Practice. Doing hard things elevates our resilience to hard things and makes us able to tackle harder things, whether we want to or not.

How much time you got? LOL. I've got a lot on this, but it'll take some time to filter it down. I'll come back in a bit to try.

@Andrew Nelson I get that, however, when you're a 'feeler' you process deeply. So that being said, I am not responsible for other people's feelings. I used to think I was which lead me to not even care about my own. So when someone made me feel a certain way, good or bad, I remember and internalize it, and often never deal with it. So, this is a reminder for me. 1. Do not feel your have any responsibility for other people's feelings, but be nice about it. 2. Always listen to your own feelings and do what you feel is best for you. 3. Show empathy and feel like there is always an opportunity to create greater understanding.

@Andrew Nelson I have fear from anxiety because it's not in my comfort zone, so I shut down.

@Andrew Nelson I love that. I haven't seen that before but I love it. Really makes you want to challenge everything and push the limits.

@Renee Jeffery Sounds like those settings you were able to be social and talk to be people were in your comfort zone. I bet you're a lot less awkward than you think. I'm an actually a very quiet and introverted in most social settings, even those I am veery comfortable at. I don't feel the need to talk just to be feel engaged. I do a lot of listening and observing. When I feel there is actually something of value to add, or a timely joke and sarcastic wit, that is when I insert into the conversation. Hopefully it's well received. So I guess what I'm saying is don't try too hard and trust your gut. You might find your tendencies become less awkward.

@Andrew Nelson even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then. 😂😂

That's a great question. I can't really say for sure. Falling asleep usually isn't much of a problem for me. However, waking up in the middle of the night and the browser tabs start opening in my brain is a real problem for me. Sometimes, I'll embrace it and just starting doing things, but staying in bed...so that usually involves me picking up my phone. Checking Skool, etc. I've found focusing on one thing can lead me to fall back asleep. HOWEVER, sometimes this is going down the path of too much simulation. If I can recognize that, I'll generally put on some music. Something soothing, and something I know well. Often I'll go to Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring...not that it puts me to sleep, but it puts my mind to rest because I just love it and know it well.