Do you struggle with feelings of intimidation? Do you find that the simplest things can hold you back from living the most abundant life possible?
If you answered yes to the above questions know that you’re not alone. This is something that many of us suffer from, and by sharing our experiences, life can become less intimidating!
Today, Dalton and I visited our local Discovery Center. When we arrived, I saw a huge yellow bus in the parking lot. This meant there would be lots of children inside – loud, happy children who would be having a blast.
Along with all of those children I knew there would be a lot of adult chaperones inside. Being the introvert that I am the sight of all of the ladies standing around and talking immediately intimidated me. I started to feel anxious, and self-conscious.
Why would I feel intimidated by these women?
Sometimes, there isn’t an answer. We often face situations that challenge us, and make us feel uncomfortable. The important thing is knowing how to handle these situations so that they don’t overcome us!
These are things I think about or do when I feel intimidated:
1. Look at it from their perspective.
It’s worth pausing for a moment and trying to view the situation from a different perspective. Those groups of ladies, for example, probably couldn’t have cared less about me. It’s natural for people to look around when somebody enters a room – it doesn’t mean they are looking at you, specifically.
When you are at church, or in a movie theatre, people often have to move past you, or come and sit behind you.
Do you look around?
Do you glance over at them?
It’s most likely that you do!
This is completely natural: it doesn’t mean that you are judging them, or thinking negative thoughts about them. Keep this in mind the next time you enter a room and feel anxious that people are looking at you.
2. Realize they might be intimidated too.
If you saw me, you wouldn’t necessarily know that I feel intimidated by large groups of ladies. The truth is, we can never be sure how another person is feeling, and those people you feel anxious around might be feeling the same about you!
Unfortunately we put on faces in front of people. I’m learning as I get older that we are all actually struggling with something. Whether we worry about our weight, our appearance, relationships, or self-confidence – there are millions of reasons why a person could be struggling, and it’s worth keeping that in mind.
3. Find a buddy!
Having a friend who also feels intimidated can be helpful. Hang out with them, talk together, and spend time at the event together.
4. Know that you are enough!
When I started making live videos, you can’t even imagine how terrified I felt. It would take me 15 minutes just to hit the ‘go live’ button. I started reminding myself that no matter how I felt, no matter how nervous I was – I am enough.
You are enough, too! Whatever situation you may find yourself in, remember that you are enough, even though you may not feel like it.
In fact, you are perfect. God created you just the way you are, with your personality. So just be you. If everyone in the world was the same, life would be boring (and pretty weird)! Realize that you are enough, and that you have something to offer the world. Sure, you may not get along with everybody: everybody may not love you, or want to listen to you. You just need to find your kindred spirit, as Anne of Green Gables would say.
So, stay strong: remember that others may be struggling in silence; find a buddy and remember that YOU ARE ENOUGH!
How do you calm the intimidation monster? Do you have any tips and tricks? I’d love to hear from you!
Leave A Comment