Day 13- December 13, 2024

Day 13

...the liberating art of letting go

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

Today’s marvellous letter is J, and we’re diving into the art of flourishing joyfully this festive season. So ‘Joy‘ seems only appropriate – but not the big, grand moments but the small, quiet sparks that light you up from the inside.

Make a list of the things that truly bring you joy. Keep it personal: think of cosy moments, favourite treats, or solitary walks that recharge your soul. Once you have your list, choose one thing each day to weave into your festive rhythm.

Maybe it’s a morning tea ritual before the world wakes, or escaping into a good book between gatherings. Joy doesn’t have to be loud; it can be as soft as a sigh of relief when you honour what makes you happiest.

Carry this list with you, peek at it daily, and let it guide you to show up as your truest self, energised and at ease.

Day 11 J 2

And here is beautiful poem from my favourite, Donna Ashworth –

“Joy Chose You”

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare

on a red carpet strewn

with the flowers of a perfect life

joy sneaks in

as you pour a cup of coffee

watching the sun

hit your favourite tree

just right

and you usher joy away

because you are not ready for her

your house is not as it should be

for such a distinguished guest

but joy, you see

cares nothing for your messy home,

or your bank balance

or your waistline

joy is supposed to slither through

the cracks of your imperfect life

that’s how joy works

you cannot truly invite her

you can only be ready

when she appears

and hug her with meaning

because in this very moment

joy chose you.

Quietly, and joyfully yours,
-Joanna


Tomorrow’s letter is K, any guesses? If you had to pick a positive word starting with K to add to your own festive sanity kit, what would it be? Let’s keep flourishing, one joyful step at a time.

  • 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 12- December 12, 2024

Day 12

...kindness starts with YOU!

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

I present to you today, the letter K, and let us sprinkle kindfulness into our festive toolkit.

Flourishing during this season doesn’t just mean being kind to others – it starts with being tender with yourself.

Kindfulness is the beautiful blend of kindness and mindfulness, and it invites you to pause, reflect, and soften towards yourself.

I recommend checking out the 3-Ways to Practice Kindfulness by Dr. David Hamilton, based on which I suggest that you take a moment each day to take a deep breath and repeat this to yourself:

May I be happy.
May I be well.
May I be safe.
May I be at ease

Then ask, “How can I be mindfully kind to myself today?”

Day 12 K 1

Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to say no, indulging in a guilt-free nap, or simply letting go of perfection.

If so inclined, you could then wish these things for others, first a specific person and then all sentient beings. That’s real kindfulness.

Practice kindfulness as a daily ritual and notice how it transforms not only your relationship with yourself but also how you engage with the festive season, how you can feel calmer, more centered, and unapologetically you.

Tomorrow’s letter is L, any guesses what it will bring?

If you could pick a word starting with L to add to your sanity kit, what would it be? Let’s keep flourishing, one kind and mindful moment at a time.

Quietly, and kindly yours,
-Joanna

  • 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 11 – December 11, 2024

Day 11

...the art of flourishing joyfully

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

Today’s marvellous letter is J, and we’re diving into the art of flourishing joyfully this festive season. So ‘Joy‘ seems only appropriate – but not the big, grand moments but the small, quiet sparks that light you up from the inside.

Make a list of the things that truly bring you joy. Keep it personal: think of cosy moments, favourite treats, or solitary walks that recharge your soul. Once you have your list, choose one thing each day to weave into your festive rhythm.

Maybe it’s a morning tea ritual before the world wakes, or escaping into a good book between gatherings. Joy doesn’t have to be loud; it can be as soft as a sigh of relief when you honour what makes you happiest.

Carry this list with you, peek at it daily, and let it guide you to show up as your truest self, energised and at ease.

Day 11 J 2

And here is beautiful poem from my favourite, Donna Ashworth –

“Joy Chose You”

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare

on a red carpet strewn

with the flowers of a perfect life

joy sneaks in

as you pour a cup of coffee

watching the sun

hit your favourite tree

just right

and you usher joy away

because you are not ready for her

your house is not as it should be

for such a distinguished guest

but joy, you see

cares nothing for your messy home,

or your bank balance

or your waistline

joy is supposed to slither through

the cracks of your imperfect life

that’s how joy works

you cannot truly invite her

you can only be ready

when she appears

and hug her with meaning

because in this very moment

joy chose you.

Quietly, and joyfully yours,
-Joanna


Tomorrow’s letter is K, any guesses? If you had to pick a positive word starting with K to add to your own festive sanity kit, what would it be? Let’s keep flourishing, one joyful step at a time.

  • 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 10 – December 10, 2024

Day 10

...Our intuition is our inner compass

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

Today’s letter is I : inviting us to flourish with Intuition!

Your intuition is like an inner compass, quietly guiding you towards choices that align with your heart, mind, and body. During the festive season, when life is often noisy and bustling, pause to check in with yourself.

That niggling feeling when a commitment feels “off” or the spark of excitement when something feels just right – those are your inner signals speaking. Before saying yes to plans or decisions, take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and tune in. What feels true? What feels peaceful? Trust your gut – it’s wiser than you think.

Let your intuition lead the way as you navigate the festivities. If you sense the need for rest, honour it. If a particular gathering feels energising, enjoy it wholeheartedly. Maybe your intuition nudges you to step outside for a breath of crisp winter air or quietly excuse yourself from company that’s draining your energy.

Dec 10 Intuition

So through the days ahead, just take 5-10 seconds to notice what your gut is saying. It may not make logical sense but it’s usually correct.

Small acts of listening to yourself can make all the difference in helping you show up authentically while safeguarding your well-being.

“Intuition is reason in a hurry.” – Holbrook Jackson


Tomorrow, we’re moving on to J – any guesses for the word? If you had to pick a word starting with J for your festive sanity kit, what would it be?

Quietly, and intuitively yours,
-Joanna

  • 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 09 – December 09, 2024

Day 09

...Honesty is the anchor

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

Today, we meet the letter ‘H’, and I have chosen ‘Honesty’ as the Sanity Saver word for today. To me, it begins with being honest to ourselves – festive season or not?

Honesty is the anchor at this time of year for we introverts, as we sail on the good ship ‘Noisy Exuberance’ surrounded by festive jingles and non-stop activity. I could pretty much share an ‘adherence list’ to try out –

1. Start by being honest with yourself about your capacity, needs, and your priorities.
2. Be honest about agreeing to attend events you only really want to be part of.
3. Be honest about politely declining the ones that feel overwhelming.
4. Choose to assess your energy needs before making social commitments.
5. Be honest with the host about how long you can stay, without being apologetic.

What I am saying is that you give yourself permission to honour what feels right for you. Setting realistic expectations for yourself can prevent burnout and help you navigate the season with more ease.

Dec 9 Honesty

Honesty with others is just as important. Communicate your needs clearly and kindly, whether it’s letting someone know you’ll arrive a bit later, or that you can only stay for an hour. When you express yourself authentically, you allow others to adjust their expectations and respect your boundaries. Simple but honest communication without over explanation.

Here’s one to avoid though – the so-called brutal honesty. This can slip past our politeness filter when we’re overwhelmed or worse. So, even more reason to look after your needs.

–
So, tomorrow’s letter is ‘I’ – go deep within and guess what the I will be? Well, I guess I gave that away didn’t I?

– —

Quietly, and honestly yours,
-Joanna

  • 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 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
Play on Facebook
Join on LinkedIn
Play on Twitter

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