I think there are more defined ways to say this, but for now, I’m just going to confess that I’m an introverted extrovert.  My idea of a good time is to sit quietly in the corner of my office, with an oversized blanket and a laptop, soaking up coffee and the song of tapping keystrokes. However, get me in a room of friends and acquaintances and I’ll be trying my best to make everyone feel welcome with quick laughs and an ever present smile. I’ll lose track of time without concern because the trade off is connection and quality time. Thoughts of my corner comfy chair are never too far out of reach though. I believe this is referred to as “being on”.

About once a year, we have a team offsite for work and “being on” is the name of the game. Not for a few hours, but for days. Yes, days. Leading up to the trip, I know it’ll be a lot of stimulation but I do welcome it for the most part. If ninety five percent of my days are left to the introvert, it’s good for me to immerse myself in the five percent. It’s an opportunity. Connection is an important piece of being human and so is pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone (like posting your words on the internet for all to see).

I arrived in the city, ready to take it on and soak up the change in scenery.  I was prepared to cover some serious ground literally and figuratively. Loose sweaters, flowy pants and my Rothy flats were present for my literal preparedness. 

There were hugs with coworkers, where I wondered if handshakes were still more appropriate.

There were lunches of dim sum, meetings with bankers and site visits to see how other departments get things done.  

As I walked to the first business lunch I couldn’t help but notice my Old Navy sweater, $14 crossbody bag and ballet flats looked a bit different than the banker leather skirt (definitely not my college pleather), heels taller than skyscrapers and the oversized Dolce and Gabbana shoulder bag.  I was still grateful for my comfort though and knew that my flats would hold up better for the half mile walk to the restaurant. Until they didn’t.

Why were my little pinky toes starting to burn? I had worn these flats for several business trips over the years and had never had a problem. Crud. I had several more days of walks, lunches and trips on public transportation. My toes were in trouble. Which in turn meant that my emotional state could follow (mind over matter, mind over matter).

I checked into a hotel on the first night before we headed out for a night of more team building. Mark, my buddy at the front desk, checked me in and casually pointed in the direction of a circle of wine bottles to his right, with an array of empty wine glasses. “You made it just in time for the end of happy hour.” My screaming toes made those few steps to my left and filled up a glass before heading up to the sixth floor. Once in my room I took a deep breath. Potentially my first of the day. It had been fun, but remember – introvert. I had to quickly collect myself since we were on a timeline for the night’s activities. I called my new friend Mark to ask if he had band-aids for my toes (I didn’t tell him what they were for). As he replied yes, I dubbed him my savior and told him I’d be down soon to grab them.  I drank my glass, thinking it would almost be rude not to fill up again before happy hour ended. 

With band aids on, I was ready to keep going. I had restored energy and hope. Less stinging from raw toe flesh is a total game changer.

I used several pairs of band aids over the next several days. They became a symbol of my trip. Dare I say my mental mascot.

Sometimes having fun, connecting and trying new things requires some band aids. Pieces of yourself that haven’t been challenged in awhile might become a bit overexposed. 

You’re allowed to be appreciative AND tired.

You’re allowed to be adventurous AND ready to put your feet up.

You’re allowed to be smiling on the outside and a bit quiet on the inside.

My coworker gently reminded me that my shoes might have been the unknown enemy this time because there was a heat wave in the city. My once appropriately sized flats had to accommodate my expanded phalanges. I’ve never felt hotter (get it). I not only equated this to debunking my now irrational feet growing theories but I also found comfort that I hadn’t completely lost touch of the extrovert piece of me that I found enjoyable.

Team Building may require a few tiny toed band aids, but you’re still great overall.