Day 08 – December 08, 2024

Day 08

...using the power of being grounded

Welcome to Day EIGHT of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

My aim is to achieve a certain degree of balance in this festive season, so today’s letter ‘G’ is about being Grounded. To me it is about using the power of feeling centered and balanced during the whole season, as things only get louder around us.

While for extraverts the wild, noisy merriment is their energy maker, for me finding a way to stay grounded is the festive superpower for my sanity and joy.

It begins with finding a routine practice that helps you find your centre, irrespective of all the distracting noise around. Taking a few moments every day to do breathing exercises – slow, deep and calming breaths which . To find the calm and to be present in the quiet moments and space amid all the chaos around.

Trust me, it could be something as simple as making a warm cup of tea in a quiet corner or watching the twinkling lights from your window, at a safe distance from the noise and hecticness. Little, conscious choices to make the season less chaotic and more manageable.

SSS 2024 Photos

This allows you to tune into your emotional being, regulating your feelings to work for you and protecting you from feeling overwhelmed. A little proactive self-care action, a much needed one indeed.

As Danna Faulds suggests

“Here. Right here, right now, bring your mind to this place and time.
Invite it, even if it resists, to sit and witness what it is to be alive.
Let there be no ulterior motive in this moment but to be.
Rest on the waves of breath and choose to experience all of it.
Let thoughts float through and leave again, as the mind slowly settles like snow inside a shaken paperweight.
This is all there is.
Here. Right here and now.”

For me, staying grounded is about minimising the chaos I expose myself to, and the anxiety that comes with it by intentionally balancing it with a calm, centered state of being. That’s the way to navigate the festive season authentically as you, while choosing the moments of reconnection with self.

—
Tomorrow we dive into the letter ‘H’. What would you choose ‘H’ to be about?
—

If you are just joining us or missed any of the Season Sanity Savers 2024, fret not – you can get them all right here.

Quietly, and calmly yours,
-Joanna

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 07 – December 07, 2024

Day 07

...Flourishing is a process not a destination.

Welcome to Day SIX of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Well knowing me, you know for today’s letter ‘F’ I would have chosen Flourishing. It is a fabulous, festive (go figure!) and fantastic word after all, right? Let us make it YOURS!

For me, because flourishing is a process not a destination, during this festive season I need to focus on things that bring me that inner joy and happiness.

I will need to nurture my whole being, my heart, mind, and body, so I’m able to ride the rollercoaster of madness ahead. Who knows, I may even enjoy it!

Let’s begin with focusing on what you feel passionate about, especially until the end of the month.

Is it quietly decorating your home and savouring the warm glow of twinkling lights?
Or prepping some of the dishes for the big day in advance so you get to enjoy more family time?
Or taking some quiet time to wrap the presents?

All of those are achievements and we shouldn’t discount how important they may be.

Whatever it is that makes your heart and soul feel fulfilled, and helps you remember that you matter and your ‘why’ matters – is a flourishing choice!

Dec 7 Flourishing

At its heart, flourishing is about what enables you to feel connected with what matters, and that is usually intensely personal. You may feel pressure from others around you to do things there way and align with their routines.

Resource yourself so you stay true to who you are and the choices you’re making. Keep your actions aligned with your values and what truly matters to you in your life.

And hey, let us not forget our body and heart – we can’t live an authentic life if we’re compromising part of what our being needs.

Being a flourishing introvert is all about being able to stand behind the choices and decisions you make so that there is full in alignment with your core values and life path.

Ready for a big question? What one thing could you do this month that would enable you to choose flourishing every day, even when things get tough?

– – –

Tomorrow we’ll meet the letter ‘G’ – can you guess what power tool it might at your tool kit? What would your G be about?

– – –
Did not see the previous Sanity Saver tips before today? Log on here to get them all up to this point 

Quietly, and congruently yours,
-Joanna

 

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 06 – December 06, 2024

Day 06

... the secret weapon for we introverts,

Welcome to Day SIX of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Today’s letter is ‘E’ – for me this year it is about Empowerment. And it isn’t just a buzz word in my scheme of things.

