14 Quotes by Joel Annesley

Stop trying to find yourself. You’ve had it all along. Never feel ashamed for feeling different; different is the new normal.

Coming out of the closet was one of the most liberating things I’ve done in my life. All the worry, concern, anxiety, all that mental chatter was gone. I didn’t have to carry a secret on my shoulder anymore. Fear, doubt, shame, and worry was suddenly replaced with love and pride.

Shyness is born from a lack of self-confidence and fear of ridicule. In my case it latched on to the young boy who didn’t have confidence in himself or his abilities after being belittled by his first-grade teacher. Introversion, on the other hand, is a tremendous gift that allows for inquisitive curiosity about life. Introversion created in this young boy a fascination with life, nature, science, creativity, and imagination.

Introverts can feel ostracised in an environment where we feel like we have to be outgoing. Forcing conversation is exhausting for an introvert, especially around new people. We like to have time to think and craft exactly what we say.

When you start doing things that are truly in alignment with what your true self wants, what your soul wants, you flourish and life becomes a lot easier.