Tag Archives: Growth

02/12/12

I wish I was an iPod so I could plug into a computer to recharge my energy battery.

Instead I spend the entire day basically resting up from the long night I had earlier. After a week’s worth of constant socializing, fun, and a night full of sushi, drinks, and good company to top off my week – I started to feel the effects of over-socializing. I’m not naturally a socializer – it takes a lot of effort on my part to talk to people. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy being around people – it just means I need my own time to unwind and be off on my own to rest up, reflect, and enjoy my own silent company once in awhile. It’s taken me a lot of hard work to become a better socializer and now it’s much easier for me to do so and recharge afterwards. It’s a fine balance.

A lot of people don’t believe me when I tell them that I used to be very, very shy. I guess it makes me really appreciate the long-term friends I have at home who have seen me grow into the person that I am today. But coming to Norway and meeting new people every day has shown me just how much I have grown. Even I can’t believe that the girl who just three years ago was very much a guarded person could have done a complete 180 into becoming a social butterfly. And it’s not that I’ve changed my personality in a short couple years but the fact that I’ve opened myself up to others – to have accepted and be willing to show others who I am – that has brought me here. This me right now – this me is who I really am. Not that shy girl from all those years ago.

It’s amazing just how much you can soar when you learn to love yourself.

10/19/11

Always Ask.

It never hurts to. Unless the worst thing you fear is rejection. For someone like me, asking was always a last resort. Asking for help was a sign of weakness. So I bottled emotions up. I kept to myself and didn’t let it show when I was frustrated or upset. I didn’t really let anyone help me. I broke down pretty easily.

Now, I ask. I ask even if it makes me feel stupid or silly for asking. It’s still difficult sometimes, but it’s getting easier.

I’ve found just ASKING makes my life much easier. Things I initially thought I couldn’t get around I’ve found ways to, just by asking. I’ve learned to rely on people. I’ve learned to recognize when I do need help.

I call for help when I’m feeling a breakdown coming along. I vent. I cry. The people who listen pat me on the back and set me straight. I feel lighter after asking for help. The burden lessened. It’s not weak to ask for help – it’s weak not to.

My life has gotten much more complex as the years have gone by, but I’ve overcome the challenges by asking for help when I need it. I’m much happier now.

It never hurts to ask. You’ll be surprised at how many doors open up for you when you do.