When I was young, I spent a lot of time alone in my bedroom. I read books/comics, watched videos on YouTube, and did my homework. I shied away from many “real-world” activities like after-school clubs or hanging out at friends houses. I have to confess that I had never attended any birthday party of my friends until I was in university.

 

What I needed, instead, was time to process.

 

For me, student life, except university student life is exhausting, included teenager period. There are all sorts of things to process emotionally about relationships [like] why that guy you’re really into won’t give you the time of day because you’re not fitting a certain personality type. When I’m alone, just able to think and relax, that’s when I process the world the best.

 

All of my teachers noticed that “I am too quite, I need join in more activities in school”. Instead of worry, my parents felt normal, as long as I went to school, had good results.

 

To be honest, at the time, I didn’t understand that being around people drained me. I felt like a freak for wanting to spend so much time alone. 

 

A lot of people around me though I was depressed. But for me, I have my own definition of fun. For me, "fun” is usually not parties and people and doing all the things, but rather a meaningful conversation, a good book, or a relaxing afternoon to myself. However, sometimes I grow up feeling bad about who I am, because of effect of extrovert persons around me.

 

“Introversion is a personality trait where people prefer more time alone so they can focus on thoughts, feelings, and moods rather than external stimulus. If an individual feels engaged and enjoys the time alone, it’s more likely introversion than depression.” - Pete Shalek, CEO and founder of Joyable.

 

Well, I know I am introvert person and I am learning about my introversion. I understand what causes my energy depletion, I’m better able to regulate my time so I don’t get as exhausted. After work, I take a few minutes to wind down before interacting with my family. When the study, or any other problems start stressing me out, I take a five-to-ten-minute break to sit in silence (like space out), to relax my mind to find the solution. After that I award myself with a good movies. I’ve gotten to the point where I can have friend visits once or twice a week and not feel rundown and crabby after the fact. I attend basketball group once a week to help me more healthy and make friends. I also can schedule side activities in a more productive way that doesn’t completely ruin me. My major is Marketing, it helps me more active, socialise, improve my communication skills,…

 

A lot of my anxiety issues involving people have faded, and I’m more energized in the moment of my interactions. I’ve actually become a much more social person.

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I would love to hear about your story - how to motivate yourself. Comment or send me a message to share your story. Sharing inspiration and motivation story might be the inspirational story for someone who need to motivate.

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