The power of quiet changed my life. I’m not talking about meditation. I’m talking about the work of Susan Cain and her book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” I love TED Talks, the nonprofit organization that showcases powerful speakers in short segments typically under twenty minutes, and this is where I met Susan Cain for the first time.

I vividly remember the impact while I watched the first few minutes of her talk. My heart screamed “I know that girl! I am that quiet girl.” Further, into the presentation, I began to recognize my son, my mother, and my friend. Susan Cain was talking about Introverts. Being an Introvert is different from being shy. I don’t know anyone that would call me shy. Introverts tend to garner energy by turning inward or being with smaller groups. They are more reflective, reserved, and introspective.

Susan Cain also explains that the world we live in today tends to align itself with being an Extrovert. From classrooms to boardrooms, more and more group collaborations are encouraged, and less and less solo time for reflection and preparation are upheld.

I read the book after watching the TED Talk, and I shared it with my son and friends. It impacted each of us and gave us a new sense of our personal strengths. Those Ah-Ha moments still astound me when they occur. The flash of clarity and understanding that comes with revealing a fresh self-perception is empowering.

This renewal is the key to nurturing and living a brave life. Being brave is not always about bodacious risks. It is often in the quiet moment of reflection and awakening when we meet a part of ourselves for the first time that we must muster the most courage.

It is exciting to know that whether you are an Introvert, Extrovert, or Ambivert, there is a multitude of ways to uncover your brilliant self and allow it to shine. TED Talks are a great place to search for ideas on how we interact with our world and maybe stumble upon a few Ah-Ha’s for elevating your rich life.