Empowerment is the secret weapon for we introverts, especially during the festive season. And to be clear, when I’m talking about empowerment, it’s about being able to take intentional steps that enable us to increase our confidence, and take control of our life.

We begin with knowing who we are deep within and treating ourselves with kindness. The better we understand ourselves, the stronger we introverts are able to show up authentically.

So allow yourself a purposeful moment to pause. Reflect on what replenishes your energy and what causes your social batteries drain rapidly. Is it saying yes to gentler, quieter, smaller gatherings that helps you show up with confidence? Or is it respectfully but clearly declining an invite because the setup maybe too large, noisy and overwhelming for you?

Your needs and social capacity are essential when it comes to you feeling empowered, and having that self-awareness is a gift that helps you to decide what is best for you. After all, wouldn’t the host want that you show up as you, and everyone enjoys the evening? And sometimes that means choosing which setting is the right one for you.

Dec 6 Empower

Mind you though, being empowered to take control of your life also means balancing our quiet confidence with humility. It’s not about being loud or rude but about communicating from a place of confidence while being polite, clear and sincere.

So what intentional steps will you take so you feel more confidently in control?

– – –
Tomorrow’s letter is F! Can you guess what word we’ll explore? If you could pick a tool beginning with F for your sanity kit, what would it be? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
– – –
Missed the first few days? My lovely team got it sorted for you. Grab all the previous day’s Sanity Savers right here 

Quietly, and confidently yours,
-Joanna

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

There is never a good reason

There is never a good reason

to throw people under the bus

Nugget of the Week

 I’m not if this is a nugget or a truth-b*mb, but here it is anyway. Identifying as an introvert does not necessarily limit you to a life of solitary confinement where you are unable to engage with life.

I’ve been shocked at some of the questions asked in many of the introvert groups on social media this week and it’s reinforced why I wanted Introvert’s Corner to be very different. The questions posed demonstrate clearly just how much misunderstanding there is about what introversion is and isn’t including the regular conflation of concepts and issues. 

Here are a selection of some of the posts.

  • INTROVERTS on SOCIAL media, something doesn’t sound right
  • I’m single and I find it so hard to break the ice and talk to women.
  • Can introverts make friends?
  • I’m so introverted that I cry when go to public bathroom. What should I do?
  • Who just wants to stay in bed all day and never leave the house?
  • Most introverts are quiet because they are scared of people judging them
  • No matter how I try to blend with humans, I’m still alien.. I can’t act like them, I can’t talk like them…

Some of these posts hurt my heart and upset me that these people think all of their problems boil down to their introversion. And because we all know that introversion on its own doesn’t need fixing, some are left confused thinking that their behaviour is natural for all introverts.

Fact – Introversion itself is not something that you need therapy or treatment for.

On the other hand, Social anxiety, depression, misanthropy, shyness, low self-esteem, a lack of confidence and poor communication skills are all things that can be changed or improved, if you so choose.

Please don’t allow yourself to conflate issues and problems that can be improved when you work with the right person with your natural introversion.

This Sh** Really Happened!

Eeek – I’ve been in front of the camera again which is not something I usually enjoy. However, when you find a photographer who completely ‘gets you’, it’s a whole different experience.

Back in the spring of 2022 based on the recommendation of someone I really trust, I booked a photoshoot with Brigitta of Nux Photography

As you might imagine, I rather nervous at meeting a new person for the first time who I was immediately going to trust with capturing the essence of who I was. I need not have worried though.

Whilst lively, bright and larger than life, Brigitta identifies as an introvert, so was able to empathise with me and build rapport really quickly. And the outcome was an array of fabulous pics that I’ve been using for the past two and a half years. But that length of time in business when you’re my age is long enough for things to change significantly and the last thing I wanted was for my photos not to reflect who I am now.

And so on Monday of this week, I spent a glorious few hours in the company of Brigitta and her daughter, properly laughing with them as I followed their directions. And I was in good company as also having their photos taken were Nicola and Michelle. That’s not all though – it gets better. My dear friend Helen, a talented beauty therapist kindly came with me to be my make-up artist for the day. It was such fun to watch Helen taking photos of Brigitta taking photos of me!

