Dear introvert on the race,
So. You’re here! You made it to your first country with the 40-odd people who make up your squad. Plus all your squad leaders. Plus your squad mentor. And you’re all living in one house together for a whole entire month. Each bedroom is occupied by at least four people in very close proximity to each other. You’ve probably gotten asked how you’re doing and how you slept last night about 15 billion times this morning. Everyone can hear you when you get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Oh yeah, and there’s a buddy rule, which not only keeps you safe, but also pushes you into a conversation every single time you want to walk to the corner store for coffee. How are you going to survive!? I know everything in you is probably screaming for alone time. You’re probably desperate to be back home driving in your car by yourself with the radio blasting the music you like. I know I was. Well, fellow introvert, this is a short guide to help you survive all-squad month on the race. Let me break it down for you. I promise it’s not as scary as it seems. 🙂
1. Create a routine that intentionally gives you alone time. For me, this was how I refueled every morning. My morning routine consisted of waking up, getting dressed, grabbing my probiotic pill (gotta stay healthy!), my Bible, and my journal, and heading downstairs. Over a bowl of cereal, I would write and daydream and read until the kitchen became too busy. The rising chaos of my squad making breakfast would be my cue to engage with the world again. I can’t tell you how important intentionally carving out quiet time for myself was for me. Do it! Whether it’s listening to a podcast before bed or working out at 6am before anyone else is awake. The possibilities are endless! Just do it. Every day. My friend Brooke (brooklynhelmuth.theworldrace.org), a fellow introvert, said this about finding alone time: “Seek out alone time. It won’t come to you. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.”
2. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you need. This is something I’m still learning. Sometimes, when I’m completely drained and just need a break, I don’t let my friends know. Sometimes, it’s just easier to keep quiet. But listen. This is super important. My team reminded me of this during feedback last week. Your team is there for you. Your squad loves you and wants to care for you. Your leadership team only want the best for you. They want to give you what you need to grow. And sometimes what you need is to gather your thoughts and eat nutella in your bunk bed alone! I’ve learned that my squad would rather I be vocal and honest about my physical/emotional/spiritual needs with them than have to trudge through that alone.
3. Remember that your introvertedness is a-okay! It is going to be so easy to compare yourself to all the people who naturally jump into conversations with strangers or dance like a crazy person in the kitchen or carry a conversation flawlessly. Last month, I would catch myself in the middle of a group of extroverts and I had nothing to say. I was content with just listening. And then I found myself thinking, “Why don’t I ever talk? Do people think I’m weird? Why do I have to be so exhausted from being around these people all the time?” But I’ve learned that God made me this way. And God doesn’t make mistakes. My other friend Abby (abbyelgard.theworldrace.org) said this: “Don’t be ashamed. Your quietness is okay.” My SQM, Kacie, always tells us to realize what we have in our hands and take hold of it. You provide a unique perspective on how humans perceive the world! You bring a gentleness, a softness, an original, beautiful, quiet boldness. Your thoughts and the way you process them are important. You are an introvert! Own it!
So there you go. All-squad month is going to be hectic and overwhelming and loud. But it’s also going to be beautiful and wild and full of loving community. Some of my favorite moments in all-squad month involved banging pots and spoons and cups together in the kitchen and singing as loud as possible. Crazy. You can do this. God has so much for you here. Seek it out in the loud and in the quiet, alike. God knows you well; he knows how to take care of you and he will take care of you. He took care of me so well during my all-squad month, so there’s no reason to be scared! I wish you the best of luck, fellow introvert! <3
Love, Emm
