I used to be super shy. I was sick a lot as an infant, so I was at my grandparents’ house a lot. Once I started school, I was so scared because I didn’t know anyone. I was one of the lucky kids to get bullied from around 2nd grade to 6th grade. After 6th grade, I started making friends! Those friends had my back, but it still wasn’t easy. Once we graduated 8th grade, we moved on up to high school. New people. Lots of them. I was in the band, therefore, a lot of people thought I was labeled as “weird,” but I knew better. I was a smart, goody two shoes that had a big heart.
First things first: when you meet someone new, be confident, bold, look them in the eye, and speak clearly. Don’t let your inner negative thoughts control you. You control them. No one can read your mind okay? No one can take a look at you and say “Wow that person’s messed up” or “Man, they’re so weird.” That’s what I think sometimes when meeting new people. The thing is, you never know what something could lead to unless you try it. My best friend and I have been friends since our sophomore year of high school. It’s been about five years, and we’re still there for each other. She’s the reason I’m not stuck behind a shell anymore. She taught me how to laugh out in the world and not be scared or worried about what it thinks of me. Once you stop worrying about how others see you, you have a new sense of freedom to be who you are. It’s truly amazing. Making connections is so amazing. In friendships, as well as business opportunities or relationship opportunities.
Final step: celebrate yourself! Congrats on being yourself, loving yourself, and sharing yourself with the world!!