And through the years, I've faced many discomforts associated with my anxiety... usually entirely against my will or wishes, but faced them I did! I got a job working a call center. That was fun, as you can imagine (insert sarcastic eye roll here). But, it taught me a great many things about asserting myself, showcasing my confidence and embracing my own genuine awkwardness. None of these things have to be exclusive of one another.
Suck it, social anxiety! But I have to say, those of us who suffer from anxiety are greatly helped by the understanding, care and attention, and kindness of others. Because even though we may have acquired the skills to hide our discomfort, we still experience it. And it is through the grace of others that social pressures are alleviated, and we are allowed to be authentic... not anxious. Thank you, Tabatha and James, for the fabulous opportunity, the amazing conversation, great food and a chance to explore relationships with others free from social pressure. And many thanks to the 16 amazing woman who shared the classroom with me. You're dedication to the craft, to perfection and creative expansion, to building an incredibly relaxed atmosphere all helped this socially anxious wire wrapper find a little peace. 
10 Comments
Meaghan Williams
10/1/2016 08:01:59 pm
I feel for you Nicole, and I am so glad you've been able to work through it to a degree.... My son suffers from social anxiety as well, has since he was little, he's 35 now. Baby steps are the key! Fake it until you make it is our family motto, lol.
Donna Hirsch
10/4/2016 09:09:58 am
Frame the word 'Glastonbury' and keep it where you can see it, as a visual reminder of your accomplishment and as a ruler. The next time you're considering NOT doing something, compare it to 'Glastonbury'. NEVER discount your experiences. You are an incredibly talented woman, and I'll tell you that every day if you like.
Barbi MacDonald
10/4/2016 09:19:28 am
So glad that you took the plunge and did the trip, A personal growth for you and a chance for others to learn from you! Exciting times! Cheers and have a great week!
Denise Didsbury
10/4/2016 11:46:01 am
So glad you enjoyed your time here in the UK. You should always look on this experience as one that you conquered and you enjoyed, and should you get that anxiety again when looking at another trip, think back to Glastonbury and imagine your time here and what you enjoyed about it, hopefully that will calm you and you will make more trips in the future xxx
nancy ruth
10/4/2016 02:03:29 pm
When I read about your social anxiety I was surprised but also comforted to know that someone else is the same as me. I too cannot use the phone without sweaty palms...never answer the phone, ever, and also worked in a call center where every time I had to talk to a customer I held my stomach in and hardly breathed. But it was a job and I had to do it. Now that I'm retired I have a hard time wen I'm getting together with friends..I hardly sleep the night before! But, once I'm with them, I have a great time (so why the anxiety EVERY time???). So I understand how you felt for the three months leading up to the event in Glastonbury and I smiled when I read that you had a great time once you got there and saw that "everything was going to be alright". We aren't the only ones with this type of anxiety but we sure know how to relate to others with it. Making others feel comfortable is very fulfilling.
Helen Healey
10/4/2016 02:27:20 pm
I was on the second course you ran. You'll never know how very much I enjoyed it. It was a birthday present and was truly the best I've ever had. You made all of us feel we were making something beautiful. We sat in silence, we talked about some remarkable stuff (!), we laughed, shared and came away the richer for it.....and all because of you x
Nikki Baskin
10/4/2016 03:52:55 pm
I have felt the same in the past, I have found the older I get, the more it lessens. You were amazing in Glastonbuy! I had such a great time, loved every minute. You are a great teacher, encouraging and supportive and made everyone feel at ease. Thank you. xx
Anya Linley
10/8/2016 03:38:04 pm
Well done you! I suffer from social anxiety too so I can imagine what an accomplishment this was for you. You are far braver than I am!
Ann Faesy
11/3/2016 10:11:52 am
I also suffer from Social Anxiety of many years. The small groups and one on one are so much easier to handle. There are those that do not understand how it feels that do not have the problem. They think you can just get over it. Well I'm 66 and I'm not going to get over it at this point. I have 4 children and 2 of them are like me; but they are out there working on it. I, as well, work on it daily working with the public. It doesn't mean it isn't difficult; but you must continue on. Just once it would be nice to not have that fear of anxiety when you enter a room full of people. I'm a little worried because in a week and a half, I have my first Vendor show with my jewelry without my daughter by my side, who is so good with people, will not be there with me. She is about to have a baby in a month and she gets tired easily. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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