Well, just over a week ago I set myself some goals. In all honesty I haven't looked at them since I wrote them. Looking back, writing a list of goals for the week wasn't helpful. I need to focus on each day as I live it.
I had some success at the weekend. I managed to have brief conversations with a few strangers and a longer conversation with some guys. AFter that I felt confident, I felt no anxiety and felt like I could happily go up to anyone and speak to them, although it was 2 am and I was heading home and I didn't pass anybody. I realised that I can socialise a bit, it actually felt good and as though I was in the zone where anything was possible. If I can get to a point where I can have that feeling most of the time then i'll be very happy.
One thing I struggle with is being able to talk or tell a story for a reasonable length of time. Because at home my conversations with my mum are usually a brief few words and don't involve telling stories ect, when I'm outside socialising it's as though I don't have a lot to say all at once. I know this comes with experience, so i'll have to stick at it. I was thinking that it would be a good idea to write down some stories from my life, in a notebook and practice saying them out loud until I feel confident talking for a few minutes. It may sound silly, but I think it will be helpfull.
mkfunky

Writing stories and saying them out loud might help, but you need to keep in mind that you'll only be able to hold long conversations with time. You can't push yourself to do this faster than you are able to. It'll happen when it's time. If you push it too hard, you'll just do more damage than good... *hugs*