Happy Retro Day! If you’ve ever struggled with shyness, have no fear! This article contains some wonderful advice from someone who’s been there. I hope you find it useful and encouraging. Enjoy! ~Halee

by RTF Staff Writer Jamin Goecker

Zack listened to the guys chattering as the bus jolted down the road. He’d been around them since kindergarten, but he still hadn’t spoken to any of them. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as he prepared to say something.

I’ll probably just sound weird when I talk. He slipped his headphones into his ears and pulled his hood over his eyes.

Are you like Zack? I was.

People I saw on a regular basis made me feel awkward. For years I wouldn’t come out of my shell. The first place I’d go after arriving somewhere was the bathroom. It provided a great spot where I put off socializing.

What if I say something dumb? What will they think? Moses essentially said these same things when God told him to bring the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses feared stepping out of his comfort zone. Do you think God wants you to be afraid?

The Bible says perfect love has no fear. Love drives fears away (I John 4:18). The best way to conquer shyness is to conquer fear, and a way to conquer fear is through the kind of love God can give us. I do my best not to focus on myself when entering a room. If I’m absorbed with myself, I notice things no one sees or cares about.

Here are some things that could help you get over your shyness.

• Think about what you’re going to say before you enter a situation.
• Don’t focus on yourself.
• Have someone hold you accountable to talk to at least one person.
• Think of secluded areas as big no-nos.
• Don’t expect to be the most popular person in the room.
• If it makes you more comfortable, talk to people who are close to your age when first entering a room. Some people are more comfortable with different age groups. Find the one you don’t fear as much.
• Take a deep breath. Most people want to be friendly. Be welcoming first, and they’ll love to be around you.

Jamin Goecker is an avid writer and enjoys playing Frisbee, playing guitar, hiking, hunting, and just about anything related to the outdoors. Contact him on Facebook or at his blog (scribe-jamin.blogspot.com).