For Michael

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/5/2004 7:49:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

vicki writes:

 

try to witness my weaknesses and how I try to rise above them. I

almost never do Life goes on, fraught with difficulty and

suffering. Only waking up solves anything, so I try to wake up a

little each day. Beyond that, what can I do?

 

With love,

Vicki

 

 

 

 

As in all things the measure of a person is never discovered merely by

reflecting upon oneself, but in digging deeper into others. My daughter is also

an

introvert, and although never to be a nature other than that, she has

learned to overcome much of her reluctance by learning to help

others...participating in animal rescue programs, involved in navy rescue

operations, and

tutoring college students. It does not, of course, make her a a stage model,

an

investigative reporter or any such sort of person where a great deal more

extroverted nature is required...but she remarked that when she is involved in

helping others who are struggling or injured, that she is no longer an

introvert...she is just doing her duty and focused on the person in need.

 

This is something that we can all grasp and come to terms with in little

bite-sized pieces, I believe, and nothing can mean more to us, even the

introverts of life, than a grateful glance, kind word of thanks or just the

realization that we have eased another's burdens or suffering.

 

It also does a good deal for depression, too.

 

However, I would stress that although this is salutory against being too

introverted, it is not a cure, and especially not a cure for Agoraphobia. It

does relieve a lot of anxiety however to those who just are not comfortable in

social or new social situations. I also think wearing a hat or uniform

helps, but I am not exactly sure why.

 

I know that I like to wear a special hat on those days that I am expected to

do some particularly stressful public speech, demonstration or seminar.

 

Maybe it's just psychological, bu my Viking helmet and Aussie hat both get

me really into a good mood, and even my Russian Bear hat and Wizard Cone can

fill me with renewed vigor. I am currently trying to find a suitable Fedora

for those moments when the Sinatra Spirit flutters by...

 

 

Peace,

 

Love,

 

Zenbob