom to Say No
It has recently occurred to me that I am a people-pleaser who always says “yes”, and there are times when I should say “no”. When I go against meeting my own needs, I’m sacrificing a little of myself each time for the sake of the greater good – harmony. Also, it’s just easier to say yes. Why? Because saying no often has repercussions. Setting boundaries can be difficult for an INFJ. It involves approaching someone and then actually verbally discussing the boundary, which can create the potential for conflict. And as an INFJ, I don’t want conflict in my life. […]
MIA Due to Trauma & Injury
I wanted to give you a brief overview on why I haven’t been blogging for the last several months. It wasn’t out of choice, but trauma and circumstance. I will go into details later, as I’m not ready to do that just yet. My last post, about attending a blog conference was in April. Literally, on my last day in California, I got word that my grandmother wasn’t doing well, so I went home, unpacked and repacked, and headed immediately to Seattle to see her. Unfortunately, the day I arrived at the hotel I was staying at, I slipped and […]
Attending a Blog Conference as an Introvert
I don’t know if you know this, but I also have a craft video channel that I’ve been contributing to for years. I’ve been struggling with a lack of motivation after starting this blog, so I made the decision to attend a blog conference, which just happens to be about a thousand miles outside of my little introvert comfort zone. “The best way out is always through.” ―Robert Frost This was my first time ever going to any kind of conference as an introvert on my own, so I chose a “smallish” conference. I would recommend choosing a smaller “starter” […]
How HSPs can Limit or Avoid News to Protect Themselves
Highly sensitive people are directly affected by their environment, so controlling our environment, to some degree, is necessary. We absorb things around us like a sponge, whether it’s people’s moods, horror movies, or a violent or a sad story in the news. This can create a sense of overwhelm, discomfort, and anxiety. Some will say that we’re burying our heads in the sand when it comes to avoid news, but I strongly disagree. We don’t need news in our face 24 hours a day, which is what we’re faced with, and the news of today is much more devastating and […]
12 Things to Add to Your Introvert Bucket List
Awhile back, I wrote an ironic introvert bucket list, but I’d like to get a little more into stretching our comfort zones with some different things you can add to your bucket list. We like to draw lines in the sand so often, but what we don’t often associate with that line is what we might be missing out on on the other side of it. Beyond keeping me safe and comfortable, my boundaries also provide a convenient and unnecessary crutch for my fears. It’s a giant pile of “what ifs”. What if I say no and I regret it? […]