Introverted COVID-19

May 24, 2020July 14, 2024 / jonathan / Leave a comment

A lot is being written about this pandemic, probably too much. Many try to forecast what the future will hold. The “new normal”. Well guess what, I will not give it a try. No one knows what will change, what will stay the same. Too many try to.

But but but, and forgive me for sounding a bit dramatic, this period took the world a few steps closer to introverts. And now introverts should decide what to do with it.

I have written in the past about how introverts should try and change their model and not run by an extroverted model. I have limited but some success in that. Slowly improving. Too slow. And in the last two months we all should have gotten an increased motivation boost to explore it.

Early in the lockdown the stress was high, everything was shaking, and introverts in particular. Their routine was broken so they or we could not benefit from this new trial and error phase. Introverts like their routine 🙂

And then the magic started – the whole world started to speak introverted. Working from home, keep social distance and respect the others being. Maybe we don’t need to brainstrom everything and follow the charismatic leader that does not listen.

Moreover – we can enjoy the little things, have fun by doing nothing or very little. Eat simple. Be sad simple. Leave simple.

What a waist it would be to just bounce back and not take this experience and change.

One thing this time did not and could provide introverts. Sometimes we need to take risks. And decide.

I Nike (like) Shoe Dog

April 25, 2020July 14, 2024 / jonathan / 1 Comment

Phil Knight started Nike as a US distributor of Japanese shoes. Importer. He is a self described shy person. To the extent he mentioned it as a reason for not going public back in the days with Nike.

He writes in an open way about his flaws and vulnerabilities.

He really really liked sports. And he and others working with him really really like shoes. It is easy to relate to that. Just think about holding your new running shoes. I like running. And I like having my new running shoes.

He makes mistakes. He never gives up. He does what he likes. He takes risks. He get tired, angry, stressed.

This is how inspiration looks and feels like.

Here is the book. I get no affiliate or other payment from any of the links. I get inspired.

I was Active, Goal Driven, Awake. For a while

April 25, 2020 / jonathan / Leave a comment

I felt tired from digging inside. Endlessly dealing with my vulnerabilities. It felt good for a while but then I thought it is holding me back. I decided back then to focus on a healthy routine. I was surprised by my ability to be energetic and focus on a positive can-do attitude. It was based on providing to self the key ingredients and even some extras:

Work out
Sleep
A lot of vegetables and fruits
Being hydrated
A job that felt as challenging but doable, where I can bring exceptional value
A realistic approach to the parenting that is best for me

It seems it was someone else now. While fighting to maintain the first 4. The last 2 were shaken with the COVID19 new reality.

At first I rationalized to myself that things are ok [which they are!] and also with time, got used to this new routine. Also stopped being angry at myself for feeling sorry for myself. Things did get better. But I lost almost all energy. And became angry and passive. Back to the circle I was able to avoid.

So angry at myself and with others. and then with myself for being angry at them.

Collapsing inside myself in many ways.

I have started the road back to that place. Step by step. Taking it day by day, trying to take the moments to recharge during the days. Returning back to the path towards the bigger goal.

Be a part of something bigger

July 31, 2019July 14, 2024 / jonathan / Leave a comment

Be a part of something bigger than you.

Be proud of your parents and grandparents. Know their story.

No need to be strong all the time. It’s a long road. It started before you and will continue on.

You’re doing your best. You’re doing a good job. You are not alone.

What did your past generations deal with? what did they accomplish?

Your day to day, things that take you off track, impact your well-being – some of them are so small in this chain.

Remind yourself – you are a part of something bigger, something good. Be active and contribute. Be proud of your contribution to this chain.

Let it go

July 30, 2019May 24, 2020 / jonathan / Leave a comment

It’s funny how some distance makes everything seem small

And the fears that once controlled me can’t get to me at all

It’s time to see what I can do

To test the limits and break through

No right, no wrong, no rules for me

I’m free

5 Moments

July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 / jonathan / Leave a comment

Some are positive. Some are less. Some are frequent. Some are not. All require your attention, during and after.

Going to a quiet place, not a familiar place. Sometimes it increases your loneliness. Other times it allows you to breathe easily and to watch the colors of the skies and trees.

Reading someone’s blog post, telling a personal story, filled with emotions and a candid view. Relating to it in a deep level.

Talking with someone, both are engaged in the talk. Allowing each other to voice their thoughts. Each thought is a building block in a positive imaginary beautiful building.

Your kid is sensing that your feelings were touched. He comes to you, asks to sit with you, saying he loves you. You hug him strongly, appreciating this gesture, without words, filled with positive energy.

Being tired. Just tired, without energy.