I’m so glad you did this bonus issue, because there is an absolute bounty here to reflect on and enjoy! The idea of saying “I don’t care “when dealing with grief or some other emotional turmoil really resonates – I have found myself doing the same lately, and no it is a good sign, so to speak, when I don’t fall back on those words in the same way. Also, I love how you relate this to Jesus and the curiosity behind his questions.
I loved that Kate Bowler episode also, and I love, love your pumpkin! Gorgeous.
Thank you, Jenni. As you know, I’ve been diving into art quite a lot lately, and slowly, I’m gathering up the nerve to share it. It’s hard being a “beginner” and letting other people see that. But I hope it encourages other people to try new things, too. I’m learning so much.
I used to feel bad when someone asked where do you want to eat and I'd reply, "I don't know, where do you want to go." I'm such an indirect person...it's painful for me to be direct! But my husband and I have worked out a system that works for us. When he asks where I want to eat or what I want for dinner, I can say, "I'm not sure, what are some options." He's great at coming up with options and then together we figure out what sounds good for this particular day. It took us a while to figure this out, but it is a very peaceful way to navigate this almost everyday question. Oh, and every once in a great while, I know where I'd like to go or what I want to eat right away! Thanks for the topic!
I love this, Q! Steve and I are working on a system too. I think just talking about it has helped us be more aware, too. We’re also working on communicating more specifically about other things, breaking down our code words into more meaningful dialogue is very helpful.
As an introvert and someone who moved every three years growing up, I struggle with good solid friendships. During the covid shut down, I somehow lost a friend that I never dreamed I would lose so easily. So my curious and somewhat painful questions are along the lines of what happened? How can we reconcile this seemed misunderstanding? What can I do or what have I done? These are hard issues for someone who also avoids controversy.This book looks like one that might help me take those steps. I look forward to reading this.
Dana — Thanks for sharing so openly about the struggles of friendship. Have relationships with others does take work, doesn’t it? And sometimes, things happen with no explanation. It’s painful to lose a relationship. I’ve had that happen too, and sometimes things are able to be worked out and sometimes they’re not. Recognizing how our personalities and temperaments play a role seems very valuable.
This is such a rich issue, Charity. Very interested in the book. I dearly love and need my friends, but the amount of private time I require as an introvert and the contentment of being alone are hindrances to living in community. I’ve often wondered when my nature veers toward sin. Thank you for such good work.
Crystal — I’ve often wondered the same thing. Through the process of grief, my introverted nature has really come to the surface, and I struggle to make myself be with people. When is it okay to pull back and when do I need to push myself? These are questions I ask a lot. It’s also made me more accepting of others who don’t seem to attend to people’s needs much. I’ve realized that we aren’t all as sensitive toward others and may not recognize when others need us to step in. Hope you enjoy the book!
I would love to read this book! It sounds so good! Curiosity and friendship... for me, as an introvert, it is SO much easier for me to ask the questions with people I meet, such as, acquaintances or "friends" who are not in my really small circle of best friends, who I can talk freely with. To be honest, it is easier for me to ask the questions, because then I do not have to be vulnerable myself. Often times, people answer the questions and then don't really reciprocate. So, if I start asking about them, our conversations are steered away from me. I don't mean I can't talk about myself on the surface level, but to get to the really deep part is difficult for me.
Kim - This is an interesting conundrum for introverts. They are a safe place for others to talk and process but often don’t have a place to do that for themselves. I happen to be a chatty introvert, so even though I’m curious about others and like to ask questions, I find myself wanting to share my story too. I have to remind myself to listen more and talk less all the time.
Sorry you didn’t win the book. I do hope you’ll pick up a copy when you can (or maybe request that the library purchase it). It’s such a good one.
PS: and the Examen!! So good. 🙏🏻
I’m so glad you did this bonus issue, because there is an absolute bounty here to reflect on and enjoy! The idea of saying “I don’t care “when dealing with grief or some other emotional turmoil really resonates – I have found myself doing the same lately, and no it is a good sign, so to speak, when I don’t fall back on those words in the same way. Also, I love how you relate this to Jesus and the curiosity behind his questions.
I loved that Kate Bowler episode also, and I love, love your pumpkin! Gorgeous.
Thank you, Jenni. As you know, I’ve been diving into art quite a lot lately, and slowly, I’m gathering up the nerve to share it. It’s hard being a “beginner” and letting other people see that. But I hope it encourages other people to try new things, too. I’m learning so much.
It's truly beautiful.
*know
I used to feel bad when someone asked where do you want to eat and I'd reply, "I don't know, where do you want to go." I'm such an indirect person...it's painful for me to be direct! But my husband and I have worked out a system that works for us. When he asks where I want to eat or what I want for dinner, I can say, "I'm not sure, what are some options." He's great at coming up with options and then together we figure out what sounds good for this particular day. It took us a while to figure this out, but it is a very peaceful way to navigate this almost everyday question. Oh, and every once in a great while, I know where I'd like to go or what I want to eat right away! Thanks for the topic!
I love this, Q! Steve and I are working on a system too. I think just talking about it has helped us be more aware, too. We’re also working on communicating more specifically about other things, breaking down our code words into more meaningful dialogue is very helpful.
As an introvert and someone who moved every three years growing up, I struggle with good solid friendships. During the covid shut down, I somehow lost a friend that I never dreamed I would lose so easily. So my curious and somewhat painful questions are along the lines of what happened? How can we reconcile this seemed misunderstanding? What can I do or what have I done? These are hard issues for someone who also avoids controversy.This book looks like one that might help me take those steps. I look forward to reading this.
Dana — Thanks for sharing so openly about the struggles of friendship. Have relationships with others does take work, doesn’t it? And sometimes, things happen with no explanation. It’s painful to lose a relationship. I’ve had that happen too, and sometimes things are able to be worked out and sometimes they’re not. Recognizing how our personalities and temperaments play a role seems very valuable.
This is such a rich issue, Charity. Very interested in the book. I dearly love and need my friends, but the amount of private time I require as an introvert and the contentment of being alone are hindrances to living in community. I’ve often wondered when my nature veers toward sin. Thank you for such good work.
Crystal — I’ve often wondered the same thing. Through the process of grief, my introverted nature has really come to the surface, and I struggle to make myself be with people. When is it okay to pull back and when do I need to push myself? These are questions I ask a lot. It’s also made me more accepting of others who don’t seem to attend to people’s needs much. I’ve realized that we aren’t all as sensitive toward others and may not recognize when others need us to step in. Hope you enjoy the book!
I would love to read this book! It sounds so good! Curiosity and friendship... for me, as an introvert, it is SO much easier for me to ask the questions with people I meet, such as, acquaintances or "friends" who are not in my really small circle of best friends, who I can talk freely with. To be honest, it is easier for me to ask the questions, because then I do not have to be vulnerable myself. Often times, people answer the questions and then don't really reciprocate. So, if I start asking about them, our conversations are steered away from me. I don't mean I can't talk about myself on the surface level, but to get to the really deep part is difficult for me.
Kim - This is an interesting conundrum for introverts. They are a safe place for others to talk and process but often don’t have a place to do that for themselves. I happen to be a chatty introvert, so even though I’m curious about others and like to ask questions, I find myself wanting to share my story too. I have to remind myself to listen more and talk less all the time.
Sorry you didn’t win the book. I do hope you’ll pick up a copy when you can (or maybe request that the library purchase it). It’s such a good one.