I'm tackling this subject because I am one of its victims. For a big part of my life I suffered from a real bad shyness problem. This poem isn't advice, so freeze like ice. If you're a shy person then feel free to stay that way. I never liked being shy and started working on flipping the coin.
I just recently did my first ever poetry reading. Most of my critics won't get up themselves, especially my wife. Yet she tries to criticize me. I told her to get up and show me or shut up. Anyway it was taped and I did pretty good. My happiness came from just having the nerve to do it, not my wifes vision of a perfect world showing.
Lot of people shy back, not me anymore, I go on the attack. Don't be shy or love will pass you by. So will the rest of life, quicker than a slice from a Samuari's knife.
Some people are passive, others are real aggressive. Lying somewhere in between, still might get you seen. What are you going to do when the spotlight comes to you?
Will you get on down, shake it all around? Or hide in the shadows like a crook in the meadows? Either way a day is still a day, but without your say.
grady, i never would have seen you as a shy person...funny the ideas we get of people, i saw you as outgoing from the get go.
Reviewed by Thomas Lanechanger (Reader)
Reviewed on August 12, 2005
Grady, as with anything great worth having in life often takes the courage to keep forging ahead no matter what obstacles are placed before them. I applaud your valiant efforts and congratulate you on overcoming your “shyness.” I’d like to quote a couple of unique phrases that General George S. Patton said, the first one is, “do your damnedest in an ostentatious manner all the time,” and, “if a man does his best, what else is there?” Thank you for sharing your well-crafted work, and timely sage advice, my friend. Take good care and be well.
First, Grady, congratualations on overcoming your shyness and your amazing feat of being able to not only speak publically but to read your own words. I am happy for the resulting feeling of confidence and accomplishment that this has brought to you. Secondly, let me say that there will always be those who try to bring us down, those who try to belittle us into submission. The sad part is that it comes from your spouse, who should be sharing your happiness instead of trying to invalidate your advancements. Her insecurity and bitterness shows in her actions and for this, I have only sympathy for her. I am proud of you for learning to persue your dreams and to rise up from the mire that attempts to suck you down.
Take care,
Sherry
This reminds me of the first time when I spoke how shaky I was. I was shaking like a leave inside, but the people said that it didn't show outside. I think it is like this too in your case.
Once you've gotten use to it, you will actually enjoy public speaking. It is so much fun.
Congratulations on your first try, and many more to come!
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on August 12, 2005
The first public speach I made my knees where shaking like an old ford motor.
AS Leah says reading aloud at home is good..
Good move. Now just too encourage the little lady..
I am so proud for you! It takes guts (at least for me) to stand in front of a crowd of people. I've been there many times, and still, I get those awful butterflies. It is something that I don't like to do, and have to make myself do. There is an old adage that goes, "behind every great man, stands a woman". Don't be to hard on your wife. She loves you. Take her criticisms in a constructive manner. There could be something you could learn from the things that she is saying. Remember, she wants you to be the best you can be. AND...she knows you better than anyone else. Maybe the two of you could practice those things in private. It couldn't hurt, plus it would tighten that bond of love a little more. (wink). I applaud you for taking steps to overcome that shyness. Wonderful!! Love, Leah
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Take care,
Sherry
CONGRATULATIONS GRADY!!!!
Love Twinka
This reminds me of the first time when I spoke how shaky I was. I was shaking like a leave inside, but the people said that it didn't show outside. I think it is like this too in your case.
Once you've gotten use to it, you will actually enjoy public speaking. It is so much fun.
Congratulations on your first try, and many more to come!
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o)
AS Leah says reading aloud at home is good..
Good move. Now just too encourage the little lady..
...Michael