I am shy. I am normal.

I've been reading a book from the library called "Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety" by Erika B. Hillard. I wasn't quite sure what to expect by reading this, but I am pleasantly surprised by it. The "lightbulb" moment for me was when the author stated that it is perfectly normal to be shy. It is only in the Western cultures that shyness is seen as a sign of weakness. In western society we expect people to be driven, outwardly social (almost to the point of being obnoxious), and to "put themselves out there" in order to be considered a success. In other cultures shyness is seen as being an attribute. Shy people are often very considerate of other's feelings and great listeners. It is only when we let our shyness take over and allow it to prevent us from doing the things in life that we enjoy, that it can become a 'problem'. Normal shyness should be something that we embrace and not feel bad about. I have never EVER thought this way before. It is such a strange concept for me to wrap my brain around. It also makes complete sense to me. If shyness is a part of my personality and a part of who I truly am, than why should I not embrace it just the same as any other part of my personality?