As I age, I have a desire to become smaller. While you might be thinking about my waist size or the natural “shrinking” that comes with aging, I am thinking about my presence in the world.
During my career, even while being a committed introvert, I wanted to be noticed—I wanted my opinions heard, and I craved the spotlight. Now, I want to listen more, think more, and understand more without the need to be the center of attention.
While that might sound crazy, I derive more benefit from being ‘smaller’ and taking the time to listen to others, ponder, and enjoy the silence of the moment. It is, for me, time valued. I have come to realize that my opinions are just not that important and my judgments even less so.
Don’t get me wrong, I relish being with others. I am not a shut-in and definitely not a monk. But I prize the fact that I don’t “need” to be a presence. I see that subtle difference as growth.
Thoughts?
