Just an Introvert in the Spotlight

You know that person you see at events—the one always smiling, laughing, and chatting with everyone? Yep, that’s me. At least, that’s public me.

But let me be honest: public me doesn’t have a mountain of dishes waiting at home. She didn’t toss and turn all night trying to get some sleep, and her feet aren’t throbbing from standing all day. Public me is a polished version of real me, the one you see at events and think, “Wow, she’s always got it together!” Spoiler alert: I don’t. And that’s okay.

The thing about mental health is realizing everyone—yes, EVERYONE—has their moments. We all need time out, whether we admit it or not.

Here’s something that might surprise you: I’m actually an introvert. I can practically hear you laughing as you read this. “But you do public speaking! You’re always chatting with strangers!” Yep, that’s true. But being an introvert isn’t about shyness or avoiding people; it’s about how you recharge.

For an introvert, being in the spotlight takes effort—energy that has to come from somewhere. After a big event, like the recent Wanneroo Show, you’ll usually find me curled up on the couch, binge-watching my favorite series and munching on snacks I definitely shouldn’t be eating. That’s how I recharge. Extroverts, on the other hand, get their energy from being around people, while introverts need a little solo time to fill their tank.

If I don’t consciously carve out that downtime after a busy stretch, things can unravel quickly. First, it’s my focus—I start struggling to stay on task. Then comes the fatigue, a heavy, worn-down feeling that doesn’t go away. My motivation dips, and eventually, I get snappy and irritable (sorry in advance, friends and family).

And if I still don’t listen to what my body’s telling me? That’s when it gets physical. My arthritis flares up, I’m more prone to headaches, and if there’s even a whisper of a flu bug in the air, it’ll find me.

The takeaway here? Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a survival skill. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, looking after your mental health isn’t something to squeeze in if there’s time. It’s something to prioritize so you can keep doing the things you love and showing up for the people who matter.

So, next time you see public me with that big smile, remember: behind that smile is someone who understands the importance of balance. And if you’re feeling a bit worn out yourself? Take it from me—it’s okay to take a break.

You’ve earned it.