Flourishing Introverts

Taking Fear Out on a Date

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

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

Also checkout...

Day 15- December 15, 2024

Day 15

...the power of a nap.

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

Who doesn’t love a nice nap? I know I do.

You guessed it today’s letter N is for Nap, a simple yet powerful tool to refresh and recharge your heart, body and mind – all within minutes.

In the whirlwind of the season, never underestimate the power of a nap. It’s often easier when we’ve indulged in seasonal fare too.

Contrary to the stigma built around us, rest isn’t indulgent; it’s essential, especially for we introverts as we navigate the festive social demands. A quick snooze can recharge our mind, balance our mood, and give us the much needed the stamina to rejoin the merriment on your own terms.

Whether it’s a cosy 20 minutes on the sofa, what my husband calls combat sleep, or the longer 40 winks during a quieter day, I think of it as a gift we give to ourselves and those around us. After all, a rested you is capable of more for self and others, than the exhausted you, right?

Feeling drained after a gathering or before heading to one?

Block out some downtime for a nap without guilt. Shut the door, dim the lights, and let yourself drift off, for as much time as you can manage. It’ll take a while to get used to if you’re not in the habit of taking naps, but that’s okay because new habits take a while to embed.

And when napping isn’t an option, try a restful pause, a meditation moment (yesterday’s letter M) to find a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your thoughts settle.

It is time that you honour your need for restoration. It will make it much easier to embrace the season authentically.

Tomorrow brings us to O! What word beginning with O would you add to your sanity kit? Have a guess, and let your imagination run free!

Quietly, and restfully yours,
-Joanna

Joanna Rawbone
15 December 2024
1 minute

Center Yourself Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Meditate Meditation Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024

Day 14- December 14, 2024

Day 14

...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.

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.

Joanna Rawbone
14 December 2024
1 minute

Center Yourself Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Meditate Meditation Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024

Intuition is the truth from within

Nugget of the Week

I have a curious nugget to share this week, and it’s being moved to take action. There have been several things over the last few weeks that have angered me and for once, I’ve not just let them drop.

In the past, when things have angered me on social media which is usually opinions stated as fundamental truths, I feel the anger and then move on once the feelings have subsided.
I don’t know whether it’s the sass rising, or the ‘end of termishness’, or my age, but I’m taking more of a stand these days. And it feels good!

I realise that this maybe an unusual thing for an introvert to do, but now that I have found my voice and am using it for good more often, I don’t want to ‘pipe down’ or sit back down.

I’m prepared to be the lone voice, the tall poppy who stands head above the rest and is seen when others are ducking out of sight. And I firmly believe that when enough of us do this, our message can’t be ignored.

Obviously, I’m selective about what I stand up for or against as I only have so much energy so I want to make sure it sustains me. But here’s why I believe this is a nugget; when we remain silent, we’re actually colluding. Our silence can rightly be taken as assent or approval. Are you really happy for that to be the case?

I’ll leave you to ponder that and reach your own conclusions.

This Sh** Really Happened!

I have a belter this week! When a big name that I admire greatly, has a guest on their podcast talking about introversion but they mislead the audience with their ‘researched’ data.

This left me absolutely livid and spitting feathers because that’s now millions of people (that’s how many followers he has) who now are misinformed which will set our cause back considerably.

The bold claim that this body language expert made was that more than 80% of people are Ambiverts which the ‘expert’ being interviewed claimed is between introversion and extraversion. WRONG! She (almost) correctly said that introverts get their energy from being on their own and extraverts get their energy from being with people but then it all went horribly wrong.

She said that if you get your energy from being with the right people in the right environment, or can dial up your extraverted behaviours for an interview or something important, then you’re an ambivert. We all know that introverts can do that for a certain period of time but when their batteries drain, it’s off for some solo recharging. Staying in that environment when depleted leads to overwhelm then the introvert hangover and finally introvert burnout.

But thanks to this body language expert, the myths and misunderstandings are deepened, when I’ve been trying to bust them.

Let me be clear – being an introverted extravert does not make you an ambivert. Being an extraverted introvert does not make you an ambivert. And ambivert is someone who is equally recharged by being quiet or by being in any company or interaction. It literally doesn’t matter to them.

Grrrr!

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’.

While this photo may depict a happy mask with a sad face, and I will share what one of my senior team members said – I’m absolutely delighted to announce that on 18 December 2024, Szebastian Onne G. S. and I will be launching our collaborative audio event series, Not Just Lip Service (NJLS).

NJLS isn’t just another talking shop. It is a bold, thoughtfully produced series designed to ignite meaningful conversations that drive real, tangible change in the business world and beyond.

Our premiere episode takes a deep dive into Leadership and Inclusion. Let’s face it, in a world where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) too often gets reduced to tick-box exercises, it’s time to call that out. True inclusion demands more than surface-level commitments or polished policies. It calls for Intentionality, Action, and Accountability to ensure everyone, from the first to the last member of the community, has equal opportunities to flourish.

And here’s the truth: if leaders are treating DEI as a compliance exercise, then they’re missing the point entirely. Inclusive leadership requires courage, care, and a willingness to truly embrace the full spectrum of human diversity.

To kick things off, our inaugural episode features a dynamic panel discussion with four brilliant voices from across the globe. Representing diverse industries and perspectives, they’ll unpack the challenges and opportunities of creating genuinely inclusive spaces. Two esteemed guests will join Szebastian and I, ensuring a rich conversation from four unique corners of the world.

For all the event details, click the banner or buttons below.

Let’s make sure DEI is Not Just Lip Service but a living, breathing, sustained commitment to a better future.

For future episodes and more don’t forget to subscribe to Dreamaniac TV’s YouTube Channel.

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.

Joanna Rawbone
13 December 2024
5 minutes

Flourishing Introverts Inner Voice Introvert Strengths Introverts Intuition Spirit Voice from within

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.

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.

Joanna Rawbone
13 December 2024
1 minute

Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Freedom Grounded Let go Letting Go Liberating Yourself Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024

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?”

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

Joanna Rawbone
12 December 2024
1 minute

Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Grounded Kind to Self Kindfulness Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024 Self Kindness

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.

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.

Joanna Rawbone
11 December 2024
1 minute

Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Grounded Gut Feeling Inner Joy Joy Joyful Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024

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.

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

Joanna Rawbone
10 December 2024
1 minute

Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Grounded Gut Feeling Honesty Inner Voice Integrity Intuition Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024

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.

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

Joanna Rawbone
9 December 2024
1 minute

Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Grounded Honesty Integrity Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024 Trust Truth

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.

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

Joanna Rawbone
8 December 2024
2 minutes

Balanced Centered Festive Season Flourishing Introverts Grounded Seasonal Sanity Savers 2024 Trust