Noble Ruins

Ever feel like your life is a shambles? Most of your time is spent running around in circles. The more you try to get done, the less you accomplish. You either need more time alone or more time with people.

I know that sounds confusing and you may wonder what I’m talking about. But take another minute and let me explain.

Introverts need time alone. How do you know you are one? If being around a lot of people and involved in activity, leaves you drained, you’re probably an introvert. You prefer solitude. Nothing refreshes you like curling up with a good book or listening to soft music. You’re happy when you’re strolling on the beach alone.

But not if you’re an extrovert. You like the beach when it’s crowded with people. Families building sand castles. Surfers surfing. Street vendors hawking dogs and hamburgers from their grills. Weight lifters grunting and volleyball players shouting. Kids squealing on the swings and merry-go-round, screaming when they fall off the jungle gym. Boom boxes booming. Dancers dancing. Noise and color everywhere.

Introverts enjoy a quiet sunset. Extroverts are too busy partying to notice.

Of course, most of us are a mixture of both and that’s why different activities appeal to us at different times. We need both—time alone and time with others. The trick is to recognize which one you need and when.

Then you can be most productive. Then those elements will work in your favor. You’ll be happier. Instead of feeling that you’re wasting time, you’ll discover how to use the energy and time you have. Instead of mayhem that leaves your life looking like the ancient Greek and Roman ruins, you can use what you have. And in the process what you learn can help others. That’s the definition of noble ruins—being useful again.