I turn 33 on Monday. In honor of my birthday, I am doing a little self-reflection. Here are some things I’ve learned recently that caught me by surprise.
You would think I would’ve learned this way before now, but I didn’t. Before our cave snorkeling experience in Mexico this past Spring, the closest thing to claustrophobia I can remember is when I was in ninth grade sleeping on a charter bus floor. When I woke up the seat back in front of me was reclined over my sleeping space and I flailed my arms a little. That’s it. And then the near hyperventilation in the Mexican caves.
I guess if you really stretch it, I do know and have always known I cannot stand being touched while I’m falling asleep or being held down and tickled or having blankets over my head
(I know people who sleep with blankets over their head, have you ever heard of such a thing?!) or heat blowing in my face. Are any of these things associated with claustrophobia?
Similar to claustrophobia, one would think a person would know they are afraid of heights well before their thirty-third year. Admittedly, the first time I realized I was afraid of heights was in 2003 when I went parasailing. But because I’m not afraid of climbing ladders or fences or other such things, I tend to forget about the heights thing. I’m also okay when I’m climbing up to building rooftops like St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Empire State Building. However, every once and awhile I do something like climbing a rock wall which sends my little heart into wild palpitations and I think, Oh yeah, I don’t like heights. Duh!
Um, yeah. I’m a little slow… so I have always held the belief that my hair is stick straight and doesn’t hold curl well. I am right in the fact my hair is heavy and doesn’t hold curl, but it’s not exactly stick straight. But the weird part is it isn’t exactly wavy or naturally curly either. It’s simply frizzy. I’m still waiting for frizzy to be ‘in’.
I’m gonna be honest. This one is probably the most shocking to me. I think about my high school years – involved in almost every extracurricular activity that existed at our school or how I’ve never been one to walk away from a stranger I wanted to ask a question of or how in Brazil (2008) I had no qualms asking four excellent local volleyball players if they wanted to play a pick-up game and so I wonder, can it really be true? Am I really an introvert?
But then I think about how I’m terrible in a crowd or at a big party. I can’t stand being the center of attention. My motivation for excellence comes from within. I can’t stand being cheered for. (I remember when I was pushing Ainsley out of my body six nurses were cheering – “You can do it”, “You’re doing great!” – I literally wanted to smack them all and tell them to shut up, but I was busy pushing out a baby.) I’m not good with praise or compliments. So, this year I finally realized I am an introvert. Egads!
Okay, so this is probably a no brainer, but it took me until last year to figure it out…. Just because someone else is good at something I do or want to do, doesn’t mean I can’t be good at it too. I think our western culture focuses so much on winning and being the best, it’s hard to remember that more than one person can be good at something.
I grew up thinking I didn’t like chocolate. In fact for Easter, my mom would get me a peanut butter rabbit instead of a chocolate rabbit. As an adult, I’m becoming brave in trying chocolate desserts and finding that chocolate is like wine… there is a big variety. So while there is still a lot of chocolate I don’t like, I’ve found a few chocolate desserts I actually enjoy.
If you remember my post about how I can’t understand or remember musical lyrics then it will come as a surprise to you (as it did to me) that I don’t like a song without good lyrics. Seriously. If I work hard enough to understand your lyrics and they are stupid (Black Eyed Peas, I’m talking to you), I won’t enjoy your music. I am not as bothered by deep lyrics or symbolic lyrics (U2 – that’s you) although I may not always ‘get’ your songs. But what I really like are clear yet clever lyrics (Jason Mraz, Dashboard Confessional – even though you’re a little too teeny boppy for me). So there you have it, put some creativity into your lyrics or this girl ain’t listening.
What have you learned about yourself this year that surprised you?
