Several years later (now), I returned to post about my successes and triumphs as well as intertwined struggles from over the years. I was hoping that it would be a post that would inspire, because I wrote about how, in my anecdotal experiences, that the key to overcoming social anxiety is to move out of your comfort zone, embrace the inevitable feelings of uncomfortableness and to repeat that habit as a form of cognitive behavioral therapy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

A few members replied in kindness, but there were a few posters, aged 40-years-old and up, who were visibly upset that I ‘claimed’ such an ‘easy fix’ to social anxiety.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom firstly, I never claimed an ‘easy fix’ to social anxiety, only a method to better control it and improve it, rather than allowing it to hinder your improvements as a person.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

These 40+ something folks raged over my use of the phrase, “you have to get out of your comfort zone on a consistent basis” by saying that they have heard that cliched tripe enough over the years.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I don’t doubt that, but their claims that they have heard it enough over the years does not invalidate that statement that is rooted with veritable truth.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

These same negative nancies also took offense to me saying that other people don’t think about you as much as you think they do, as I believe everyone is dealing with their own personal battles on a day to day basis, from being too busy thinking about what they are going to cook or buy for dinner, deadlines for work, bills they have to pay, personal responsibilities they may be procrastinating doing, etc… a few of them spouted anecdotes about the time they did something embarrassing when they were younger and a solitary person recently brought it up to them.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom what a crock of shit.

Even when I was writing about struggles with anxiety back in 2011-2013, I never blamed others for it. I made this point in a post in that thread on the forum and received replies stating, “good for you!” in a poorly sarcastic tone.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom what a shame. I made it a point, too, to mention that I still deal with occasional social anxiety given certain situations, but I hammered the point home that I make the very best attempts to be self-aware of my thoughts, embrace the anxiety as it happens and allow it to pass by recalling to myself, speaking to myself within my head, that everything will work itself out and be alright, allowing the negative thoughts to pass rather than accepting them as fact.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Speaking of ‘done’, I’m done with that forum. It is a minefield for reinforcing victim complexes and that is not conducive to growth. I hate the stupid word, ‘snowflake’ that a lot of short-sighted people use to call others as an insult, but you go on a forum like that and afterwards you don’t have to wonder where that silly word with its modern definition is derived from.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

I screw up all the time. I still feel social anxiety at times, as mentioned. I mean, hell, I just felt it the other day because I had to go to the grocery store and felt anxious over running into someone I know who works there.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom what happened? I ran into them while I was there, and I was fine. Why did I feel anxiety over this? I have no clue whatsoever, but guess what?Cognitive learning theory in the classroom going in there and running into them? It was no big deal after all. That was the basis of my thread on there, to inspire hope and the idea that it doesn’t have to be an awful existence for everyone every second of the day, and while I appreciate the posters who replied with positive feedback and encouragement, the negative nancies can go pound sand.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom they will never experience growth while sitting around with their arms crossed, crying “why me?!” at every turn while others step out of their comfort zone and live life.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom