Way back in the summer I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Stacie from Quiet Connections - another local Community Interest Company with many shared values.
I met Stacie and Hayley last winter and was so inspired by their work and the drive they have to connect people who find social settings more overwhelming than most. Finding formats which work for the socially anxious is so important, but it's not the 'default' way that our society works - and sadly this leaves quieter individuals often feeling 'less than' or neglected.
At secondary school I remember this having a crippling effect on my social life and thinking that there must be something wrong with me - why didn't I find the busy, loud environment inspiring and energising like everyone else seemed to? I found my solace in writing, where I was praised for the self-expression that I just couldn't communicate out loud.
During my conversation with Stacie, we reflected on our formative years and the ways that quietness felt so difficult until we found our way with it. As adults, we both feel so lucky to have found ways to work with our introversion, not against it. We talk about the role of creativity in this pursuit of contentment, as well as our passion to share what with learnt with others in the 'quiet' community.
You can listen to our chat here, and do let me know what you think!
Best Wishes,
Emily