creating the room i needed

#YesToStarting

Talking about my whys more!

Creating The Room I Needed

I’ve dealt with social anxiety for many many years.

It may surprise you to learn that the founder of a vibrant and thriving business community lives with social anxiety, but I do.

In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons why The Women Who Business Community exists.

My own social anxiety

I hate being late for meetings or events. Not because I’m super organised (although I do try), but because I need time. Time to park up. Time to sit with my feelings for a moment. Time to breathe. Time to enter a room before it’s too full and loud.

I find it much easier to adapt as a room starts to fill, when I’m already there and settled.

Walking into a busy space where all you’re faced with is a sea of backs and conversations are already flowing, the last thing you want to do is interrupt …because that’s rude right?! That’s when my anxiety really kicks in.

The unknown is the hardest part.

What if no one talks to me?
What if someone does talk to me, and I freeze?
What if someone silently judges me for putting 3 sugars in my complimentary coffee?

(Yes. 3 sugars. No regrets.)

Oh no, here comes the small talk

I’m also not a fan of small talk but I fully appreciate that not everyone feels comfortable diving straight into deeper conversations with a stranger.

That leads to me worrying about my conversation openers too. I become too much in my head, convince myself that I’ll screw up the all important first impression and ask myself “what the hell am I doing here?”

The trouble with carrying all of these thoughts around is that I’m often exhausted before I’ve even begun.

And when I’m exhausted, I’m not at my best.

I become the person observing rather than contributing; even when I want to be part of the conversation. Even when I have something valuable to say.

I thought it was me. “I’m not cut out for this world”

But what I eventually realised was this: It wasn’t me. It was the rooms.

And that’s exactly why the rooms and spaces at The Women Who Business Community are designed the way that they are. I’ve created spaces that I need and that I can thrive in, as do many other women just like me.

Spaces that are warm.

Where you’re never left wondering where to sit or who to speak to.

Where listening is valued just as much as speaking.

Where you don’t have to perform, pitch or push yourself beyond your limits just to belong.

Because what I have to share is valuable and is worth talking about; I just need to feel comfortable and confident enough to do it.

The Women Who Business Community was built for people like me and maybe like you too.

This community exists to prove that there is another way. Where connection feels safe. Where success doesn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing and where you’re allowed to arrive exactly as you are.

There’s nothing to prove in a Women Who Room.

If any of this resonates and/or you’re as passionate as I am about creating safe and encouraging spaces, please reach out.

Drop me an email at lisa.lloyd@womenwhouk.co.uk I’d love to chat.

#OurYearToSayYes