For the Offended and Unappreciated Introvert

Having three younger siblings, Disney Channel is on almost constantly in my house. Because of this, I have admittedly seen every episode of every show, and I have come to notice something quite interesting.

The media--here, exemplified by Disney Channel--seems to really hate introverts. This is an over-exaggerated way of putting it, of course, but really--I cannot think of a single character that is a true introvert. At least, not a 'cool' character. Introverts on Disney Channel always seem to fall into one of two categories: the geeky bookworm, and the gothic, antisocial bully. And as neither a geek nor an antisocial bully, I am one offended introvert.

It seems to me like the media's idea of introverts is rubbing off on society. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like more and more people are beginning to look down on introverts and glorify the social butterflies. They seem to think there's something wrong with us if we aren't particularly outgoing--and sometimes they even try to push us into being more 'normal' and social.* 

But the world needs us introverts--whether it realizes it or not. What would the world be like without us? Certainly a lot less artistic and intelligent. ;)

So where does that leave us unappreciated introverts? 

Curled up by the fireplace, wrapped up in a Snuggie,** and reading a good book, I guess. 

An unappreciated introvert,

† Rebecca

* Note to the extravert: we usually hate this. Don't be surprised if you get an "I'd rather not." :P

** that was a joke. I do not own a Snuggie. AND I REPEAT: I DO NOT OWN A SNUGGIE! 

IMPACT.

IMPACT.

It's something every person on this planet has. But sadly, something not every person uses. It's almost like a sort of superpower--you can decide to use it for good, for bad, or you can just ignore it. Walk away. Toss it out, like an unwanted gift.

But really, it's not something that can be thrown out. Ignored, maybe, overlooked, sure. But whether or not you realize it, it's something that will be intertwined with you for the rest of your life, and beyond. It's permanent.

Your Impact is your story. Your choices, your values, the way you live your life. Each action, each word, each thought that enters your head has some sort of effect on you--and others. It's not a difficult concept to grasp--every single day, we see the Impact of others' choices. We can see how their pasts, experiences, their opinions and beliefs shape who they are and how they behave. And we can see how their behavior in turn influences everyone around them--for better or for worse.

Sometimes I wonder what my life (and others') would be like if I could rewind time and do-over all of my mistakes. How would things be different? Would they be better? I really don't know. 

What I do know, because of my mistakes, is that now I am a stronger person. Now I have a new awareness of the Impact I have on others. Now, I can say no to temptation. I'm not perfect, but I can stay strong, I can love others, I can reach out. I'm alive.

I wish more people would realize their potential to Impact. I wish more people would understand how much their stories and choices matter--not just to them, but to everyone around them.

Don't forget your Impact, my friends.

† Rebecca

The Only One

Am I the only one who sees?

This is what I asked myself, over and over again, as I squirmed in my uncomfortable chair during my least favorite class. 

I can't be the only one who is sickened by this. I can't be alone here! Can I…?

I jabbed my Sharpie pen down onto my paper, scribbling furiously, trying to come up with my next project design. But all I could focus on was the vile words and boisterous laughter of the group beside me.

How on earth could they think this way? Don't they care?

It was all I could do to hide the rage and hurt building up inside of me as they jabbered on about their weekend plans--to drop into a local strip club and throw things at the dancers.

I could feel my heart just smoldering inside my chest--their usual R-rated swearing and obscene jokes was one thing, but this crossed a line for me. I wanted to say something... But I had no words. What could I say? "You better be nice to strippers--they're people too!" "Jesus loves prostitutes, shouldn't you?"

I hate being in situations like this. I hate witnessing how dark the world is and feeling helpless to change it. I hate going to concerts and seeing drunk people stumbling around. I hate seeing girls willing to exploit themselves in order to feel loved. I hate seeing drugs and alcohol rip apart families. I hate seeing people give up because they feel hopeless and alone.

But at the same time, something in me desperately needs to see those things. Something in me needs to witness the suffering.

Sometimes I feel like I live in a little glass bubble, safe and protected from the horrible world, happily oblivious to the pain and darkness "out there." But inside that bubble, I am trapped and restless because I know that there are those outside my little glass bubble who are hurting. Who are Lost. Who are wandering in darkness, blind and ignorant of the Impact their choices have. When I step out of my bubble, when I see how dark the world really is, my eyes and my heart are opened, and I feel compassion. I feel hurt. I feel love and hate all rolled into one. And I know I have to do something about it. 

But what? Well, to be at all honest, I'm not completely sure. So, for now, I write--and hope I'm not the only one sickened by the darkness.

✝ Rebecca 

P.S.: Do any of you feel like you live in a little glass bubble? Do you ever feel the need to see the darkness, or are you content where you are? What do you do to try to bring a little light into the world? Leave a comment.

Intro: I'm No Blogger

Let me come up and say this now: I'm no blogger.

I'm a teenager who loves to write. I love to create images, feelings, and meaning with words. I love how something so simple as stringing together a few letters can suddenly become something more, something bigger, something with Impact.

That is why I chose to start this blog—to share my deepest thoughts, to paint a picture of the world through my eyes. To explore, release, and discover.

On this site, I will be sharing with you snippets of my life—the good, the bad, the pretty, the ugly, and everything in between. I hope that you will be moved—inspired, angered, saddened, hopeful—and I pray that my story will somehow encourage you as you press on through your own story.

But I'm still no blogger.

✝ Rebecca