Do you feel alone and isolated? Never think you’re alone, even if it feels that way. Never underestimate yourself just because you’re not an extrovert.
The world needs your light, just as it needs the light of this video’s subject, Harry Shum, Jr..
Let your light shine!
httpv://youtu.be/elILetNPyr4
Have you struggled with being shy? What has helped you realize you’re not different, but very, very special? Please share in the comments below. These books are filled with insights and resources for introverts:
Deb Hockenberry
Hi,
I don’t know if you’d call me really shy or not. I’m that person who walks into a room and when not knowing anyone takes awhile to speak to them. After I get to know you I do come out of my shell. Also, I’m the person who is afraid to say exactly what I mean. Which is a great thing about Facebook. As Esther said, you can get on the computer and delete what you write until it says what you want. I wasn’t like this as a kid at all. I have to check out some of these books!
Elizabeth Cottrell
Deb, I really appreciate your sharing this, because I’ll bet there are lots of people who have that same experience when they first walk into a room– most of us, in fact. You’re absolutely right about how much better it is when you can write and rewrite and edit before you push send. After a real conversation, especially if it’s argumentative, I always think of things I wish I’d said…
Karen R. Sanderson
Believe it or not, I used to be shy. But then I was captain of my H.S. Color Guard and had to bark orders at people in parades. That helped. Then I started to work, and I learned from my dear Aunt Agnes that if I didn’t speak up for myself, nobody would. Then I had a few horrible marriages where I had to struggle for my opinions and sanity. And then … now I’m not shy any more. Though my outspoken-ness gets me in trouble once in while, I sleep just fine at night! I’d rather be outspoken than trod upon. I would love to try that paint thing that Harry did – that looks like fun!
Esther Miller
Karen, you and I have not met but I suspect neither of us would ever consider the other shy! But I was horribly self-conscious and the one word I feared would never apply to me was articulate. Then we got a computer (1985ish) and discovered computer bulletin boards (kind of like chat rooms before the internet). There I could say what I wanted and delete it (again and again) until I got it to say what I wanted. I got tired of so much deleting, straightened out my thought processes, and discovered people (mostly teenaged boys) listened to what I said. Getting into ham radio just built on that. Now I was talking but didn’t have to face people. Then I volunteered for something and that “something” turned into leading 100+ guys for several years. Shy?? Me?? Not any more!! I like this me ever so much better than the old me.