Introverted Mum

I’ve always identified myself as an introvert. In fact, I was in awe of the Myers Briggs personality test as the result helped me become more self aware. In a world that’s full of rambunctious extroverts, I finally felt understood. Now, navigating motherhood as an introvert has been an interesting experience (for lack of a better word). As most introverts will understand, introspection comes very naturally to me and this is exactly what I want to do here. 

The numero uno thing that hit me in the face when I first became a mother is that there is hardly any time for yourself. Time to recharge, reflect and unwind - all of which are so important for an introvert to thrive. I found myself staying up at ungodly hours (sleep when R sleeps did not work for me) to snatch some time away from the chaos that is a post partum day. I remember in those early days I would read, write, listen to music or just scroll on my phone during that precious hour or two. This alone time was and still is extremely important to me. 

Then as R started growing up, I became part of a few mum and baby groups. A couple were in person meets and one was a WhatsApp group. Although I enjoyed the in person meets, I would find it stressful to make small talk and engage with other mums. I took very differently to the WhatsApp group as the group was (and still is) restricted to a few members which gave me the opportunity to build deeper connections with others and the meetings that ensued were more meaningful. Quality versus quantity of relationships, always. 

I worked as an HR professional before the kids came along and many a times was mistaken for an extrovert perhaps because of my working style. Upon reflection, an introvert suits the job well but that’s another story altogether. 

Coming back to my experience as an introverted mum, I felt more in control once R started nursery part time when he turned a year old. I was able to focus on my writing and that meant a lot to me. I built a great rapport with his nursery teachers and that in turn facilitated a secure environment for R. 

Fast forward 1.5 years and Baby R came along. Soon after he was born the pandemic took over the world. We had to cope on our own in a never before experienced lockdown period. My post partum introvert self with a newborn and toddler- those early months are a blur now. As an introvert my world has turned upside down as nurturing a toddler and baby is no easy task. Hats off here to every single mum who has gone through this especially in the current circumstances.

On a lighter note, being an introvert, I’ve secretly (no longer!) enjoyed the following during the lockdown period: 

Birthday parties on Zoom - no forced social interactions, can mute, switch camera off and even exit gracefully. 

Social distancing - never been much of a ‘hugger’ so yay! 

Masks - no forced smiles, can softly swear behind the mask without being lip read. Win! 

Working from home - This means more family time however chaotic it gets at times. 

Restrictions on big gatherings- this one’s completely self explanatory in reference to an introvert. 

As I sign off, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m writing this article from the loo. Yes, that’s how much I value some precious moments to myself. If this doesn’t qualify me as an introverted mum I don’t know what does 😂