Shy to social!

I was very shy as a child and barely spoke to anyone. I had a best friend when I was very young but we lived in a rural town and neighbors could be far away let alone have children that where my age. This painful shyness carried through to elementary school even though we moved to a bigger town. once again, I  had a few close friends but was even too shy to speak to their parents. I couldn’t even bring myself to answer the telephone. I was too afraid. To make matters worse, the activity that I enjoyed the most was ballet, a silent sport. This probably didn’t help to break me out of my shell. Eventually, my mom knew she had to get me socializing better and enrolled me in as many activities and sports as possible over the next few years. I think this is why I have to stay busy all the time as an adult. I tried basketball (I wasn't very good being only five foot three inches tall and way too polite to heckle the defense on that middle school court). I tried baton twirling, karate, swimming, and eventually settled on volleyball despite my height disadvantage. 

My mother told me that a few amazing teachers along the way encouraged me and worked to build my confidence. My first grade teacher spend extra time with me and I remember getting special accolades in class or some made up award that she probably gave to every student. It didn’t matter, I felt so proud that I could be the best at something. 

It’s okay to be shy at first or introverted. Sometimes you just need to right encouragement and atmosphere for you to shine!