Sumaira Saba
2 min readFeb 27, 2024

Overcoming Shyness: A Mother's Tale

Precious Moments: Sharing Joyful Us Time with My Son Shazil amidst Nature's Healing Embrace

Shyness has always been my silent companion, lurking in the shadows and casting doubt on my abilities. It's a trait that many of us battle with, often without fully understanding its impact on our lives. For me, growing up in the mountains and remote villages meant limited resources and a different socio-cultural landscape compared to bustling towns and cities. Internet access was a luxury, and social norms sometimes felt stifling.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, shyness proved to be a formidable obstacle. While others seemed to effortlessly navigate social situations and seize opportunities, I found myself held back by a reluctance to step out of my comfort zone. It wasn't fear or hesitation that hindered me; it was the quiet voice of shyness, whispering doubts and insecurities.

Despite my efforts to overcome it, shyness continued to shape my experiences. It prevented me from fully expressing myself, from pursuing opportunities that I knew I was capable of seizing. Each missed chance left me feeling frustrated and disappointed, wondering what could have been if shyness hadn't held me back.

During my academic journey, I struggled with extreme shyness. I was hesitant to answer questions in class or even raise my hand if no one else did. This pattern persisted through university and into my pursuit of a master's degree. I remember being too timid to ask my supervisor simple questions during my thesis research.

Entering the professional world, where I primarily worked in teaching roles, my shyness persisted. Despite gaining seven years of teaching experience, I still found it challenging to assert myself confidently in front of students and colleagues.

Marriage and motherhood brought new challenges and revelations. My one-year-old son, Shazil, exhibits traits of shyness and introversion, much like his mother. Observing his reluctance to engage with others and his preference for staying close to me, I've come to realize the importance of nurturing confidence in him.

As I navigate the demands of motherhood and my own personal growth, I've begun to see a shift in my own nature. While I still grapple with shyness, I'm making efforts to overcome it, especially for the sake of my son. I'm determined to help him develop boldness and confidence in himself.

While balancing motherhood and professional aspirations is daunting, I'm committed to exploring avenues that allow me to utilize my skills and passions. Despite the challenges of juggling responsibilities, I am actively seeking opportunities on online platforms and in content writing projects. Your well wishes and support mean a lot to me as I navigate through these endeavors. Here's to hoping for success and growth in my pursuits!

Sumaira Saba

Learner, Researcher, Teacher and a Writer, who is trying to explore various facets of life through different lenses. Always curious, always learning. 😊