Edith writing from north of Boston, where all is quiet and cold.
I’m happy to welcome author friend Susan Furlong to the blog to celebrate her new Bone Gap Travellers mystery, Shattered Justice and to talk about joy … for introverts.
In the Appalachian town of Bone Gap, Tennessee, backwoods justice is more than just blind. It’s swift, silent, and shockingly personal. Especially for Irish Traveller turned deputy sheriff Brynn Callahan . .
More Joy in 2020
I’m not afraid to admit it – I’m an introvert.
But let’s face it, New Year’s Eve with its loud parties and rambunctious crowds isn’t exactly an introvert’s venue. In the past I’ve caved into the pressure and forced myself out of my comfort zone and hit the party scene, only to feel like a fish out of water. But this year I planned to do New Year’s Eve my way: at home, spending a quiet evening with family, eating pizza and playing games.
This decision made me evaluate a few of the other decisions I make throughout the year and spurred on a list of resolutions that I want to share with fellow introverts:
- Know Yourself
Being an introvert is an asset, not a negative. Introverts are not anti-social or shy, they simply need extra time to be alone and recharge. Introverts are deep thinkers, good listeners, observant and sensitive to others’ needs. In short, introverts have an abundance of quiet strength.
- Lose the FOMO (fear of missing out)
While I love my family and friends, and cherish my time with them, my propensity for togetherness isn’t the same as theirs. I prefer to grab a cup of coffee with a friend rather than go to a big party. Do I feel like I’m missing out? Sometimes. But I value those one on one, meaningful discussions I have with my friends, and it’s difficult to do that in a noisy crowd. So, even though I’m missing the party, I’m not missing out on true relationship connections.
- Lose the Guilt
There is nothing wrong with being an introvert, even when it seems like the rest of the world is partying. Introverts know how to make their own parties. It may not look exciting to some, but to me, an evening alone, curled up in my favorite chair with a book is actually very exciting. I make no apologies for that! And this year, I won’t feel guilty for saying “no” to extraneous social invitations.
- Be a Quiet Source of Strength
Being a friend often means listening to problems and providing gentle encouragement and advice. Introverts possess the ability to think through problems and resolve issues and conflict. They excel in one-on-one, meaningful interactions, and value their relationships. Introverts are true, loyal friends. Whatever 2020 brings, I plan to be there for my family and friends.
- Embrace Your Inner-self
I read somewhere that almost ninety percent of New Year’s Resolutions fail. Maybe that’s because we’re always reaching to attain things outside our natural tendencies. So, this year, let’s resolve to embrace our inner-self, introvert or extrovert, and do more things that will bring us happiness.
Readers: Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Comment below with one resolution that suits your personality and will bring you more joy in 2020. One US commenter will receive a signed hardcover copy of Shattered Justice.
Susan Furlong launched her Bone Gap Travellers series with the acclaimed novel Splintered Silence. She’s worked as a freelance writer, academic writer, translator, high school language arts teacher, and a martial arts instructor. She and her family live in central Illinois. You can find her at www.susanfurlong.com.
Wonderful post, Susan. 🙂 In my former life, I was in the public eye all the time, working with large groups every single day. I’m still in the public eye, but now I hide behind my computer, writing away.
My life is more peaceful now, to be sure. I do not have a FOMO any longer. I’m happy to stay away from large parties and I truly enjoy developing personal relationships over coffee. How many times have we been to large gatherings and could never hear what was being said anyway?
I’m delighted to see that you have a new book out and I look forward to reading it. Bravo, Susan!
Hi, Patti. I always appreciate the hard work you put into Night Stand Book Reviews. I’m a long time fan. Thank you for all you do and thanks for taking time to stop by and comment.
What a lovely thing to say, Susan. Lots of smiling hugs and best wishes for success with “Shattered Justice.” 🙂
I was much more an extrovert in my youth but with a tendency to need some me time. Now I am an introvert with very little want of huge crowds. The older I get, the more I have stronger one-on-one relationships even though I was pretty good at them in my youth. (During testing to see what I should be when grown up always came up as counselor of some sort!) Thank you for this great post and the opportunity to win a copy of your newest! Have a magical new year!
I’m so glad you stopped by, Teddi. I hope you have a magical New Year also.
Pretty much the same every year – help people when I can, learn to be at peace with who I am – your book sounds terrific – thanks for the chance to own it
I try to help people and animals when I can and try to be at peace with who I am – your book sounds terrific, thanks for the chance to own it
I will be 35 next week! I have always been one to look at good in all, forgive others who may have done me wrong, and was always apart of a huge social group. I made friends with anyone I came across. I still look for good in others, help those that I can but my social group is smaller that I seek out to get up with- those that I look at as family rather than friends. This New Year- I am determined to put myself higher up on the putting first list. My children are always first and I tend to put off the things I need to always make sure they have what they need to fulfill their passions. My health isn’t what I want it to be but that is part of taking control over and working harder to improve! The other part is to be done with college- I have been in school over half of my life span and I am ready to step back after I get my bachelors in education after always being in the medical field. Thanks so much for the opportunity and for this great post!
Hi, Stacey. You sound like a wonderful friend and an amazing mother. I hope 2020 brings all your goals to fruition. Best of luck to you. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.