Let’s Get it Started

“It’s an introvert’s catnip”, my friend said.

My friend, who is a self-identified introvert and also a cat lover, would know.  We were discussing our mobile devices, and how we are so very absorbed by them.  Social media and messaging platforms, in particular, seem to offer a special form of attraction because of the connections they offer, and how.

There are, of course, plenty of extroverts on Instagram, and Snapchat, and Facebook, and everywhere else.  Social media is an extension of how they already live – lots of contacts, posts, dialogue, and…yes, social interaction and commentary.  But for the introvert, who may be less comfortable with (or more fatigued by) an overly social component, it’s almost an ideal world where one can simultaneously sit on the sideline and be connected.

Compared to the extrovert, the introvert probably writes fewer public posts on social media and therefore invites less discussion and feedback.  Paradoxically, though, the social media experience can be more valuable to the introvert, who may not (in his or her mind, anyway) have as many avenues available, or internal resources to tap into, for staying in touch with friends and the world.  Instead of posting a lot of opinions or pictures for public consumption, they are more likely to soak up what others post, from the comfort of their sofas or bedrooms, and spend time messaging with a few close friends, one on one.

The value of that interaction, and the draw we feel to it… well, it’s like catnip to an introvert.

I wrote “the draw we feel” because I’m an introvert myself.   I’m probably the textbook example, actually.   I enjoy people, but the circle of individuals I consider close is relatively small. I enjoy social situations, but I grow weary if it’s too many people for too long.  I love my family, but I’m also happy doing things on my own.  I regularly need time alone to recharge my batteries.   Not only do I need it, but at times I crave it, in a way that maybe only an introvert would understand.

Why am I writing this? Well, for one thing, I’ve decided to start a blog. And, in a tip of the cap to my friend, I’m naming my blog The Introvert’s Catnip.   A name which would have made no sense to you if I hadn’t written the six paragraphs immediately preceding this one. (Maybe it still makes no sense to you, but work with me here). And, by the way, it’s a name which I did receive permission to steal. Just to keep this legal and all.

I’ve always loved to write.   Looking back, I haven’t often done it for pleasure, or for the sake of creativity.   Most of my writing has been required, as in “I need to write this to get a passing grade in this course”… or, “I need to write this to meet a deadline and keep my job”.   That’s not exactly pleasurable, nor does it feed the creative spirit.

This blog, on the other hand, is most certainly an endeavor to feed my creative spirit. On top of being an introvert, I should note that I consider myself to be a very average guy.   There is nothing sensational about my life, or my job, or my personality.   Don’t get me wrong – for the most part, I’m happy with who I am, though I could stand to lay off the sugar and carbs a bit more often.   But, by and large, I’m just pretty darn average and spend most of my time trying to be a good husband, father, son, and friend. I’m not a skilled musician, or an artist, or an athlete. I can, however, manipulate the keyboard reasonably well, and it’s time for me to open that door a bit wider.

I’m not approaching this as some expert in a particular field, or as someone who is going to beat you over the head with my viewpoint or opinion.  I’m approaching this as someone who loves to write, and who may periodically have something worth writing.   Whether you think it is worth reading… hey, that’s up to you.   My desire is to write with equal parts humor, compassion, and introspection.  Three things that I think we could all use more of, on social media in particular. We’ll see where that combination takes us.

To my sister, who started a blog several months ago and has had a grand total of two entries so far: Keep on persevering!   If I pass you in the weeks ahead, I may mock you in a jovial way.   You can thank me later for giving you the motivation to get writing again.

Remember to stop and smell the catnip,

Gary