overcoming shyness
let me tell you, from a girl who used to get sick and puke because she didn’t want to go to school cause she was that shy…. trying to speak up in school or class or to others is something that you have to try to do everyday.
its literally like exercise, the more you push yourself each day, the better you get. the more you realize that its not so bad and you’re still alive and you made it through the day.
I am honestly so proud of myself. I became a student mentor and orientation leader for freshman in my upcoming sophomore year. I will be mentoring over 15 kids, not including being a mentor for another school program called fyi. I have gotten my first official role as secretary in a school club. I am talking to groups of people I have just met and for once, raising my hand, giving feed back and my thoughts.
It feels good to say something you were thinking and then realize that a lot of people agree with you.
You might think you would never be as social or talkative like that cause I know I didn’t. I’m just saying you don’t have to be shy forever. You also don’t have to let your awkwardness stop you. I still mess up my words and I have made a few mistakes today by giving the wrong instructions and using the wrong words in front of advisors and upperclassman.
I got reconstructive criticism but I didn’t feel as embarrassed as I would years ago. I am beginning to understand fully that mistakes are okay and so is feeling embarrassed. It’s also a step for me to know that I can do better. Im not perfect and neither is anyone else.
Now you may not think this will ever reply to you. Or you might say that I will never not be shy. But if you want to change, I truly believe you can. You may not see the point of raising your hand once a week (or month even.) Or asking questions like “where the bathroom is?”. or just saying good morning to someone in your class a day, may make a difference but it builds up.
all those awkward conversations that seem like they are getting no where will slowly develop into something more. Next thing you know you’re making small talk with someone new.
A lot of people are nice and if you wouldn’t embarrass them or make fun of them to their face about how awkward they are, why would they do that to you?
Believe in yourself and try everyday to experience something new.
-kimothy
