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shelleybrill shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 1 years, 10 months ago I broke thru my insecurities in “Gypsy”
ShelleyDear Teens,
As a teenager, I too struggled with low self-esteem and insecurities. In high school I would watch other more confident students run for student government, try out for sports teams, cheerleading squad or audition for school plays. I never felt smart enough or athletic enough or even pretty enough to succeed at anything I went for in school. I was a prisoner of my own irrational fears. Then one day my english teacher, who was the drama club supervisor, suggested I try out for the yearly school musical. I was so afraid to go for it even though I secretly would have loved to be on stage. Well I decided to audition and lo and behold I got a part. The really scary thing was I had to play a stripper in the play “Gypsy”. I had to wear a skimpy costume in front of the whole school. I was terrified. Well opening night came. I danced and sang in front of 1000 people. That was the moment I learned that it is important to face your fears, try new experiences and know that its all part of our journey in life. That night I gained a lot of confidence. I suggest, don’t be afraid of the unknown. You will be surprised what you are capable of accomplishing. The sky is the limit!
Shelley
Dear Shelley,
That takes major courage to play a stripper in a play. To sing and dance in front of 1000 people. Wow! I would had 100 panic attacks trying to stay calm on stage. That’s so cool you gain a lot of confidence after performing that part. I was asked to be a part of a church play when I was 16. But, my insecurity stopped me from being a part of it. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had just done it at the time, but, some things you have to see in hindsight. I was a prisoner of my own fears in middle & high school. I felt behind in confidence compared to other students who look like they had no insecurities & low self-esteem at all. If only I could have powered through my low self-esteem. The lesson of facing my fears didn’t come until after high school. It’s amazing what we can do when we decide to take the chance and just try it! Thank you for sharing this message.
Gerald
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Hi Gerald, Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am sure that you have more then made up for whatever activities you missed put on in n high school. Its never too late to be in n a play or do the intimidating things we were all afraid to try in high school. I am sure you would have been great then but you will be even better now. Always remember you are so much stronger and accomplished then your u are in your own head. I am sure that whatever you try, you will succeed at. I am older and there are still things I am afraid to do because I think I will fail but then I say, maybe I won’t fail. Maybe I will do something amazing and surprise myself and impress my family and make tgem proud. So continue to challenge yourself and take on new experiences. I know you will soar.
All the best,
Shelley
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You’re very welcome, Shelley. And thank you for your encouraging words. Reading your reply gives me the hope to try new things (even if they’re scary). I love that sentence you wrote about how I’m much stronger and accomplished than I am in my head. I need to remind myself that more and more. Sometimes, self-doubt finds a way into my head and it takes a little while to get those thoughts out of my brain. What’s helped is looking back on the new things I’ve tried in the past that turned out well. Even for the ones that didn’t work out well, it felt good giving it a try. I appreciate the encouragement you’ve given me so far. I believe you’ll do amazing things that you haven’t done yet. May we both soar in new things that we give a try!
Wishing you the best,
Gerald
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