silence

The Freedom of Not Filling the Silence

I do not enjoy small talk. As an introverted empath, I have never been particularly good at it, and more often than not, it leaves me feeling drained.

Small talk has always felt somewhat forced to me ~

as though words are being used simply to fill the space, avoid an uncomfortable silence, or keep us safely away from anything deeper.

I would much rather have a meaningful conversation or simply share a comfortable silence than talk for the sake of talking. Over time, I have learned to give myself permission not to participate. I know some people may interpret my quietness as aloofness or even rudeness. I no longer feel ashamed of it, although I admit that I […]

Beneath My Silence — When I Feel Unseen

I learned young how quickly a life can disappear. One day there was a mother, a home, animals I loved, a room that knew my name, books and toys, friends and familiar hallways.

And then there wasn’t.

No goodbye to the life before. No place to put the memories. No permission to speak of what had been mine.

I learned to carry it quietly.

Perhaps that is why silence still finds the tender places in me. Why an unanswered call can become more than an unanswered call.

Why someone’s absence can awaken an old question:

Did I matter?

I have spent years trying not to ask too much of people.

I listen to their stories ~
their work, their families, […]