More Than Shyness: My Journey of Self-Discovery Beyond Social Anxiety invites you into a journey through my four-decade struggle with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Driven by a quest for understanding and self-acceptance, I explore my experiences with SAD, revealing the pivotal moments and insights that guided me to a life of deeper meaning and fulfillment. My journey spans age-old wisdom traditions, including Buddhism and Stoicism, and continues to the cutting-edge of psychology and neuroscience.

Throughout the book, I share my personal evolution from a place of overwhelming self-doubt, isolation, and fear to a grounded sense of identity rooted in values, connection, and purpose. I recount how, at times, SAD felt like an all-encompassing barrier, alienating me from the world and my true self. Yet this challenge also catalyzed a transformation, sparking an unrelenting curiosity to understand my condition and, ultimately, to grow beyond it.

More Than Shyness is more than a memoir–it serves as a practical guide for anyone who has ever felt constrained by social anxiety or self-doubt, offering a roadmap that doesn’t just focus on managing symptoms but on thriving by reconnecting with your true self, values, and intrinsic motivations. Readers will be introduced to therapeutic approaches, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), in ways that emphasize their potential to shift perspectives, foster self-compassion, and reignite a sense of purpose.

One of the book’s core messages is that overcoming social anxiety isn’t simply about reducing suffering; it’s about cultivating happiness and meaning. For those with SAD, connecting with values may seem daunting, even unattainable, due to years of self-doubt and avoidance. However, my sincere hope is that my story underscores the transformative power of discovering personally meaningful values—a process that allows people not only to confront their fears but to transcend them and embrace a fuller, more engaged life.

More Than Shyness is a book about reclaiming agency, finding connection, and owning your journey with courage and resilience. By sharing my journey, I hope to reach out to readers who may feel isolated in their struggles, with the message: You are not alone and change is possible.