But do you love it? Packed Weekends?

But do you love it? Packed weekends? I’m talking to the introverts now.

This first weekend in May, is one of those weekends: Lots of celebrations going on: Cinco De Mayo, Kentucky Derby, and in Cincinnati the Flying Pig Marathon, which is a weekend event with half marathons, kids’ runs, etc. Plus, many graduation celebrations!

This is a big-ass boom for you extraverts! Go, go, go!! But, for introverts like me, our energy can be depleted by all this. What do you do if your energy is already depleted? You probably go anyway, because of social obligations and conditioning. And then you wilt—maybe for days afterward. Yeah. I feel ya.

I love the excitement and the high energy of everyone getting together, but as an introvert by nature, social events can be very draining for me. And this can be a source of contention between my partner and me. He’s like the Energizer bunny when it comes to socializing. He could be on his death bed and if you said, “Party” you’d witness a miracle recovery.

My point is that too many social engagements de-energize me. And to get my energy back, I need quiet time. Maybe that’s reading a book, or walk in nature and sometimes it can even be mowing the lawn. Yeah, seriously. But, that’s another post. 😊

I have to make tough decisions sometimes for my own well-being. Sometimes I have to tell my partner, “I’m not going to that party tonight.” I know he will be disappointed, but I also know that if I do go and my energy becomes depleted, then I become a zombie; sometimes and angry Zombie, and that’s never good.

I know it’s in my best interest and in the interest of my loved ones to know when I need to stay back and regenerate versus forcing myself to go, which would eventually push me into Zombie-dom.

But this is a choice I have to make. I weigh the choices. Sometimes I am tired, and would like to stay home, but then I think of the people I’d see, or the fun we’d have, or how happy it would make my partner, and I find my energy. Other times, even though I’d love to hang out and see these friends, I know my energy would be drained and I’d end up being a big pooh-pooh head all night. (Yeah, pooh-pooh heads are no fun at all!)

How do I make such choices? To make the choice that is right for you at that time, you have to get out of your head and into your heart. Find a quiet space. Take a couple of deep breaths, expanding your belly as you inhale and exhaling with a sigh (or yell, or grunt, whatever feels good.) Bring your attention to your heart center—inside your body not floating outside of it. 😊 Don’t stress over the visual. The intention of listening to your heart will be sufficient.

Ask yourself, “What’s best for my well-being today?” Pause for a bit of silence. Then ask yourself Yes/No questions and notice how your body responds. For instance, ask yourself, “Do I go to the party?” Pause and pay attention to your body. Do you feel expansion, excitement, or happy chills? That’s likely a “Yes” answer from your body. If you feel constriction, tightening in your chest, headache, stomach gurgling, etc., that’s likely a “No.” Get to know how your body responds and it becomes clear what is best for your health and the health of your relationships.

When I follow the wisdom of my heart and body, my decisions may disappoint people temporarily, but by honoring my well-being, I know I can make it up to them in spades when I am recharged. At least I can keep the Zombie at bay; which is for the well-being of everyone around me! 😊