Attending Church for the first time in a year.

[EricJones]

I'm scared sh*tless about going to Church next Sunday, but I want to be a public servant, and I'll most likely need to meet a lot of people and make speeches. I'm afraid people will see that I'm different and off and disapprove of me. Is this true or irrational and should I attend next week even if I may not be ready?

[Shnookie]

it is so beautiful that you want to attend Church next week and become a Public Servant. It is such a brave thing that you want to do. I’m a concierge/receptionist at an independent Senior Living Community. I’m in contact with people all of the time. I view myself when I come to work as being an actress. You can see yourself as an actor as well. No one is perfect. I for one have ADHD and a slight hearing loss. There R groups like Toastmasters, that help train people to speak in front of the public as well. I’m sending you a hug and my best wishes. U have love and support from the HU community. I’m always here 4 U.

[EricJones in reply to Shnookie]

Thank You, Shnookie. I appreciate that. What is toastmasters?

[Shnookie in reply to EricJones]

You are very welcome. U can Google to see if Toastmasters exists. It’s a group to help people with improving skills in speaking to the public.

[EricJones in reply to Shnookie]

You're not sure if it exists anymore?

[Shnookie in reply to EricJones]

No. But you can Google public speaking and find other places to practice public speaking. There R probably also you Tube Videos on Public Speaking.

[EricJones in reply to Shnookie]

Yeah, many. Until I'm comfortable with people again, I probably won't go to a specific location to practice my speaking. Not yet, lol. Thank you for the suggestion though.

[Shnookie in reply to EricJones]

you are very welcome

[Starrlight]

You are so brave to consider it. I think go for it!

[EricJones in reply to Starrlight]

Yeah, it's probable. My anxiety will be high, I'm sure, lol.

[Starrlight in reply to EricJones]

I bet after you get through it, it will makes so much else easier. That’s what I’ve found that when I do a big thing I’m scared of, it makes the had been big events seem much smaller.

[EricJones in reply to Starrlight]

I'd assume that that is true. Yeah, I'm just so nervous that I'll have to get into a conversation I don't want to be in, lol.

[Starrlight in reply to EricJones]

You can come up with a plan for wha t to do if you become in a conversation you don’t want to be a part of - like excuse yourself and step outside, or knod your head until it’s over- lol that’s all I can think of at the moment

[EricJones in reply to Starrlight]

I'll probably just try and avoid it except the ones I must be in.

[Starrlight in reply to EricJones]

Great!

[EricJones in reply to Starrlight]

Thanks, for your help.

[Starrlight in reply to EricJones]

Aww no problem I don’t know how much I helped but I care so I really tried

[EricJones in reply to Starrlight]

That's what matters to me. So, thank you!

[Starrlight in reply to EricJones]

You’ll do great!

[Starrlight in reply to Starrlight]

You’re welcome!

[EricJones in reply to Starrlight]

I hope so, I hope!

[TryingToStayAboveIt]

Maybe you don't need to overthink it. Just go.

[EricJones]

lol. That's unlikely to happen though. Its very likely that I'll ruminate over it until the event actually happens.

[Axolotl1]

Hi Eric. Are the people at your church ones that you know from before? If so they should be understanding of how you feel and if anything be there for you and allow for any nervousness.

[EricJones in reply to Axolotl1]

No, it's a whole new set of people.

[Axolotl1 in reply to EricJones]

Okay Eric. I still think though they should be understanding. I recently went to a different Synagogue and I started to be unwell halfway. Although I hadn't met any of them (bar one) before, they were brilliant in the way they looked after me and staying with me to make sure I was okay. So hopefully the new people would be the same for you.

[worthytobeloved]

Hi Eric. That's such an incredibly brave thing you are thinking of and I so understand your nervousness. Is there someone you feel safe with, who can go with you and give you moral support? I'm like you - I want to go, but I'm shy. One thing that may help you now is an app called Soulspace. I absolutely love it! A woman with a lovely voice gives a five minute meditation that is so comforting and encouraging. She mentions God, Jesus and the bible, but quite honestly I think people of other religions, or none, might get comfort from it. Good luck!

[EricJones in reply to worthytobeloved]

I asked my sister to come with me, but she might be busy. My other family members will be there, but I'm kind uncomfortable around everyone lol.