Dear Social Fitness Forum Readers,

 

It is with great pleasure to come to this page and write to you all during the Holidays!  I hope this email finds you all in good health and in bright spirits.

 

I want to get to the point quickly.  I used to be INCREDIBLY shy.  So shy, that at times, I would even go so far as lock myself up in my closet, because I didn't want anyone to even know I was in my room.  By hiding in my closet, no one would come to my door, looking for me, and then I could escape from ever interacting with anyone.

 

I used to cry myself to sleep all the time.  I remember missing important events and each time I felt the overpowering uncontrollable force of shyness, I would go hide and retreat in a secluded place, or retreat into a shell, psychologically.  I became mute.  I became depressed.  I lost all interest in life.  I even thought of committed suicide, on many occassions. 

 

I have so many stories to share with you, in regards to my past experiences as a SHY person.  But, the main story I want to share with you all, is one that I hope will inspire you.  Because, despite all of my past experiences as a shy individual, I overcame them all through time, prayer, determination, and through the sheer power of my will.

 

I know it can seem like you will never become that person you so desire to be in your mind's eye - that of a vibrant individual, living your life unencumbered and expressing yourself freely.  But I want to tell you that is NOT true.

 

After years of living my life as a recluse, shut down from this debilitating mental illness - known as extreme shyness, or whatever you want to call it, I can finally come to this page and say that I am no longer shy.

 

I now give public speaking talks frequently.  I am participating in life again.  I am now working - something I thought I would never be able to do!  I am making music and will eventually come out with my very own cd.  I am living life again, and looking back, it almost seems like a miracle.

 

But this is available to all of you.  I have to tell you, that I tried social anxiety groups, I've tried therapy, etc.  What helped me the most was my drive and determination and will power to overcome my perceived barriers and obstacles.  With my faith and devotion in the Divine Spirit, INCLUDING ongoing use of medication from a doctor, I have overcome so much. 

So it is with this message in mind, that I come to you all!  You all can SO do it!  You can be that vibrant person, full of life, ideas, and the eagerness and boldness to express who you are fully, in this world. 

 

There will never be an individual such as yourself in this world.  There is only one of you. And there will always be one of you.  You have come into this world to fully realize all that you are - there is no becoming.  There is simply chipping away and removing away all that you are not, so when in complete awareness, you see that you were always beautiful and divine.

 

Believe me, you can get through this!  It will take LOTS of time, but be patient!  With infinite patience, comes immediate results.  You need time, faith, patience and self-love.  Don't think you can do it overnight.  But, even the SMALLEST acts of self-love and self-expression amount to a LOT.  So keep moving forward, and don't look back.  Never look back.  Then, when you are high along on the path, there will be no need to look back.  Because the past will cease to haunt you.

 

Take care, and happy holidays!  And remember, you are beautiful just as you are.  And, I wouldn't say that if I didn't mean it, or understand the struggles you go through - no matter how severe, or to what degree.  Claim your beauty.  Because once you claim it, others will too. 

 

Love,

Deepa