Helpful tips and personal stories. Exploring challenges and coping strategies around health and wellbeing when you’re feeling socially anxious, shy and not good enough. You are not alone.
When we think about courage, our minds often turn to the bold and dramatic. Leaping into action. Taking centre stage. Speaking loudly and leading from the front. But that version of bravery isn’t the only kind that exists. And it’s not the kind that many of us see in ourselves. There’s another form of courage…
Have you ever felt yourself suddenly stop in place—unable to speak, move, or even think clearly—in a moment that felt intense or too much? Maybe it happened in a group, during a conversation, or when you were asked to do something that felt exposing. Perhaps your body felt heavy or numb, like it was far…
If you’ve ever been told “just think positive,” “don’t dwell on it,” or “stop overthinking,” you’ll know it’s not that simple. Thoughts have a way of appearing in our minds whether we invite them or not. Some feel warm and encouraging. Others feel unsettling or intrusive—popping up unexpectedly, even when we’d rather not think about…
There’s a phrase you may have come across before: “Choose your hard.” The idea is that life presents us with challenges no matter what path we take. Engaging in personal growth—whether through therapy, counselling, coaching, or deep self-reflection—is hard. But not engaging in it is also hard, just in a different way. For those of…
The Flawed Narrative of ‘Fixing’ If you’re a quieter person, you’ve likely experienced a moment when someone—perhaps with the best intentions—tried to ‘help’ by encouraging you to be more outgoing. “Just speak up.” “Go and talk to people.” As if it should be that simple. But instead of feeling supported, we’re left feeling as though…
There are moments in life when the path ahead seems unfamiliar and the way forward unclear. When you find yourself stepping into new territory without a map, it can feel as if every step is a leap into the unknown. Yet, these moments, challenging as they may be, also hold the seeds of growth, transformation,…
Quiet Reflections for National Stress Awareness Month Some kinds of stress are loud. They burst in—sweaty palms, racing heart, fast speech. The signs are hard to miss. But some kinds of stress are quiet. They gather slowly and silently. They don’t shout for help. They live in the pause before we speak. In the tension we…
When your nervous system feels overwhelmed, it can seem like you’re no longer in control of how you respond to the world around you. Whether you’re experiencing the fight-or-flight response, freezing up, or feeling like you’re collapsing, reaching out for help can feel difficult. But what if those around you could recognise the signs of…
Happiness is often portrayed as something bright and exuberant—a word that brings to mind beaming smiles, laughter-filled gatherings, and boundless energy. But for those of us who are quiet, introverted, or experience social anxiety, happiness doesn’t always look this way. And that’s okay. On International Day of Happiness, we want to explore a different perspective—one…
Every choice we make creates ripples. Some are small, barely noticeable. Others shift the course of our lives. And yet, when faced with a decision, it’s easy to get caught up in the immediate pressure: What’s the right answer? What if I get it wrong? For many of us who are quieter, decision-making can feel…
Some days just feel… heavy. They arrive unannounced, bringing a tangled mix of exhaustion, overwhelm, and a longing for something softer, something easier. Maybe today is one of those days for you. Perhaps it started before you even opened your eyes, with a mind already full of all the things that need to be done….
Have you ever thought, “I want to make memories that matter,” but then found yourself staying in your comfort zone instead? We often hear phrases like “Life is short—make the most of it!” or “Say yes to new experiences!” But for those of us who are naturally quieter, more sensitive, or feel anxious in social…