To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
What would happen if you stopped hiding yourself from the world? Dealing with social anxiety
Published January 14, 2012 | Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher
Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. ~Dan Rather
Who and what are you hiding from?
Many of us with an introvert bent or struggle with issues of social anxiety tend to shield ourselves from the world to some extent.
This shield or mask may take on many forms in our daily lives such as:
1. A smile frequently on our faces (whether we are feeling cheerful or not. Frequently we may be feeling nervous but oh, do we smile nevertheless!)
2. Say yes to things (obligations such as volunteer projects, tasks for work, social invitations, etc.) that really we would prefer to say no to.
3. Not pursuing things that we would like to do (it could be hobby related, work related, or relationships) because we are afraid of how we will be perceived by others.
4. Accepting a position of underemployment even if we are highly educated
5. Stressing about having family and friends over to our home because we fear their judgment
If you can relate to any of this, I invite you to ask yourself a few questions:
1. What would it feel like if I took my “mask” off?
2. Does it matter whether everybody likes me or approves of me?
3. What if my smile reflected a genuine joy from within me rather than a plastic people pleasing nervous smile permanently etched on my face when out in public?
4. What would I do in my life if I was not afraid to just be myself?
5. What is the worst thing that can happen if I just “go for it”! (as it pertains to anything you may be holding yourself back on).
I will leave you now to reflect…
A blessed and peaceful day to you!
Debra
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Posted in anxiety, Positive living, Self-empowerment, worry | 
anxiety, people pleasing, self confidence, shyness, social anxiety2 Responses to What would happen if you stopped hiding yourself from the world? Dealing with social anxiety
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Being an adult requires getting along with different kinds and types of people, even if we don’t like them. Working requires emotional labor to smile, be cheerful and & “nice” on command.it doesn’t matter if everyone likes me except the boss, however it is very important to know how to get along with and/or work with everyone. If I were not afraid to be myself, I’d probably quit my job and never work again. However, the worst thing is running out money. Not having money for medicine or rent. Becoming homeless. Pretty bad, eh?
You make good points, Robin. Thanks for writing in. : )