Personal...

"Sometimes I shut down and don't talk to anyone for days. It's nothing personal."

Raine Cooper

I do this from time to time and I would hope that others don't take it personally. As an introvert it's a way of recharging. Being out in the world is very hard for me and it takes a lot of energy - sometimes more then others. And on those times when I'm so drained, I shut down and retreat.

Turtle Shell...

"Be Brave With Your Life"

It's so easy to let life happen and say "Oh I'll be brave next time." It takes a lot of bravery to be brave! There are days I feel just showing up is as brave as it gets, and then I try to push myself just the tinniest bit more. But there are times I retreat into the safety of my turtle shell until I can feel it is safe enough to come out. With each new experience maybe there will be a day when I stay out of my shell longer and longer.

Softly...

Sometimes when I'm looking for answers or at least a "knowing" of what seems right at the moment, I have to retreat and withdraw from the world even when I'm in it. After having done that for a week, my answer come softly and it seemed more about letting go of my resistance to an idea of the way "I thought" something should be and letting things flow in a new direction. 

Discouraged...

It doesn't take much to get me discouraged. I'm not sure why but one or two little things and I find myself sliding down that slipper slope of feeling lost and wanting to retreat from life. But where I am in my life right now that's not an option I want. But it's hard. I keep telling myself to feel what I need to feel, then pick myself up and start again. So for tonight I will just allow the feelings that dwell within and tomorrow I will start again.