{New Layout} Mike .. the trailblazer
I've been think a lot lately about how vital it is to make sure you know yourself and what works for you. I just finished reading the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts on a World that Can't Stop Talking. I've always thought of myself as an extrovert. I have no problem getting up in front of a crowd. I can teach to large groups. I've been know to be the life of many parties. But as I was reading this book, I discovered what I always knew, but couldn't articulate. Though I can teach to a large group of strangers, I'm "faking" it most of the time. I've been able to figure out what works in those situations and I put on my public mask. Otherwise, I recharge by being alone. I like quiet time. I'm easy overwhelmed and overstimulated by large groups. I don't make close friends easily. When I'm done being in a group setting, I'm done ... I often sneak out and have to be by myself. Knowing these things about myself, I can make better self care choices. I can be "on" when I have to be, but otherwise it's okay to be a bit of a hermit and find joy in quiet moments and quiet time. I was thinking about this when I created this layout for my October Simple Scrapper Creative Team assignment. Mike has figured out what works for him. Getting outside. Hiking. Communing with nature. These are things that help him stay healthy and grounded. The more he does these things, the happier he is. When Mike emailed me this photo of him from atop Mt. Lemmon my first though was "You look so happy." And then I thought, "And so healthy."
Journaling reads: The last few years have seen a lot of change for you. Ups and downs. ... and then some more ups and downs. Whenever you want to clear your mind and figure things out, you head outside. Nature is you church. Hiking is your therapist. Solitude is your drug. How much time you spend outside hiking directly effects your mood. It’s actually pretty fascinating and amazing. I’m grateful you’ve found something that makes you feel healthy and whole.