Author: Tony Trott
There are times when we all need a break or to take it easy for a while. For some people this is simple to do but for others it is quite difficult. In my opinion, this relates to whether you
are an introvert or extrovert. Now, I’m not going to go all Myers-Briggs on you, but I do think that personality type is a helpful piece of information to keep in mind when thinking about others and what their reactions might be in certain situations. (In fact, I did write a blog about Myers-Briggs a a few years ago!)
What made me think about this was the fact that Sheri told me that she is planning to cut back her time spent raising funds for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. She is still going to be involved in the program, but she wanted a break from all the stress and extensive time involved in fundraising. After raising over $100,000 in 12 years I think she deserves it! In general, she enjoys being out and about, planning, and working with others on events like these. For her, it was a big decision to step back and in general, she finds it harder to say “no.” On the other hand, as a bystander it was easy for me to see that the work was too much, creating stress and was exhausting. While I support 
working for good causes, I would not agonize over making the decision to stop the activity. In my case, taking a break or taking it easy does not mean going on a cruise around the world or even a trip to the beach. While certainly fun, when you have a disability traveling involves stress related to planning, endless research, phone calls, and of course funding. I find relaxation by sitting in our comfortable recliner and watching a horror movie, I enjoy reading a good book in the sunshine or even doing nothing. I’m not someone that always has to be busy and around others.
I recognize that extroverts tend to gather energy from other people and like to be busy and involved with many activities. And I respect that. It is also true that individuals have different perspectives on what being busy means and that may also bleed over into their professional life. I’m not saying that introverts, like me, are lazy, but maybe just quieter about what they need to be satisfied. I don’t get all hot and bothered if I don’t have plans each day. I don’t equate that with being “not productive.” But I do realize that it is necessary to understand the differences in perspective that we all have in viewing our own sense of what makes each of us content.
On that note, I’m off to go watch a zombie movie and relax!