I’ll soon be able to share some of the official pics and I think you’ll be able to see just how at ease I was.

And, I challenge anyone who says introverts are invisible or like to hide all of the time. Not this one.

Coming up, Buttercup!

It isn’t really inclusive leadership if the leaders are looking at DEI as a tick-box exercise. Inclusion is a serious responsibility and together we must create aware to ensure it is ‘Not Just Lip Service’.

This week, for the Buttercup segment, I give the stage to Szebastian, my colleague and co-founder of our brand ‘Intent to Flourish’. – Joanna Rawbone

–
Thank you Joanna.

I am thrilled to share that on 18 December 2024 we are launching our collaborative Audio Event series – Not Just Lip Service (NJLS).

NJLS is an an innovative audio series dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations that lead to real action in business world and humanity at large.

In the premiere episode, we are focusing on Leadership and Inclusion. In a world where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are often treated as mere checkboxes, we aim to discuss and challenge this mindset by exploring the profound responsibility of creating truly inclusive spaces.

Wouldn’t you agree that it isn’t really inclusive leadership if leaders view DEI as a tick-box exercise. Inclusion is more than policies on a piece of paper – what we need it Intentionality, Action, Accountability, for true and equal flourishing of the first to last member of our community.

DEI is Not Just Lip Service – but a sustained commitment – one that requires genuine and intentionally inclusive leadership.

The inaugural episode will feature an engaging panel discussion with four voices from across the globe, offering unique perspectives on this pressing issue. The panel includes two esteemed guests alongside our dynamic hosts, all representing diverse industries and viewpoints from four different locations worldwide. Check-out full details of the event here. 

You can join us on LinkedIn or click the buttons below to play on the destination platform of your choice.

Intentionally, – Szebastian – Because. I. Am. 

Play on YouTube
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Hot off the Press

Released this week by the House of Flourishing Introverts. 

If you rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify as well as Like, Comment and Share the YouTube video you will be helping other fellow introverts who may find this content helpful, encouraging them to live a more fulfilled and authentic life. 

As ever, I am here in your corner to advocate for you.

  • 5 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 05 – December 05, 2024

Day 05

...Delegation is not offloading work.

Welcome to Day FIVE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Let us welcome today’s letter – ‘D’ and for me this year, it is about Delegation. If you have been following us from the beginning of December 1, you’ll see how it makes total sense too.

The festive season brings both joy and a deluge of tasks, often leaving professionals and individuals feeling stretched too thin. For we introverts, whether we are leading a team, or working with one – or might even be managing the holiday chaos at home, delegation is the superpower we need to keep things running smoothly. Well as smooth as they can go, right?

My suggestion is to start by assessing our team’s strengths and aligning tasks accordingly. If someone excels in data, let them handle the reporting. If someone else thrives in creativity, let them be the king or queen of presentation.

I’d say the key is to communicate our expectations clearly and agree achievable deadlines.

TFIT_S21_Ep239LS.png

Many often misunderstand delegation as offloading work. That is not at all what it is. Delegation is empowering, encouraging others to take ownership by letting them know we trust their capabilities. At the same time, it allows we introverts to focus on the bigger picture.

It is about creating a collaborative, inclusive, encouraging environment aimed at results while reducing the end-of-year stress. Now who’d say no to that, huh?

At home, delegation is just as beautiful a tool to balance our own needs and yet indulge in co-operative planning of the festivities. Wouldn’t you agree?

Remember my fellow introvert, sharing the workload and asking people to pull their weight isn’t a sign of weakness, but one of wisdom and trust. Let’s defeat the overwhelm and restore some sanity filled celebration on our flourishing terms, shall we?
—
Tomorrow’s letter is E. I am ecstatic to know what do you think E will be about, and a hint – it is NOT Ecstatic, though it is okay to feel ecstatic about looking after your sanity. 🙂
—

If you are just joining us or missed any of the Season Sanity Savers 2024, fret not – you can get them all right here.

