Karen waited her turn at the doctor’s surgery center, waiting for her scheduled appointment.
As she waited, she scanned the latest magazines and came across a quiz in the doctor’s room, asking, “Do You Suffer from Social Anxiety?” Karen had always suspected that she did, and her answers confirmed it.
As she put the magazine down, after her answers revealed she might consider seeking professional help, Karen reflected on how she suffered when meeting new people and how her family and friends had no idea of how hard it was. They all believed that she was just awkward in meeting new people.
So started Karen’s story of “I am socially awkward” and pretending to be otherwise.
The truth is that millions of people around the world experience some form of social anxiety.
Most of us feel awkward in at least some social setting, especially if we are going to be in the spotlight or are in a new setting, meeting new people. It is normal to feel nervous, shy, and uncomfortable in these situations.
However, for some people dealing with social anxiety, it can result in avoiding many different social events including graduations, birthday parties, job interviews, public speaking opportunities, and even going shopping.
This can result in missing out opportunities and many events and can impact their confidence, self-esteem, and belief in themselves.
This week’s challenge is to think of yourself in positive terms instead of negative thoughts about yourself and what will happen in social settings. Become aware and catch yourself saying comments, such as “No one will like me”, “I am going to say something stupid”, “I won’t know what to say”, or “No one will talk to me”. Instead, reframe those thoughts as positive ones, such as “I have the courage to be seen”, “It is okay for me to feel anxious”, “I respond to my anxiety with love and compassion”, and “I am welcome here”.
Having social anxiety does not need to keep you from making friends, trying new things, and reaching your full potential.
Start off making small changes, and you will begin the process of changing your story and changing your life.
Forever creating,
Deborah Ruth
