The Peace and Happiness Adventure

As a holistic health, happiness and manifestation coach, I’ve gone on a journey of self-acceptance, prioritising my wellbeing over societal expectations that tend to be extrovert centric. Embracing my introversion, especially as a highly sensitive person, has been transformative. Society often favours extroversion, making it challenging to always accept and love yourself as an introvert.

Initially, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, attempting to conform to my extroverted friends lifestyle. Going out with large groups who became louder and more attention seeking, felt unnatural and unfulfilling. Despite not enjoying these nights out, I persisted, only to experience disappointment when I didn’t make true friends. My lack of social connections led to a skewed perception of my worth and I truly felt there must be something wrong with me.

Faking extroversion to fit in or drinking too much to hide the discomfort became tiresome, prompting a shift in perspective. I decided to prioritise my needs, embracing authenticity over conformity. If being labeled “dull” for not going to certain social events meant living authentically and not being made to feel invisible any longer, I welcomed it.

Overcoming fears associated with being a sensitive introvert required introspection and addressing common concerns:

1. Fear of Upsetting Friends: True friends respect boundaries; the ones that truly care will understand if you explain honestly and don’t make up excuses.
2. Fear of Being Perceived as Vanilla: Authentic friends embrace your true self; seek those who provide acceptance and support. Find others that relate. You’ll be surprised how many people are feeling the same.
3. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Evaluate the significance of events; consider your wellbeing before succumbing to external pressures, or set boundaries, such as when you start to feel uncomfortable or your energy is feeling drained you give yourself permission to leave.
4. Pressure to Conform: Recognise the validity of your needs as an introvert. Challenge societal norms that don’t align with your wellbeing. You are not broken and there is absolutely nothing wrong in living the way you want to.
5. People-Pleasing Tendencies: Prioritise your needs, acknowledging that self-respect is vital for wellbeing. Burnout isn’t pretty.
6. Reframing Negative Self-talk: Speak to yourself with compassion and love. You deserve to live in a way that makes you happy, aligned with your true self and values.

Adjusting your internal dialogue takes time, but the effort results in a life aligned with personal needs and authenticity.

Embracing your true self as an introvert or highly sensitive person is a journey worth taking, leading to self-discovery and the fulfillment of your own wants and desires. Change may not happen overnight, but the initial steps toward self-acceptance pave the way for a life true to your nature, living life on your own terms and being proud of the person you have become.