My Journey from Self-Proclaimed Introvert to Deep Connection

Growing up, I was a proud introvert, retreating to the safety of my books and solitude to escape a chaotic world. As an adult, my social energy was spent at work, leaving me drained and craving alone time. But this self-preserving “bubble” left me feeling more alone, unseen, and disconnected from those I loved most.

I realized that my introversion was actually a survival response—a way to keep control over my inner world amid a dysregulated nervous system. Later, I channeled that energy into workaholism, keeping busy to avoid facing my own grief. Then came May 2023, a life-shaking moment when God set me on a path to healing, peeling back the layers I’d kept hidden for so long.

Today, I see that my tendency to retreat wasn’t my true nature but a coping mechanism. I now crave genuine connection, love being around people, and no longer feel the need to hide. I've learned that whether we label ourselves as introverted or extroverted often traces back to early coping strategies. Our nervous system tries to keep us safe—sometimes through retreat, sometimes through constant engagement.

If my story resonates with you, consider exploring your own patterns. Are you so extroverted because you crave the attention you missed in childhood? Or do you, like I once did, withdraw as a way to calm inner wounds? Remember, it’s okay to seek balance. We are created for connection—with God and with others. Yes, solitude is essential, but so is togetherness, laughter, and love.

Let's journey together to find the balance and the connections we’re all worthy of. 💫