In·tro·vert(noun) - a shy, reticent person.

My entire life it has been difficult for me to say the things I want to or express exactly what I mean. Sometimes, it is just simply getting words out that gives me so much anxiety. Being an introvert has defined me in too many ways to even begin to explain. Some of the time it has made me feel bad about myself because I tend to keep all of my emotions in my own head. Other times it has made me feel guilty for not expressing to the ones I love how much I truly do love them or how grateful and appreciative I am of them.

Over the course of my very short life, I have discovered that I keep things to myself for fear of being rejected or hurt due to different experiences I had as a young child. I also learned that I do not like confrontation and being introverted has made me avoid any instances of it. As I have grown up, I am becoming more conscious of my personality. This awareness has helped me overcome challenges that I never thought I would face.

This goes out to everyone who has had social anxiety, who has been let down by those who were supposed to be there and needs a little push to go out and experience life; it is okay to be shy and somewhat standoffish. Just be yourself and the people who are meant to be there will be and those who do not last, it is okay. Being aware of who you are and what you limit yourself from doing makes such a difference in your quality of life. If you are conscious of yourself and your surroundings, it is much easier to step out of that shell and do the things that you have always wanted to do.

Easier said than done, I know. But take it from someone who has social anxiety and is introverted, there is so much more out in the world than sitting in your room watching Netflix. Although that is always fun, there are people out there waiting to meet you and want to spend time with you. Overcome your anxiety, and see what life throws at you. You might be pleasantly surprised.