How I did it: I visited a social centre for people with medical and mental health issues.  Because they had similar issues as me, they did not judge me.  I found them friendly, outgoing, helpful and encouraging, not to mention humouous!  I eventually became a volunteer and now encourage others to try the same thing.  I still get the fear, but I now know it's when I feel it that I MUST face it to break the giant's hold on me.  Definitely worth the little bit of anxiety the first few times.  I've made many, many wonderful friends.

Lessons & tips:

1. Get a friend to go with you if you are afraid to go alone.
2. Get to know 2 or 3 people really well.
3. Get involved in what is happening at the place you are attending.
4. Laugh at your mistakes and even your fears.
5. Don't give into your fears and let loneliness ruin your life.
6. To win the game, you have to first get in the game.
7. Talk about your fears with a professional.
8. Keep trying.  If you make it one block one day, go two blocks the next day until you reach your destination.
9. Find something motivational or soothing like music to helhp you get there without overwhelming fear.
10. Be proud of every small step you make getting closer to your goal and celebrate even the smallest victories, making the final victory a huge celebration to pamper yourself!

Resources:

1. Canadian Mental Health Association
2. Books on overcoming shyness
3. Motivational quotes
4. Encouragement from friends and family
5. Wanting to get out and have a life
6. God's strength and grace
7. Prayer...mine and that of others praying for me
8. Medications to ease my medical illness of anxiety
9. Positive affirmations from people when I made the smallest victories
10. The attitude that I WILL WIN OVER THIS!!!

Feb 15, 2009, 10:51PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer