| Are you one of those people others called a good | | | | good because it will keep you abreast of what's going |
| listener? That's a wonderful compliment, but it always | | | | on in the world. And fiction is wonderful because it |
| left you feeling a little inadequate. That's because you | | | | entertains, and gets your imagination to take you to |
| knew something they did not - it's not that you were | | | | places you normally may not have gone. If you find an |
| such a great listener, you were just afraid to open | | | | article or author that you absolutely love, do a Google |
| your mouth. | | | | search on them. This kind of research can be fun, and |
| Take heart, it's okay to be shy. But, as a former | | | | will provide you with information you will be passionate |
| super-shy girl myself, I understand your wish to | | | | about-information that will be great to share with |
| contribute. There's a natural part of that is unable to | | | | others. |
| connect when you are not able to verbalize your | | | | 4. Take a community college course. The class can be |
| thoughts. In effort to gain access to the divine | | | | anything from script writing to pottery to yoga. Pick |
| inspiration that is locked inside of you, here are five | | | | something that is creative so that your sense of fun is |
| sure fire ways to get you out of your shell: | | | | aroused. Most likely, the others in class are not learning, |
| 1. Write, and read aloud what you wrote. The subject | | | | like you, so there's no need to be shy about not |
| matter is less important than that you do it everyday. | | | | knowing what you are doing. If you are unclear about |
| Get in the habit of writing down your thoughts and | | | | an assignment or how on what the ground rules are |
| feelings as you are experiencing them. Are you feeling | | | | for the classroom, be sure to ask. Being an adult in |
| nervous? Write it down. Feeling lonely? Write it down. | | | | school can be much more fun than being a kid. There |
| Give yourself permission to slow down long enough to | | | | is no parent waiting at home to make sure you do |
| feel. What part of your body does this feeling | | | | your homework. |
| emanate from? What does it make you feel like | | | | 5. Take a public speaking class. There is a wonderful |
| doing? If you have an urge to cry, then cry. Keep a | | | | organization, Toastmasters, whose members take |
| pad and pen near your bed, by the toilet, on you | | | | turns getting in front of the other members and give |
| kitchen counter, on your coffee table. If no words | | | | presentations. The speakers do their thing, and the |
| come, draw symbol or jagged lines. The idea is to | | | | audience gives feedback. The rules of conduct state |
| allow yourself a constructive outlet. If you express | | | | that there are three compliments always be given first, |
| yourself when you are alone, you will feel more | | | | followed by one constructive comment. This is a great |
| comfortable expressing yourself around others. Enjoy | | | | way to get your feet wet in a supportive atmosphere. |
| this inspirational exercise and know the more you do it | | | | These steps were written in the order that is easiest |
| the greater your spiritual healing. This is the law of | | | | for you do accomplish them. Overcoming shyness is |
| attraction at work! | | | | not a quick remedy. Years of conditioning have told |
| 2. Go online and get involved in forums. Join | | | | you that your voice is not good enough or intelligent |
| conversations that you find interesting. Are you | | | | enough. This can create emotional scarring. Healing |
| interested in meditation? Tai chi? Astrology? If a | | | | begins by getting to know who you really are. |
| discussion group that is currently going is not exactly to | | | | Recognize that you deserve to be heard - you are a |
| your liking, start your own. This is better anyway. Use | | | | unique and creative being, cut from the same divine |
| you voice, and don't be afraid to put your opinion out | | | | cloth as those you most admire. Think of your words |
| there. People like a little controversy, and they | | | | as a gift. And do not forget about the universal Law of |
| appreciate honest interaction. | | | | Attraction-your generous sense of sharing will attract |
| 3. Read. Magazines can be great because the | | | | others with the same generous spirit. Share this gift |
| information is usually current. Newspapers are always | | | | just as you share our inner source. |