Illumined Life Leadership

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how who we are—mind, body, and spirit— is truly a magical potion created to support us, if we so allow it. 

 

Because I’m in the personal and professional development industry I have the pleasure of assessing individuals on their personalities, behaviors, energy levels, strengths, etc. It’s really cool to see how unique each of us truly is! One of the questions I usually get is, “How can I be equally extraverted and introverted? Shouldn’t I be more of one?” 

It’s a great question, and one that could help us make certain life decisions, based on what may be the better or best environment for us to thrive. So, I can see how it would be confusing to someone to be equally both. If they are searching for one way to operate, well being 50-50 may not help, right? Wrong!

 

Since I’m always reflecting upon my own behaviors, strengths and patterns, I recently had an “Aha” moment that helped me solve this dilemma for myself. You see, I, too, am equally extraverted and introverted. It’s funny because some people experience me as a very peaceful, pensive, and quiet person, and others experience me as a loud, expressive, and opinionated person! If you happen to know me well, like many of my family members and best friends, well you’ve seen it all! In fact, my girlfriends often make fun of me during our annual girls trip, because I’ll have a very extraverted day, but by a certain time I REALLY need to get quiet and tune out. They’ll be chatting and laughing until the wee hours of the night, and I’ll be there with them, with one eye and ear open and one eye and ear closed, coming in and out of the conversation as I choose. It’s quite funny!

 

But, lately, I’ve experienced the beauty in this nice mix. I LOVE speaking and training. It’s truly a passion for me. I prep like crazy for all of my presentations, no matter the audience or topic. My “E” side goes all out for days before and doesn’t quite until the moment that presentation is over. But here’s what I love and respect about my “I” side. In that very moment, it’s like I’ve exhaled all of that “E” energy, and my body, mind and soul are ready to lull me into a peaceful state and ensure I get the rest and disconnection I absolutely need. 

 

I was watching an interview with Glennon Doyle Melton of Momastery.com, and she said something to the effect of… 

 

“I absolutely love speaking and being on stage, but when I’m done, it’s all about pizza and really bad TV. I have to go away and go within.”

 

I hear ya, Sister!!!

 

Just as I’m describing what my needs are based on my makeup, I know so many other speakers and trainers who MUST go out and celebrate for hours on end after a “gig”.  Bottom line…it’s really helpful to know yourself and what you need to recoup. It’s different for all of us, and that’s awesome.

 

What’s your makeup? How does it shift depending upon the activity? Understanding these things about us helps us to honor our needs every day.

 

It’s your life. Lead it well.

 

Monique