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Tags [edit]: phobia, social, anxiety, shyness

Well, I've been suffering from social phobia and select mutism (afraid to talk to certain people) for almost ten years now and have been at least a little shy my whole life. I've wasted too much time worrying and it's time to start making friends and enjoying my life. I got this self book "Beyond Shyness" from the library for the second time. The first time I got it I only did about two writing exercises and did them half assed at that. Needless to say, it didn't help. But things are different now. This time I'm going to do everything in my power to cure this god awful disorder and live the life I deserve to live. I'll be writing my exercises here as a way to feel more accountable to do them.
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Writing Exercise #1
Now, in a positive, can-do frame of mind, list three reasons why you want to change your social life:

One: I want to make friends and have someone to hang out with. I get lonely and bored not having anyone to talk to. There's so much I want to do. Go to the movies, concerts. art galleries etc. I know I can go alone and I plan to, but it would be nice to have someone to share the experience with every once in a while.

Two: I want to advance in my career. In the career I'm interested in pursuing being sociable is crucial.

Three: I want to improve my self image and self esteem. The reason I can't talk to people is because I'm afraid of rejection and I think if a person doesn't like me, it's because I'm a stupid worthless person. I hate feeling this way. I hate giving so much power to other people. Well, it's time to take that power back and not let have how other people may or may not feel about me dictate how I feel about myself.
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I'll try to do at least one exercise a day starting today. Wish me luck.