What’s an introvert? How does introversion affect us at work and play? In our friendships? In our search for meaning and happiness?
I’ll explore these and other timely questions about introvert life in this column, as an introvert entrepreneur, artist and journalist.
Want to ask a question? Just use the email below.
P.S.: even if you don’t think of yourself as introverted, you may find some helpful info here. Why? Because, to paraphrase Ben Franklin: we assume our differences divide us, only to find we share common ground.
Today’s introvert-astic question: Are there introverted holidays?
The answer is, you betcha. Just as quiet folks may find a world of excitement in a book, the calendar offers a bunch of celebrations that fit our quiet, oft-times nerdy nature.
Here’s what to look for in 2021. Let me know if you have others you’d like to add to the list:
Twelve holidays for your innie soul:
- It all starts on Jan. 1 with Silent Record Week. Get out your air guitar, turn on your lip-synching skills and play along to the delightful sounds of … nothing at all.
- Feb. 8-11: American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting. Hey, there, Einstein: What’s not to love?
- March 20: Spring. Shades of gray leading to lovely, deferred rewards.
- April 3: Tangible Karma Day. Do something nice for someone, someplace, something and create a positive chain reaction of quiet goodness.
- May 2: World Laughter Day. Read a nerdy book, watch a dorky movie or giggle at nothing at all. The act of laughing boosts endorphins. What tickles your funny bone?
- Third week of September: Indoor Plant Week. Fresh air. Natural beauty. And best of all? No one saying, “Hey, kid, why don’t you like to play outside?”
- Oct 5: World Teacher’s Day. Celebrate the educators in your midst. Learn something new. And teach someone something you know. Maybe about introversion?
- Nov 24: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day. Everyone wins. And no one has to get on stage.
- Dec 12: Frank Sinatra’s birthday.
“Hold on a second there, introvert holiday scribe,” you may be thinking. “Frank Sinatra was not a quiet holiday kind of guy.”
Trust me. I don’t want to rattle the apple cart. I’m not the type to pick a fight. But before you skip Francis Albert Sinatra’s birthday as being too loud or brash or in-your-face of a holiday for quiet folks like us, do me a favor, would you?
Listen to Frank Sinatra sing an early version of the Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer tune, “One for My Baby.”
And tell me, please, is it me, just waxing hopeful?
Or was the Chairman of the Board a quiet type at heart, too?
I’ll accept what you say.
Innies, I don’t want to push.
But that early Sinatra sound. It’s something beautifully quiet to celebrate, I think. What’s your take?
Have a question about introvert life? Write to [email protected].
Sharon Glassman is a Longmont-based introvert lifestyle journalist and creator of Smile Songs gifts. The thoughts and opinions offered in this column are intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute for any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice.
