What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. My friends are always asking me, “Why are you talking to strangers?” and it’s because you can often have meaningful encounters like this.
It’s become one of my favorite things to do. Just sat next to a guy on a plane from Chicago to WY. He and his wife adopted and raised 5 kids. Who does that???? They did. It’s really amazing to talk to people first hand who do things like that - it’s so inspiring. I asked what made them do something that , just, selfless. And he said he had been fostered growing up and he wanted to do the same for others in a more meaningful way and early on he gained financial success and this is how he wanted to use it. I love the stories first hand rather than always from a book or doc.
Oops I hit the wrong key as I was attempting to say that was the least important part of my reading this incredible post!
It almost brought me to tears. Being an introvert masquerading as an extrovert in my career as interior designer, I am so often relishing in this very same type encounter. I keep saying that the universe is providing these people on my frequency! It is such a wonderful thing to experience, authenticity!! I went into this second career knowing I did not like what I saw in the field and I was determined to do it MY WAY. It has rewarded beautifully. And NOT scaling has been a huge part of that “success”. I LOVE you, Amy! Keep on doing it YOUR way.
Thank you for this. Same here, as an introvert I hated everything about my industry and would break in to hives before an event. That changed after 2020 when we really drew hard lines in the sand about who we would work with and what we would create. To be at events now and truly want to talk to people about really important things - that oddly don’t go political - is so truly satisfying - when you talk to people at the level of their core principles rather than opinions you have much richer conversations - and the ones an Introvert loves.
I really used to be the cynical introvert as well. But sometimes (and this is me, I don’t know you so I’m not judging here) one can realize that the cynicism becomes an incredible arrogance. Once I started surrounding myself with individuals who were open to discourse, you realize people are often in the same state you are- I don’t look down on the extrovert now who can work a party - I prefer to think many of them truly like being around lots of people and get energy from skating around a room - energy that would deplete me. And a I also know that many are in the room feeling the same things that I am, and doing their best to not look too painfully out of place. And then there are a handful of those who are just (shallow, asshole??) - but when you start to break it down, that group is far smaller than you initially think, and when you start to get to know them, you realize that there’s often there far more nuance than you could ever know. And I love statistics and the laws of probability - so when you are in a big room the probability that many are just like you at the core is pretty high. Now I run with that.
Ouch!!!! Never arrogant too much self awareness to let that slip in or out for that matter. It is humorous that if one were to meet me you would think I was a super extrovert.
After working in the apparel industry for so many years I had to find that piece of me and run with it or get run over. Now I can just chill and be whatever feels authentic in the moment.
All the energy I had to use looked so natural but just sucked the wind right out of me. It went with the territory….part of the career climbing.
I do agree there are many more people that I would enjoy if I allowed the connection ….. Right now life has me in place where working on myself for this chapter seems most important.
Hoping and believing I will feel the urge to connect and explore with people I did not think I needed in my life. As usual your answer is on the nose…. I need to get there and am giving myself the
grace to arrive as the best version of me….for everyone’s sake. Thank you for taking the time to send such an invaluable piece of info. I like to think of physical setbacks, not life threatening
of course as time when we need to refuel. My sense is you are doing that. Be well……and again much thanks always.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. My friends are always asking me, “Why are you talking to strangers?” and it’s because you can often have meaningful encounters like this.
It’s become one of my favorite things to do. Just sat next to a guy on a plane from Chicago to WY. He and his wife adopted and raised 5 kids. Who does that???? They did. It’s really amazing to talk to people first hand who do things like that - it’s so inspiring. I asked what made them do something that , just, selfless. And he said he had been fostered growing up and he wanted to do the same for others in a more meaningful way and early on he gained financial success and this is how he wanted to use it. I love the stories first hand rather than always from a book or doc.
This is beautiful 🥹
A moment of grace: two souls touching.
This really resonates with me as well. Our industry can often feel superficial and shallow. I need to remind myself of your words.
Loved reading this last year, loved reading it again this year. A reminder of why I like Tibi so much❤️
Oops I hit the wrong key as I was attempting to say that was the least important part of my reading this incredible post!
It almost brought me to tears. Being an introvert masquerading as an extrovert in my career as interior designer, I am so often relishing in this very same type encounter. I keep saying that the universe is providing these people on my frequency! It is such a wonderful thing to experience, authenticity!! I went into this second career knowing I did not like what I saw in the field and I was determined to do it MY WAY. It has rewarded beautifully. And NOT scaling has been a huge part of that “success”. I LOVE you, Amy! Keep on doing it YOUR way.
Thank you for this. Same here, as an introvert I hated everything about my industry and would break in to hives before an event. That changed after 2020 when we really drew hard lines in the sand about who we would work with and what we would create. To be at events now and truly want to talk to people about really important things - that oddly don’t go political - is so truly satisfying - when you talk to people at the level of their core principles rather than opinions you have much richer conversations - and the ones an Introvert loves.
Love that you love this Flalafel place too on Rue des Rosiers!
What a beautiful story of human kindness! Thank you for sharing!
Amy, thank you for sharing this.
A beautiful encounter at my favorite falafel place in the world!
I love this so much. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, Amy.
gorgeous read , thank you.
Great falafel, and a great story. Was an enjoyable read, thx .
.....and I like to think this is what life is about. If I were not a cynical introvert I would
hope to have an experience like this. Serendipity with a dash of synchronicity.....
I really used to be the cynical introvert as well. But sometimes (and this is me, I don’t know you so I’m not judging here) one can realize that the cynicism becomes an incredible arrogance. Once I started surrounding myself with individuals who were open to discourse, you realize people are often in the same state you are- I don’t look down on the extrovert now who can work a party - I prefer to think many of them truly like being around lots of people and get energy from skating around a room - energy that would deplete me. And a I also know that many are in the room feeling the same things that I am, and doing their best to not look too painfully out of place. And then there are a handful of those who are just (shallow, asshole??) - but when you start to break it down, that group is far smaller than you initially think, and when you start to get to know them, you realize that there’s often there far more nuance than you could ever know. And I love statistics and the laws of probability - so when you are in a big room the probability that many are just like you at the core is pretty high. Now I run with that.
Ouch!!!! Never arrogant too much self awareness to let that slip in or out for that matter. It is humorous that if one were to meet me you would think I was a super extrovert.
After working in the apparel industry for so many years I had to find that piece of me and run with it or get run over. Now I can just chill and be whatever feels authentic in the moment.
All the energy I had to use looked so natural but just sucked the wind right out of me. It went with the territory….part of the career climbing.
I do agree there are many more people that I would enjoy if I allowed the connection ….. Right now life has me in place where working on myself for this chapter seems most important.
Hoping and believing I will feel the urge to connect and explore with people I did not think I needed in my life. As usual your answer is on the nose…. I need to get there and am giving myself the
grace to arrive as the best version of me….for everyone’s sake. Thank you for taking the time to send such an invaluable piece of info. I like to think of physical setbacks, not life threatening
of course as time when we need to refuel. My sense is you are doing that. Be well……and again much thanks always.
es preciosa tu respuesta amy