Quietly, and collaboratively yours,
-Joanna

 

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 04 – December 04, 2024

Day 04

...Compassion begins with ourselves

Welcome to Day FOUR of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Today’s letter is ‘C’ and I gift you the word Compassion but there is a very specific angle I bring to the table.

We introverts are thinkers, and considerate ones at that. We are mindful about what we say and how it will affect others. We are compassionate, caring and in fact careful in how we treat others.

However, having compassion should start with ourselves. To recognise and respect our own needs is never about being selfish. As a matter of fact it is about being thoughtful on how we can look after ourselves so we can show up for others with our best ability to be kind and supportive towards them too.

Whether it is being a leader, or colleague or a family member – honouring your needs is about walking the talk and leading by example, at work and home. Saying ‘no’ to certain invitations with compassion for self and empathy towards other involves clarity of our own capacity and communicating it positively and thoughtfully. That is never a bad thing.

What you are doing is setting expectations for others while respecting what your head, heart and body needs. And trust me when I say, when you learn to be compassionate with yourself you are much more able to have empathy and understanding towards others too.

Let us use the power of compassion for self and others to balance between your needs and what others can expect from you.

I do it. I encourage you to do it too.

—
Tomorrow’s letter is D. Now that you are loving this journey, what do you think D is about? In fact, what will D be about for YOU?
—

Did you miss out on the last 3 days of Sanity Savers? I got you covered. Check them out here.

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 03 – December 03, 2024

Day 03

...Because Boundaries are Essential!

Welcome to Day THREE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

It is all about the “B” today – and I’m adding ‘Boundaries’ to your Sanity Saver Kit.

For we introverts, boundaries are essential for battery regulation; they’re armour that both protects and balances our power.

Our boundaries help us navigate the frenzied festive season without sacrificing our sanity and without giving up our peace.

Let us not forget, setting boundaries is not about being rigid, or rude. Far from it. It is about honouring our needs and creating space for what truly matters for us in this period.

Remember, we decide what we say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to, as I mentioned in A-Acknowledge yesterday.

Before committing, I always ask myself – Is this in alignment with my capacity and energy? Is this a priority for me? Will I feel happier or frustrated after accepting this?

Dec 03 - Boundaries

Installing, maintaining and upholding boundaries protects us from burn-out, from misunderstandings, keeping us safe from overwhelm.

Saying ‘no’ is not being impolite. Quite the opposite – it is a powerful form of self-care and honest communication so a respectful gesture for all involved.

In believe boundaries ascertain meaningful connection without exhaustion or keeping up appearances, no pun intended.

Boundaries are indeed Balance, Benevolence and Beauty of authentically selective participation.

Let me say this out loud – prioritising your boundaries is not selfish, it is self-care.

“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.” –  Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection

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Tomorrow we dive into letter C. What do you think it will be about? I am curious about your guesses and contributions. (and not, it is NOT Contribution, LOL!)
—
In case you signed up late and missed out on last two days, not to worry – you can access them here.

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 02 – December 02, 2024

Day 02

The importance of Acknowledgement, to self!

Welcome to Day TWO of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

Today’s letter is ‘A’ – and I am adding ‘Acknowledgement’ to your Sanity Saver Kit.

It is but a reality for we introverts that the festive season can feel like a rollercoaster of social events, especially because people expect us to show up in settings that are not quite introvert inclusive.

In this case, ‘Acknowledgement’ of our needs and capacity is our tool that saves our sanity. Our social-battery relies on us being energised. So when considering which events to accept, recognise your needs, and operate from a space of clear understanding of your capacity.

Let us take a moment to review the invitations. Does it align with our priorities, or will it drain our social battery rapidly, with a risk of going flat when we introverts need it the most?

The first person we need to be transparent with is ourselves.

Dec 2 Acknowledge

Being absolutely honest with ourself – what works for us, what is too much? We need to use this self-transparency as the compass to acknowledging our needs and capacity, to politely decline, or even confidently assert that our presence will be for a limited time.

If we need to stay in, we stay in. Let’s not commit when we do not have the capacity to show up as our authentic self. Instead, we have a quiet night in, or choose a smaller, quieter gathering to be part of. Prioritise what fills our cup and acknowledge to ourself that we do not need to show up everywhere, for everyone, at every event.

