Silence is beautiful. There is pure magic to be found while being quiet. It is a source of beauty and creativity amidst the loud, fast-paced world we live in. Our daily lives are so cluttered with commotion that many of us forget to stop and breathe. It is rare these days to find a reflective observer – someone that notices the many things that others overlook.
Growing up, in school I was labeled as the "sweet, quiet girl." I have always been proud of this aspect of my personality. Don't get me wrong – I can rock a speech, presentation, or critique. When I am with my closest friends and family, I am just me – without the "quiet" or "introvert" label that the outside world seems to have wrapped around me. They might be subject to my uncontrollable laughter or long conversations about life. Those are the moments that feed my soul.
When I find friends - real friends, I realize how precious they are and I never let them go. At the end of the day, I don't have a desire for everyone to know my name. Rather, I crave for just a few solid connections with people who I know, and who know me, inside and out. I find my peace while reflecting in the quiet moments, and not socializing in the middle of a crowd. I am a quality over quantity type of girl, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I find myself looking inward, whereas many people look outward for approval. I love people with all of my heart and I care so deeply for others. I just show it differently than a more outspoken person might, because we all fit into a different mold.
Yes, some people that I have crossed paths with don't and will never understand me. There have been countless times that I have been pushed aside, forgotten, and taken advantage of. It definitely hasn't always been easy, especially during my time as a college student. Sometimes, even during this past year, I'd find myself wondering why I was made the way I am. But then, I'd pause and remind myself of the strength that I possess. There is great dignity in being a little more reserved. When one values his or her words and actions, he or she values him or herself as a person. When your confidence comes from your heart and mind, instead of from an outside source, the world will take notice.
When people turn away from attention-seeking, surface level chattiness in favor of speaking from their depth, their genuinely spoken words have much more power. Expressing one's thoughts and opinions simply to feel important is never the way to go. There is something so much more captivating about calm, quiet confidence. You'll find that anyone who is truly content with him or herself never has to find a reason to prove themselves to others, verbally or non-verbally. Our presence speaks for itself the moment we enter a room before our words or actions do.
And no, it's not all about being a quiet person. We all bring something beautiful and different to the table and are so deeply loved by our Creator. But, it is all about being a good person – accepting who you are and who others are. Loving those around you wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. When you are in the position to include someone – do it. When you have the opportunity to serve, even with no recognition – do it. Don't close doors on people simply because they are different or you assume you have nothing to gain from them. Draw someone into your circle next time, and try to get to know him or her. You may be rewarded with a relationship that is fun, caring, trustworthy, and made to last a lifetime.
If you are one of those people who are naturally born with the gift of gab, the center of attention, the one that everyone wants to be with - that is wonderful. This is not about taking from one group and giving to another. It is just that in the world we live in you are naturally rewarded every day with accolades and open arms with people cheering your name. Be proud. My point that I am trying to make is that we can enjoy and learn from introverts and share life's grand stage along with the extroverts. Each personality type has its advantages and disadvantages. Both groups can enjoy and learn from the other. However, the Bible says to be still and know that He is God. All of us need to turn inward and be contemplative and receptive to His voice. We cannot hear Him over the roar of the crowd and too busy of a schedule. There is a reason that "silent" has the same letters as the word "listen."
No matter what personality type you are, try to find the quiet in the every day and spend extra time getting to know someone on a deeper level. These moments are good for all of us and will help us stay centered no matter how we see ourselves or how the world sees us. If every one of us is willing to listen, then we might just discover that there is great substance in the silence.