This post isn’t about an experience unique to someone with social anxiety. However, having social anxiety does exacerbate the discomfort of this situation. I am referring to being a woman in a male-dominated gym. I recently purchased an LA Fitness membership. Little did I know that LA Fitness is dominated by meatheads. I somewhat know … Continue reading
Taking Risks
It has been more than two years since I have last written – this is not because my social anxiety has disappeared or that I am no longer committed to spreading awareness of it. Rather, I have been managing it well enough to the point where I have forgotten that it is an issue. Two … Continue reading
Dark Paradise: Robin Williams
The news of Robin Williams’ suicide really hit me hard, as I know it did many generations of others who grew up with his films. He made us happy, made us smile, made us laugh, but was silently battling a very serious illness – depression. Many of us experience depression in our lifetimes, but an … Continue reading
Social Connections
Since my last blog post about being driven to overcome anxiety, I’ve been doing well. I had a meeting this morning, for example, that I had to lead. I was asked some tough questions – not all of which I knew the answer to, but I did as well as I could and deferred to … Continue reading
Driven
Every so often, I have this drive to overcome my anxiety, go out there and face the world, and show everyone that I am not only capable, but probably even more intelligent than they ever gave me credit for. Right now is one of those times. I want this feeling to never go away. I … Continue reading
Mentorship
At my current job, I frequently get bypassed for opportunities to work on new projects, probably because I don’t speak up or show enough enthusiasm. Often times I am very interested, but don’t say anything because I don’t feel like I’m worthy of the important and challenging files – and no one tells me otherwise. … Continue reading
Dwelling
I just had a simple conversation with someone in the elevator of my building. It’s been 10 minutes since that conversation and yet I’m finding myself replaying the conversation over and over again in my head. Why? Because I feel as though I was awkward. Replaying it over, I feel like I should’ve been more … Continue reading
Afraid of Myself
“I wish I was dead.” That’s a line from the Lana Del Rey song that I have on repeat. I had a moment at work today where I was quiet during a meeting where I should’ve spoken up. I felt so self-conscious about it that that memory is haunting me well past the end of … Continue reading
Happiness in Solitude
Some friends invited me out for after-work drinks tonight. One of my 2014 resolutions was to make more of an effort to be social and meet new people. But is it so bad if I choose my cozy apartment, food, and Netflix over a noisy bar with people I consider to be my friends, but … Continue reading
Acceptance
Social anxiety is a part of my life. It may diminish, it may subside, it may improve, but it will never completely go away. And while it is irritating and sometimes debilitating to the point where I no longer wish to live because I feel like everyone can see my anxiety and is judging me … Continue reading
"Quiet One" 