When I think of the letter Q, the first word that comes to my mind is "quiet". That is because it is what defines who I am. It is my identity. I am quiet.
I imagine that most people like the word quiet. It may bring thoughts of calm moments and peaceful times. It probably conjurers up images of lone beaches, morning forests, first snows and mountain top clouds.
Through introspection, I have come to realize how important my quietness is.
I probably didn't understand that I was a little different from the other kids because of my quietness until my first grade teacher alerted my mother to this fact by noting it in a comment on my report card.
To paraphrase, "Lynda is doing well, but she is so quiet."
Personality traits such as quiet, shy, or introvert are generally not positive descriptors, but instead have a negative connotation.
Life reflection has brought me an understanding of my quietness.
From early on in my life, quiet was what I learned to do when frightening thunderous screaming night noises wakened me.
After all, if I were quiet, I wasn't really there, now was I?
My son was quiet. His childhood experiences were quite different from mine. His father is also a quiet person.
Nurture or nature? The experts say both contribute to our personality development.
But we quiet ones, most of us, we are peaceful and gentle souls. We may not know how to start a conversation, or have any idea about ice breakers, but we have thoughts and ideas and opinions.
We may not like to participate in a group discussion for fear that we won't be heard, but if you take a moment to listen closely, you may be surprised by what we have to say.
We probably will know much more about you, than you will know about us. But that is only because we are the observers, the askers of the questions, you have our undivided attention.
I would like to be able to say that at this point in my life I have become comfortable with my quiet being. Wouldn't that make a good ending to this post?
Let's just say that I continue to work on that.
So, what did you do today?
PS:
In a post, the day after my son passed away, I wrote a tribute to his quietness. If you please, take a moment to read it.
Quiet Treasures
Please read the post at Blogging from A to Z today (Friday April 19). I've featured your blog to help you gain some new blog followers. Don't forget to visit those who are your new followers and have left comments so you can thank them and reciprocally follow their blogs. We're trying to accomplish some fruitful networking today!
ReplyDeleteLee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Thank you Lee. I have been visiting new blogs every day too and have, of course found some great ones.
ReplyDeleteI am going to check out all of the ones you listed today.
I am also known for being quiet. As an introvert it's often misunderstood or mistaken. I get a lot of questions like, "are you OK?" "Why don't you talk more?" I talk when I have something to say. Not a lot of people get that. Great post for Q =).
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you mean when you say that you talk when you have something to say. I feel the same way.
DeleteThank you for visiting.
I'm not quiet by nature, it's something I have to work at! I learned a long time ago that it was worthwhile to listen to the people who don't always interact in a group. When I led a school work team, we always included a time in our discussions to give time to speak to those who hadn't previously spoken. I learned a lot from those who listen rather than fight to be the center of attention.
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower and a fellow AtoZ participant.
Thank you. Your comment touched me. It was very sensitive of you to consider those people who may need a little encouragement to speak.
DeleteThank you for visiting and welcome.
Sometimes I was I was a quiet person. It would keep me out of trouble.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wish I would speak up. It would probably save me a lot of trouble :)
DeleteQuiet is not a word many would use to describe me, I think. And in spite of that, I can relate to the struggle to begin conversations and interact in a group.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I've found your blog through the A to Z Challenge and I look forward to reading more!
-Cristyl @ www.mychillthoughts.com
Yes, I know that even outgoing folks may feel uncomfortable speaking to a group of people they don’t know.
DeleteThank you for visiting.
The photo in your tribute...Joe looks like such s sweet kid, and yes, he looks shy, like he wasn't excited to see a camera point his direction. :-) Some people are just like that. And that simply adds to their beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful post, Lynda. There is a special relationship between a mother and her children. I don't believe it's ever severed, and I think it exists beyond our earthly horizon.
You are a strong person. A big hug to you.
Thank you Teresa. It is so true about the bond a mother has with her children. I also know how it feels to lose a mother and how much more I appreciate what mothering means.
DeleteI am the worst of both, I am a shy introvert. It is very hard going through life in that state. I am usually considered, snobby, or another name. People are not very understanding of shy introverts. My daughter is an introvert but not shy, which I am thankful. You might enjoy this book: "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking." My daughter did a presentation on the the book for her professor and the professor was so impressed she is having her present it to the entire class and going to add the book for a reading assignment.
ReplyDeleteLucy from Lucy's Reality
( I finally got my link working, yeah, it only took me over halfway through the challenge lol)
Hi Lucy,
DeleteI do have the Quiet book. I have not had a chance to read it, but I intend to. It is very neat that your daughter chose that book to do a presentation on. It was also very smart of her professor to recognize her efforts.
Glad to see your link is now working :)
I'm not sure if I'm a quiet person by nature, but I love the sounds of silence.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences on the loss of your son.
Popped by from Arlee's AtoZ post.
thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
I too enjoy a peaceful and quiet time.
DeleteThank you for your kinds words.
Thanks for the visit, too.
I don't know many quiet people, actually. I wonder if that's just coincidence or if quiet people are attracted to other quiet people and not those who are more vocal. I'm not a loud person, I don't think, but no one has ever described me as quiet.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that you don’t know many quiet people. Interesting and understandable, though. We are not that easy to get to know.
DeleteThanks you for visiting.
I think I have something of a split personality when it comes to the quiet/boisterous thing. I can be very quiet to the point of shyness with people I don't know, but can go too far in the other direction with people I'm comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post about Joe. Thanks for linking to it; glad I got the chance to read it.
Hi MM,
ReplyDeleteI guess I am a little like that too. I am most comfortable with people I know or in a one on one conversation.
Thank you for reading about my Joe. :)
Quiet. I've had a very loud week, and I'm looking forward to the quiet of the weekend.
ReplyDelete(I'm a quiet person too most of the time. Unless I know someone well.)
I hope you have a very peaceful weekend.
ReplyDeleteLynda, I found your blog today, and I am glad. I am a quiet person as well. I am in a quiet season of my life. Your blog is a welcome place to visit. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSiouxsiesMusings
Thank you, Susan for your kind words. I like what you wrote, that you are in a quiet season of your life.
DeleteI am glad that you visited.