The Myers-Briggs tells me that I am an extrovert. It is true, that the Jungian understanding is that I get energized in the presence of people. I have always known this. I do my most creative writing at coffee shops where I am at my own table, surrounded by the buzz of others. The energy of individuals studying, friends talking, baristas chatting away is all I need.
As I learn and experiment with what it means to plan and go on vacations as a single, interdependent woman, I am learning that I am a social introvert. I love the idea of spending a long weekend in Asheville, Nashville, Savannah, Denver. But to think about going alone, is a hard stop. I think about my ideal road trip as a rolling vacation of coffee shops and diners along Route 66. Or staying at home. I will go anywhere in the big cities if I have a friend to travel with (vigorous nod to Carrie and Miami). But considering taking an actual vacation by myself? I love the thought of staying in my little vintage home, and exploring coffee shops that I can do in a day’s drive.
Why is this important? Because it is a major identity shift, a huge change in understanding of who I am. And it makes so much sense as to why I’ve been conflicted about vacation plans.
Any time we feel resistance or conflict within ourselves, it is a moment to consider what we are telling ourselves. Journal it out, talk with a friend, go for a walk, tell your dog. I like to take a drive and talk out loud. The clarity that will come, just might be a key on the journey of an authentic life.
When we can step out of the culture flow, out of our own presumption of being, we free ourselves up to a whole world of new possibilities. Like my own story, What I thought of myself is still true, but there is a true story being unveiled. I can embrace the extrovert energizing reality, and the introvert peace that is blooming..
More often than not, AND is the most holy word. Multiple truths can be applied at the same time. Authenticity is an ongoing process of becoming, emerging, evolving.
With you,
Amy