We are in fall break glory ’round here ~ minus one case of the stomach flu. {Which has been more fall break gory.} I’ve been MIA in all things twitter and facebook. And even though it’s been just a few days, my time offline births fresh air I didn’t know I was missing.
Recently, Emily wrote about being a round person living in an edgy world. And this social media world that never rests? Super edgy. Y’all, I’m about as edgy as a beach ball.
It’s a fight to stay comfortable bringing my round self into an arena that consists of a whole lotta sharp people. They cut through the crowds speaking loud. Sometimes, I feel them poking me left and right like an obnoxious preschooler. As annoying as this is, I often wish I had their sparkly, banter-y answers.
So how does cornerless me learn to deal?
I remember there is a need for my own Hope-filled answers.
Lacking edges doesn’t mean lacking thoughtful opinions or creative ideas or savvy smarts. It’s about needing to have a more quiet place to express those thoughts. A noisy, can’t-hear-the-person-sitting-next-to-me room will not do long term. Oh, I’ll still show up because I am an extrovert who gets a kick out of people. This means I’ll add to the conversation even though I risk feeling like I’m talking to myself. Even though I risk other people not including me in their conversations. More and more, I realize the social media world is a place best suited for giving, not getting. Give with abandon and receive with elation. It’s all a free gift, not something owed.
So I’ll pop in, give some fresh air to others, and be content to leave. Because this girl gets fresh air from quieter corners.
What about you? Do you lean towards round or edgy?
I love this post. When you say this:” Lacking edges doesn’t mean lacking thoughtful opinions or creative ideas or savvy smarts.” – Yes. This is true.
Thank you for moving me to think about these things. Your post is golden.
I can identify…I’m an introverted extrovert myself. I need people, but I also need quiet to rest and regroup all those thoughts in my head.
I also have to be careful not to get stabbed with edginess…..
Good post, my friend!
Yes, an introverted extrovert. I too am energized by people, but there is a limit and then I need quiet places to rest and regroup. You are my people, Pattie!
Ditto Pattie for sure. That’s me! I’ve also been told lately that I’m a Type A personality, which has been all kinds of surprising to me. I’m still trying to figure out who I am underneath all the stuff I have carried around with me my whole life. What a journey.
I think you’re completely darling.
I guess that’s one reason I like blogging, Angela. It helps me figure out “who I am underneath all the stuff I have carried around.” So well said.
For me, it always depends on my company. I have some people with whom I can spar and relish the challenge of the banter – and indeed, it’s good fun. (So even though my Myers-Briggs says ISFJ, I’m hardly inclined to think that edginess is a “bad” option…except when it’s wielded with thoughtlessness.) And there are others, too, who have gentler personalities…with whom I know I’ll always find quiet if that’s what I’m seeking.
“The social media world is a place best suited for giving, not getting” – so true. Sitting around waiting for people to comment on things (which I’ll admit I do from time to time) sucks the life out of me. Hey, isn’t this true of the offline world, too – that we’re made more to give than to receive? 🙂
Yes, Sonika! I suppose that’s why it feels so right!
I’m a round person too, and find the edginess wearisome sometimes!
Thankful it ain’t just me, Brenda!
I for one am glad that you are not the “edgy” type. Your posts time after time resonate with so many of us. You speak our language. Sometimes the edgy crowd (although great in their own way) can’t just come right out and say it in a way we will all get!!
I suppose that’s why we are all important, or why we are all needed on this planet. We all learn best from a particular voice and style. Sometimes I wish I was more edgy, but that just doesn’t fit me right.
And thanks so much, Stella. Your words mean so much.
This post resonates with me….in a big way. I had just begun to dabble w/Twitter last year and was finding it not to my liking. It was last year at the Relevant conference where I heard about giving…not getting in social media. I love what you have to say here…thank you.
This is my favorite line, “So I’ll pop in, give some fresh air to others, and be content to leave. Because this girl gets fresh air from quieter corners.”
Thanks, Kristen.
Mary
http://www.marybonner.net/
Boy, do I love that. Giving, not getting. I am probably a round girl, myself. And I agree with Mary about that idea of needing the quiet corners. It’s probably both the introvert in me and the writer in me, teaming up to say that the quietness brings with it a certain kind of thinking that I simply wouldn’t have in a world of constant noise. This explains why I’m sleeping worse and worse as I delve deeper into social media and have to check my phone when I hear it ping in the next room. Thank you for this.
Kristen…I needed this reminder today. When I am tempted to feel dismissed or jealous or unnecessary. Be a giver…..receive with elation. Taking that with me today…this week!