Living Life on My Own Terms
Anxiety is a term that has become so ingrained in our everyday language that its impact is often underestimated. When I was younger, the thought of going to school felt daunting. My classmates walked through the hallways without a care, while I kept quiet, feeling as if they were observing my every step. Social anxiety isn’t just a label for being shy or introverted; it’s an inner struggle that often goes unnoticed. It’s that gnawing fear of being judged, the dread of making a mistake in front of others, and the constant pull to retreat into the safety of solitude.
My life started to change when I moved out of my hometown and began working at my second job. Even then, I would sweat internally just from counting change for a customer. But over time, I became comfortable; my work ethic started to show, and I began to build confidence in myself. I had always loved singing while growing up, but I never signed up for drama class because, let's be real, I couldn't even eat in the lunchroom. Who would have known that years later I would be in Key West singing at a bar where I bartend? At first, my heart would race, and my hands would physically shake. However, over time, I naturally stopped experiencing those symptoms. I was truly thriving there, doing what I once thought I never would and becoming someone I never envisioned myself being.
To this day, I continue to step out of my comfort zone and do the things that make my heart race. I’m tackling the obstacles that intimidate me because I know that is how I grow and succeed. I still experience anxiety from time to time, but I simply work through it rather than letting it take over, and I excel as I knew I could. I actually had a past coworker debate with me that I was an extrovert when, honestly, I’ve been an introvert my entire life due to social anxiety. The only difference is that now I'm expressing who I truly am, feeling comfortable in my own skin while not caring about what another person thinks of me.
I started coping with anxiety when I began living as my true, authentic self. As long as I stayed true to myself, I didn't care what people thought. Living for yourself is empowering. Being who you are to the core without fear of rejection is thrilling. Don’t waste opportunities and time due to fear—fear of what somebody else will think or say. In the end, the power is within you to become your highest, most successful self. Only you can make that happen, so stop wasting time fearing what your parents, friend, or coworker might think or say, and start living for you! This is your life; don't waste it.
