If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be and why?
I’d Like My Brain to Stop Going on Vacation During Conversations
Some people wish they could fly.
Some want to speak ten languages.
Some dream of playing the piano like a maestro.
Me?
I’d simply like my brain to remain present when another human being starts talking to me.
Because the moment a conversation begins, my thoughts behave like school children hearing the final bell.
They scatter in every direction.
The Curse of the Perfect Reply
Have you ever walked away from a conversation and suddenly become the funniest person on Earth?
Three hours later?
In the shower?
While folding laundry?
While trying to sleep?
Of course you have.
Someone says something.
You smile politely.
Nod intelligently.
Maybe even throw in a respectable “Hmm.”
Then later your brain delivers the perfect response like a delayed courier service.
“Your package has arrived. Estimated delivery time: Four hours too late.”
My Internal TED Talk
The funny thing is that inside my head, I’m brilliant.
Witty.
Insightful.
Charming.
Possibly award-winning.
I have opinions.
Stories.
Questions.
Observations.
Entire TED Talks.
Unfortunately, none of them make it through customs before the conversation ends.
Small Talk: My Natural Predator
I don’t fear spiders.
I don’t fear heights.
I don’t even fear getting older.
But “So… tell me something about yourself.”
That question has the power to erase my entire personality.
Suddenly I forget my hobbies.
My interests.
My achievements.
Possibly even my own name.
The Skill I Really Want
If I could instantly master any skill, I wouldn’t choose mind reading.
I’d choose the ability to say what’s already sitting comfortably inside my head.
At the right time.
To the right people.
Without needing a rehearsal, a rough draft, and a post-conversation analysis meeting.
Maybe Fellow Introverts Will Understand
We don’t struggle because we have nothing to say.
We struggle because we have too much.
Thoughts.
Feelings.
Possibilities.
Drafts.
Alternative drafts.
And backup drafts.
By the time we choose one, the conversation has moved on to another topic and somebody is discussing weather forecasts.
The Happy Ending
But perhaps there is something beautiful about this too.
Introverts may arrive late with their words.
Yet when they finally speak, they usually mean every single one of them.
And maybe that’s a skill worth keeping.
Still…
If anyone knows where I can download the “Respond Instantly Without Panicking” update for my brain, please let me know.
I’d master that skill in a heartbeat.
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To all the fellow overthinkers and quiet souls out there you’re not alone. 🤍
With love,
Rajeshwari 🧿💕🦋
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