When it comes to being excited and happy, most people have some form of "tell." The spouse of a dear college friend chews on his lip. One of my stepsons flaps his arms. I get "hamster hands."
What are hamster hands? I'll tell you.
When I was little, my sister and I had a number of rodent pets. I noticed that when rodents checked things out or got excited, they would put their little paws together and perch on two legs. Their little eyes would check out the situation, the little whiskers and nose would twitch in the air. In my estimation, that was the coolest expression of excitement. Rabbits do something similar. Cats use their tails and ears to express excitement, but I have neither rotating ears nor extended spine.
What started as a childhood affectation (a rudimentary way to get quick acknowledgment in a very busy family) became second nature. There are photos from my wedding where you can clearly see me doing the Hamster-Hand-Thing. Trust me when I say that it's no longer a conscious movement.
I get excited = I grin widely and put up my little paws.
This week I have to fight hard *not* to put my paws up. I'm excited. I'm super excited. I'm over the moon! I get to see Brady (my older stepson) this weekend. I get to see my mom and my stepdad. I've accepted a new job with a fancy new title.
I'm quietly letting go of the sheer amount of pressure that I felt not two weeks ago.
Be well, fellow Introverts.
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