most definitely - I was afraid to speak up even though I knew my subject well, even though I knew, I knew it better than whoever was speaking. How sad is that?
We all have a basic right to voice our opinion. (we mind our good manners hopefully).
What got me over this, is understanding that I "share" my knowledge with others. It may be of benefit, it may be informative, it may be just funny. People can chose to take it or leave it. When you think of it as sharing, it becomes easier. Remember the talented muscian who composes beautiful music - but no one hears it because he was shy, fearful of judgement. His music could be a gift to us. Same goes for artists, poets, writers. I try to remember that someone out there just may need to hear what I say. How nice to know; I may have helped someone today. Reminds me of giving a smile to someone on the street; you never know what kind of day they are having and just may need that smile.
Another fear is dancing on the dance floor before anyone else is up and you think everyone is watching your every step so that your movements are quite wooden. Well, I bet no one even cares and is probably thinking how brave you are to be the first up. Something to remember is that just about everyone worries about being the best they can be.
Another is a fear of being unable to perform a task - one which you know like the back of your hand - in front of certain people. You start to blush, the blush upsets you because now you think they are noticing you are flustered...and on and on.
So to everyone out there who wants to write here and hesitates - hey, we are all the same. Let us learn from each other.
I kind of went on a little long here...oh well. It just wanted to come out and this is a good/safe place to rant/vent.
