the problem with being shy + doing uncomfortable things (see also: hi, SMCDC)

(The titles of my posts are becoming the longest rants ever. I mean, really. Do you guys love or hate this?)

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One of my New Year's buckets was to do more Uncomfortable Things. (No idea what the hell a New Year's bucket is? You need to read this post.) Why? Because sometimes doing uncomfortable shit is fun. And even if it's not, it helps us grow. (After-school special, am I right?)

Since you guys are smart, you can probably guess where this is heading: Last week, I did an Uncomfortable Thing.

Here's what's up: I am so so shy. Not online, obviously, but in Real People Life where I have to actually open my mouth to communicate. I suck in groups with over three people I don't know. I either come off as the quiet creepy girl that sits in the corner staring with huge eyes OR as a total bitch. I'll warm up and you'll see I'm actually nice after I've had a chance to, you know, calm the hell down, but until then I'm so anxious I practically tremble.

This sucks for a lot of reasons, but mainly because I'm new in DC and have approximately three friends.

So last week I went to the monthly DC Social Media Club event. It was all about personal branding, which was awesome because I learned A LOT, but  it was also awesome because it forced me to talk to other people that I could potentially be friends with. I also finally got to meet Rachael, which was great because she was one of the first people to welcome me to DC.

I also actually asked a question. In front of a group of people. Considering I'm the girl who has hardly any recommendations from college professors because she was too shy to ask questions in class, this was a huge step for me. And even though I blushed and the blood was pounding in my ears too loudly to hear the answer, I'm proud of myself.

And here's the thing about doing uncomfortable things that end up feeling good: You get kind of addicted to that feeling. It's a boost in a way. So now, I'm going to introduce myself here and ask that you guys do the same in the comments. Then shoot me an email or give me your email address and let's get to know each other. And if you live in DC? Awesome, let's be friends.

Hi! I'm Valorie. I'm a Texas expat currently living in DC. I love greyhounds dressed as Star Wars characters and I'm really awful at answering the phone. I do non-profit work, and also have my own love + lifestyle photography business.

Okay, now you go! (And if you're one of the people I met at the SMCDC event, great! Hi! It was nice meeting you!)

Oh and, SMCDC? Prepare for me to show up more. (But expect me to blush the first eleventy billion times anyone says anything directly to me.)



P.S. Also, along the vein of doing uncomfortable things? I'm selling a bunch of my books. There's a lot of historical fiction, as well as some classics, and great textbooks (if you're an international affairs student). I know this is totally pathetic, but if you're interested, help me buy wine food.