June S.
I struggled with social anxiety for a long time. Even something as simple as ordering pizza over the phone was a major challenge for me. My hands would sweat, and I’d take deep breaths before making the call. As I waited, my mind would race with questions: “One large Hawaiian, one medium Pepperoni… or was it the other way around? What about drinks? Sprite! But what size did mom want? Oh no, I forgot to ask…”
By the time someone answered the phone, I’d often hang up in a panic, unable to face the call without having every detail perfect. This kind of social anxiety was overwhelming. Each new interaction made me more frustrated with myself for not responding as quickly or competently as I wanted to. I felt like a mess all the time.
One particularly tough day, I agreed to go with my parents to their meditation center. Through meditation, I discovered that my social anxiety was rooted in low self-esteem and a desperate need for approval. I used meditation as a chance to reflect on myself and let go of these negative thoughts.
Now, I work as a meditation instructor, which involves meeting new people every day. I give presentations and interact with others without feeling anxious. In fact, I’m excited to meet people now.
For anyone dealing with social anxiety, my advice is to take a deep breath, relax, and take a moment to observe yourself. Instead of fixating on the anxiety, try to understand where it’s coming from. Meditation can be a helpful tool in this process.