Comments (8)
1.Happy BIRTHDAY LEIGHANN! (I sent you a lil something in the mail this morning! 2.I’m also afraid of heights – fell of a tree one time and hit my tailbone 🙁 3.In HS we took a test and I was the only one in my class that is an introvert I don’t accept praises compliments well either 4. I also love chocolate I knew you and I had some things in common when I met you for the first time at your mom’s house! 🙂
One thing I can think of right now that surprised me this year I learned that I can be assertive and be ok with it. At work it’s a tough environment and sometimes you have to stick for yourself know your rights etc. I learned that it’s okay to ask for help. I grew up really independent thinking you can’t rely on people. But then I was in that car accident last year and was without a car for 5 months I had to ask a neighbor for a ride to work in the morning and a ride to church etc. God gives us people in our lives to help us become the people He designed us to be.
Happy Happy Birthday! :o)
Sailor sleeps with the blanket over her head. It still freaks me out really bad. When she was tiny I was forever pulling it off her face. Now if I pull it from her face she just pulls it right back up, she’s 15 monts now so I dont worry as much.
I do not do small places well at all, when I was in the hosp for preterm labor I was stuck by the door instead of a window (windows make a huge difference for me) I HAD to have to door open no matter what the nurses were kept forgeting and closeing it and I would get up and open it will all kinds of thing attached to me.
When I went in to have Sailor they remebered me and gave me my own room with a huge bay window. I was happy.
I am always Mis hearing lyrics to songs and then sound like a big dummy when I sing what I think I hear LOL
I do not like to fly period, I have to take some major anxiety meds to do it.
I am a true introvert but many people can not tell.
It may help your readers as it did me when I heard the definition of introvert and extrovert. According to the source I heard, the issue is how you get energized. Introverts like to get alone to build up energy for the next day, for life in general. They need alone time and don’t do as well if they don’t get it. Introverts like people, enjoy them, etc. but they do not have to have them. Extroverts (your grandpa Morris, i.e.) need people to energize. They connect more often by phone or email, etc. They make really good supportive friends cuz they want to almost always be connected. They do not seek alone time to the extent of the introvert. I agree you are an introvert as I am…..give me my alone time or I will snap at you ha. mom
I found out that I am all of a sudden, afraid of heights. I booked my family for one of those high ropes courses. I could not believe how anxious I was once I got up there! In the past I was able to get up and help repair the roof and paint shutters on the second floor. I don’t know what changed?
From the mother of 6 children: Well, the “felt like smacking her” comment while in labor cannot qualify for introversion, now can it? So I looked up the word & maybe it can. Guess the self-reliant part works here?!? 🙂 Introversion:
A commonly used term for adults or children who are quiet, reserved, thoughtful, and self-reliant and who tend to prefer solitary work and leisure activities.
Labor makes me feel like smacking everyone. 🙂 Just kidding, (sort of.) 🙂
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What a loaded question!
Soo Should I say Happy Birthday or is that cheering you on?? 😉
Side Note: I am an extrovert my husband is an introvert I drive him crazy with questions like , “Where you going?”, “Why do need down time? “and “Lets go do something Lets invite someone over for dinner. ” I now know it’s really not me. He just wants to be alone. Who could blame him with a house full of girls? hehee.
I am not afraid of heights as long as there is a body of water below it. I have jumped off 80 foot cliffs into a narrow quarry creek… yes because everyone else was doing it. 🙂 I think that the the height factor is safer because of the water. Strange…hmm more like stupid. It was before kids if that makes it any better.
What I have learned this year:
1. Sound kinda silly to say it took me this long to learn that I have a choice. A choice to be happy. I don’t have to rely on others or feelings to direct how I live. For me this is HUGE deal.
2. I have learned this year that people pleasing is NOT a good trait to have.
4. This year I realized I can’t do life without Jesus. I need Christ more than I thought I did!
5. I also realized I can be successful as a SAHM and homeschooling Mom! Despite the naysayers as long as God is first in my life.
Amen!!
Hope you had a great weekend.
Kelly
Happy birthday leighann! this year, i learned that i need to focus more on what i want, instead of worrying about what i think i should do for the greater benefit of others. i’ve been told for so long what to do, that now that i have the freedom to choose, i’m pretty lost. i pray it will come together as i take my next step and figure out where i will work as a new graduate OT. wish you all the best for an amazing year ahead. love, Stacy