Now that I acknowledge to myself that I am an Open Introvert, I do this for myself and I invite you to join me.

“Aspire not to have more but to be more.” – Archbishop Romero

—
Tomorrow’s letter is B. Any guesses what will it be about?
—

Did you miss out on December 1 post of Sanity Savers? Worry not, check it out here!

  • 1 minute

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Day 01 – December 01, 2024

Day 01

The commitment to 'Me time'

Welcome to Day ONE of our A-Z+ of Seasonal Sanity Savers – 2024.

As the festive season arrives, somehow time seems to escape us faster and we forget to catch a breath. The clock keeps ticking, the deadlines keep getting closer and there’s so much to do.

For we introverts, it can be pleasurable to be with friends and family who understand our needs, or we find ourselves ticking the days off and suddenly it is all over.

This year around, let’s make a commitment to ourselves: that, we will put aside a block of time every single day, maybe at the same time so we can as I said, ‘catch a breath’. Let us make it a calming routine that helps us recharge so we can continue to flourish despite all the rush and noise around us.

Afterall, we know how easy it is to forget things, well often ourselves and our needs when we get busy.

So, we’ll be doing the countdown right through to the New Year. That’s when we expect some semblance of normality to return and brings us to the brink of World Introvert Day on Jan 2nd.

As usual, I’ll be hosting a LIVE Webinar to celebrate calmly and gently as that’s the way I intend 2025 to go for me.

Our Seasonal Sanity Savers are so important as they are daily reminders to look after ourselves and our needs. I’m super excited as again this year I’m featuring the photos of many of our talented introverts.

Tomorrow, we start at the very beginning with ‘A’, (a very good place to start!) so what do you know or do that starts with an ‘A’ that helps you hang on to your sanity?

Share your suggestions in the comments and who knows there might be a hidden treasure or few along the way?

Quietly and calmly yours,
-Joanna
– – –

You can receive these Sanity Savers via email or our Introvert Round Table community presence on all major social platforms. For more info log on here. Please feel free to pass these on to any of your fellow introverts.

  • 2 minutes

Cage Rattler & Bias Shifter – Helping organisations unlock potential by shifting extraversion bias | Coaching quiet leaders | TEDx Speaker |  Trainer | Founder, CEO – Flourishing Introverts | Host – The Flourishing Introvert Talks and (dropping) Pebbles in the Pond | Author – The Flourishing Nudge  | Co-Flourisher, Co-Founder – Intent to Flourish

Playing to Introvert Strengths

The Majesty of Quiet Presence

(dropping) Pebbles in the Pond

Season 2, Episode 001

In this episode, we explore the nuanced world where introversion meets presence.  We often misconstrue presence as an attribute reserved for the extraverts and gregarious, but that’s a myth we ought to debunk. 

True presence isn’t about volume; it’s about value. 

I am so thrilled to announce, the show will also feature its very first Flourishing Personality – Helen Ferguson. She is an Integrative Trauma Psychotherapist who works around Childhood, Complex & Sexual Trauma guiding integrative body – mind recovery & healing for children & adults.

Key Points 

  • Presence transcends loud charisma
  • Confidence built on self-awareness
  • Authenticity empowers introverted leaders
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About Helen Ferguson

Helen guides individuals on their healing journey from childhood trauma, CPTSD, sexual abuse.

She says, “Just because something bad happened in your life, doesn’t mean you have to hate yourself for the rest of your life“

Helen is a

  • Childhood & Complex Trauma, CPTSD, & Sexual Abuse Expert
  • Clinically Qualified Trauma Psychotherapist guiding you to inner peace
  • Educator & Trainer for health & social care professionals.

In Joanna’s words,

“Helen epitomises Quiet Presence as she’s calm, appropriately boundaried and the kindest soul I know.

Don’t get me wrong, she is strong with a really positive approach and holds space for her clients with grace and compassion.

She is simply one of my favourite people to mingle with.“

– We could not have said it any better if we tried!

Team – Flourishing Introverts

Connect with Helen

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