Have you ever thought, “I want to make memories that matter,” but then found yourself staying in your comfort zone instead? We often hear phrases like “Life is short—make the most of it!” or “Say yes to new experiences!” But for those of us who are naturally quieter, more sensitive, or feel anxious in social…
Eighteen years ago, I reached a moment where the pain felt unbearable. Aged eighteen, I believed there was no way forward, no space for me in this world. The weight of expectations, unspoken fears, and the feeling of not belonging had become overwhelming. But somehow, I am still here. In the years since that suicide…
Values are the unseen compass that guides our decisions and helps us navigate the world. When you know your values, you have a clearer sense of who you are and what matters most to you. This self-awareness becomes an anchor, especially in times of uncertainty or when faced with difficult choices. Knowing your values can…
As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the past twelve months. This can bring up a mixture of emotions: pride in what you’ve achieved, sadness over missed opportunities, or even frustration about goals left unmet. For many of us, these reflections can lead to self-criticism. But what if we approached…
The holidays are a time of togetherness, but for introverts and highly sensitive people, they can also bring social fatigue. Long conversations, crowded spaces, and back-to-back gatherings can leave us feeling depleted. While connection is valuable, it’s equally important to protect our energy and find ways to recharge. So how can we navigate post-gathering fatigue…
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your emotions, unsure of what to do with the intensity of your feelings? It’s something we all experience at times. For those of us who are naturally quieter, sensitive, or more prone to social anxiety, emotions can feel like tidal waves—powerful and hard to navigate. Perhaps you’ve tried to…
You might have heard of Quiet Connections and assumed we’re a support group. It’s an easy mistake to make, especially when we talk about creating spaces where quiet people—those of us who feel shy, introverted, highly sensitive, or experience social anxiety—can connect and grow. While we do support one another in many ways, it’s important…
In his insightful book “Languishing,” Corey Keyes explores the concept of languishing—a state of stagnation and emptiness that many individuals experience in today’s fast-paced world. With warmth and empathy, Keyes delves into the causes and consequences of languishing, offering practical insights and strategies for overcoming this pervasive feeling. Here, we’ll explore some of the key…
The concept of languishing has emerged as a crucial focus in mental health research, especially in the wake of global events that have altered our social and work environments. Languishing, a state described as a sense of stagnation and emptiness, lies between flourishing and depression on the mental health continuum (Keyes, 2002). For introverts, who…
In a world where the spotlight often shines on extroverted traits, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate the unique strengths that introverted individuals bring to the table. Quiet strength manifests in various forms, from deep introspection and thoughtful analysis to empathetic listening and creative problem-solving. While extroversion is often equated with confidence and assertiveness, introverts…
Have you felt like you don’t matter? I wonder how many of do. I, for one, spent years feeling this way. Like it doesn’t matter if I’m at that event, with those people, or if I even exist. Who will notice? Who will be affected? Reduced feelings of ‘mattering’ have been found to contribute to loneliness…
This week Ellie had the privilege of interviewing the wonderful Emily Wheeler from Strength in Feathers. We invite you to dive into the blue world with us as Emily inspires us on the benefits of blue health. Ellie: Hi Emily, it’s great to chat to you and thank you so much for speaking with us, we…