An identity to support your communication

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(Journal reflections of a Thoughtful Professional . . .)

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I feel a bit self conscious writing this.

I don’t see myself as a ‘writer’.
Writers are intelligent and highly educated.
So not sure it’s a club I belong to.

But here I am writing with a pencil in a notebook I bought from Spongs.
I love that shop. It reminds me of the one I used to go to as a kid.
It was the first shop I’d seen that sold stickers on a roll.
I’d spend ages stood by the till staring at the rolls encrusted with colourful shapes.
I’d finally make my choice and watch the nice lady tear a few off the roll.
I’d hand her a bit of my pocket money, and say thank you.
Then get home and not stick them on anything because they were precious.
I’d tuck them away safely in my drawer.

Anyway, back to adulthood.

Now I’ve written a few sentences and reminisced, I can see I can write.
I’m always criticising myself. I’ve been told that lots of times.

Why did I buy this pencil and notebook?
Well, I realised the other day that I’m a ‘Thoughtful Professional’.

As I write it down if feels quite liberating to acknowledge.
For years I’ve been aware of something ‘different’ about me, but unsure what.
When I say different, I mean something that makes me doubt myself.
Almost feel inferior to others, like I’m never quite good enough.

I hate the term introvert.
I know some people are liberated by the label, but not me.
I feel boxed in. Pigeonholed.
It doesn’t feel like a badge of honour.

Yes, I’m sensitive and feel depth of emotion.
But I don’t align with the term ‘Highly Sensitive Person’, or HSP as it’s cooly referred to.

Again, like introvert, HSP feels heavy to wear.

So I came across the phrase ‘Thoughtful Professional’ and it struck a chord.
It was on this guy’s website, Matt Ainsley, who works with ‘Thoughtful Professionals’ to improve their communication skills and confidence.

Like I’d finally found a club I belonged to.
One that felt empowering.

So these notebook musings are my exploration of something I’ve not really focussed on before.
Of what embracing this new identity means.

Anyway, coffee is calling me.

I could get into this journalling, it feels quite empowering!