The Oxford dictionary describes a ‘loner’ as an isolated person. I am basically a ‘loner’ in my mind and my heart always wants to be around people. But I would still describe myself as a loner, the reason is being an introvert in my mind gives me the edge I need most of the times. I get ample time and space to get a better understanding of a lot of things. But my heart longs and craves for people for the simple reasons that I love talking to people and learning more about them and also from them.
Over the time I realized that these two elements ‘introversion’ and ‘extroversion’ just like the two sides of a coin are a part of every individual; in varying ways. Keeping in mind the string of thought I never realized that I had begun isolating myself from everyone in the true meaning of the word. And to be precise, I became a follower of the thought ’mind over matter’ . I began depending upon my mind for the simplest decision.
Like I mentioned earlier I learnt a very valuable lesson a few days back. It was a day where I listened to my heart after a really long time. Until that day if I was put in a group, I would often lock myself up in my mind and blend into the surrounding. I would try my best at being invisible and keenly observe others around me. But that day was different and a memorable one at that, I spent it with a few people whom I had never known earlier.
These people were complete strangers at the first glance and yet not so strange in the other. I saw that all of them were different but were similar too. The thing that made me ponder was that even though all of them might have not known each other very well they all had one thing in common – friendship. Friendship has often been clichéd, overhyped, understated but in the end it is not something that can be acquired.
The people I am talking about didn’t know the first thing about me but I was welcomed amongst them with warm smiles. In the time that we spent, we laughed, joked, teased, celebrated, swapped stories and went complete bonkers. During that period not once did I feel like an outsider they made it easy to fit in. I also never thought I would have so much fun with people I barely knew. All I could feel was relaxed, happy and found it was easy to shed inhibitions.
These were people who helped me understand myself and taught me what mattered in life. They were in oblivion about the things they were teaching me. I don’t know how I would thank them for making a difference in my life. Today, I feel more confident and find it easier to open up to people.
I realized that though every person is different externally, all of them share the same instinct internally. And some of the things I learnt –
To have a good time people don’t need friends always all that is required is the need to have a good time.
You don’t need to fit into a crowd perfectly; all it takes is the willingness to be a part of it.
All the people I meet might not become friends, but the fact that I met them will be an experience in itself.
And lastly, I came to the conclusion that I need to stop my mind from overworking overtime and let my heart do the same for a change.
In conclusion, I would like to say that all of you have taught me the most wonderful lesson in my life and reintroduced me to friendship, love and care something that was fading with time and all of you will always be special to me.