Months ago, I contacted my local PSL chapter wanting to join and interviewed with a member. They kept me updated about their upcoming events for a time but ultimately I never showed up to anything and they (understandably) stopped contacting me.

I kept telling myself this time was going to be different and that I’d meet up with them and finally start doing the praxis thing. I got all pumped up in the morning but when it came time to physically leave my apartment, I panicked and couldn’t do it.

I was raised by narcissists. It’s been hammered into me since birth to not speak up because my opinions don’t matter. Because of this I am a very reclusive and quiet person and take forever to open up to anyone. And I don’t usually post on any social media. I hate being in the spotlight. It’s taking some real effort and I mean like herculean to even type this and ask for help.

How the hell am I supposed to overcome this? Besides and in addition to going to therapy? Because I do want to join and contribute.

I just don’t feel adequate. I feel like I let not only myself down but every student and worker out there with some actual skin in this movement down.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Y’all are wonderful people <3

  • ImnecomradeEnglish
    8·
    2 months ago

    For events where I need to speak or interact with people who are in opposition against me and the movement, I have given myself a lot of courage by wanting to make them uncomfortable and putting Zionazis and Zionazi sympathizers in the spotlight. I’m not the weird one for opposing genocide.

    I started by being deathly shy and not giving a single flyer to anyone, and now I am starting to get the hang of talking to strangers (still awkwardly). Just take baby steps and be persistent. You’ll get there. I feel so good when I am productive and in solidarity with comrades during a protest. It’s totally worth the herculean effort for this alone as it greatly helps your self-esteem and mental health.