Feeling Shy

Have you ever wondered what it's like to feel shy as a kid in school? Well, I can tell you from experience that it is often a complicated and uncomfortable experience. Here's a description of what it might feel like: Picture carrying around a heavy bookbag filled with doubt and uncertainty. You walk into the classroom, the chatter of classmates buzzing around you like bees, and you feel an instinctive urge to blend into the background. Your heart might race a little and you might find yourself looking around the room for familiar faces, but often you see only classmates who look so confident and at ease.

Being shy can feel like carrying around a heavy bookbag filled with doubt and uncertainty.

As the teacher starts the class, the thought of speaking up sends a wave of anxiety through your body. You might fidget with your pencil, or crayon, or tug at your sleeves, hoping that the focus stays away from you. Even when you know the answer to a question, your mind races with worries: "What if I stutter?" or "What if my tummy growls too loudly," or "What if my answer is wrong or silly?" The fear of being judged looms large, making it hard to raise your hand even just a little.

You might fidget with your pencil or tug at your sleeves, hoping the focus stays away from you.

During group activities, while your classmates engage with each other, you might feel like an outsider looking in. You want to join the conversation, but finding the right moment feels overwhelming. You might hesitate, listening more than speaking, trying to catch onto the flow of discussion without feeling found out. Even simple things like introducing yourself or sharing a simple piece of information can feel monumental, like standing on a stage with all eyes on you.