Go...
I stand alone, against the wall, trying to blend in to the wallpaper.
Once again, I'm here and I don't want to be and he's off talking to someone that I don't know. He said he'd be right back, but minutes seem to pass into hours, even though I know it isn't the case.
I rack my brain to think of one word, one line, something to make me sound interesting.
My skin is flushed but I am cold.
My head is beginning to hurt and I study my fingernails, picking at the cuticle that has somehow become misplaced.
I am an introvert, and I am uncomfortable.
Why can't life consist only of couches with fireplaces and warm blankets, of books where the characters are my best friends?
Yet I know that I must step out of my shell, because I was called to be in this world but not of it, and to be a light I have to be open, uncovered, bare.... even when it is scary.
And as I sip my Diet Coke I meet her eyes, across the room....
a mirror image, an introvert like me, and I know that I am not alone.
And I am welcome.
Not a stranger, but someone that is understood.
And then I hear him, laughing loudly and talking, as he rounds the corner, and I feel like I am home.
Just one smile.
Just one glance.
Someone who looks you in the eye even as you try to avoid the contact...
Making you know that it's ok, that they are glad that you are here, that you are welcome. Maybe I could be that someone, too?
Linking up with five minute Fridays, where we write for five minutes, unedited, on one prompt. This week... welcome.
Your words always paint such a vivid description. You indeed can be a place/person that is as welcoming as the person you wrote about here.
ReplyDeleteI have met several of us introverts in this blogging community this week! We must band together!
ReplyDeleteAh yes... I have been in that room, and stood pressed into that wall myself! Great post! I remember feeling like that when I attended a bloggers conference and oh my how it made all the difference to be seen and welcomed in! I decided then and there, that I would be that person... the one who searches the room looking for others who are trying to melt into invisibility because oh how we all need to know that we are seen!
ReplyDeleteYour words paint pictures! wow!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you--just against the other wall ;). I have moments of extrovertedness, but pretty much, I prefer the book and blanket and fireplace and friends that you only read about ;).
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post; my mind saw the story unfolding! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteConnections like those are the best! Great 5 minute post Lauren.
ReplyDeleteSuch a deep and beautiful post in only five minutes. I am introverted as well and can easily get lost in a book and being alone, but it is fun to have friends. And sometime it is so scary to take the first step in meeting others, but it is always worth it.
ReplyDeleteAmazing writing. I felt my stomach hurt as I know how uncomfortable that can be! I have become so much more of an introvert as I've gotten older. Praying for you to continue to be brave and step out of your comfort zone and be welcoming to someone else who is also in your same shoes!
ReplyDeleteBlessings-
Christine