Blog
Guides, essays and resources on shyness, self-expression & quiet confidence
Hex’s Story: From Hiding Behind a Mask to Expressing What Matters
For years, Hex approached social situations with a confident ‘mask’ that left them drained and disconnected. Through gentle drama, play and shared understanding, they discovered new ways of showing up that feel authentic, freeing and fun. Now Hex is speaking up, sharing their poetry, trying new creative paths and expressing what they truly want. Here’s their story.
30+ Reasons You Might Join a Workshop to Build Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Why do people join a Gutsy confidence workshop?
Not because they want to be perfect or fearless – but because they’re tired of shrinking, second-guessing or staying quiet when they want to speak. This piece gathers 30+ very real reasons people come to Gutsy, from public speaking panic to creative visibility wobbles. If you’ve ever thought “maybe it’s just me” – it’s not. Come see what might be possible instead.
The Gutsy Guide to Speaking Up When You’re Shy, Anxious or Seriously Overthinking It
If your voice vanishes the moment you want to speak, this one’s for you. For the socially anxious, shy or deeply sensitive, traditional advice like “fake it til you make it” falls flat. This gutsy guide helps you explore creative ways to build confidence – especially in groups.
Plus! There’s a new workshop invite inside where you can gently practice speaking up, your way – come join me in London to BE MORE GUTSY!
How to Show Up When You’re Nervous: A Guide for the Quietly Courageous
Nerves aren’t the enemy – they’re a sign you care.
This gentle, encouraging guide offers shy creatives and quietly courageous souls practical tools to face scary moments – whether it's a performance, presentation or just showing up. Learn how to support your nervous system, tap into the power of imagination and play, and move forward with compassion, not pressure.
Creating Brave Spaces: Gutsy’s Guidelines for Transformative Group Work
Discover how we build trust and courage in Gutsy sessions through mindful guidelines that honour everyone’s journey. These carefully crafted principles create a foundation where participants can take bold risks, express themselves authentically and grow together in a supportive environment. Learn how we blend compassion, respect and personal accountability to foster genuine transformation.
Lucy’s Story: From Anxiety to Quiet Confidence with Gutsy
Lucy had lived with social and general anxiety all her life and dreaded speaking off the cuff at work. Nervous about joining a Gutsy course, she feared it might be like past trainings that left her feeling worse. Instead, she discovered play, kindness and unexpected fun that shifted her relationship with confidence. Here’s her story.
Transform Your Shyness into Strength: The Gutsy Way
Forget power posing and the ‘eye contact police’ and embrace drama, improv and group support to build real confidence. Learn about Gutsy’s approach, methods and mission.
From Silent to Seen: My Journey through Social Anxiety
My own story of shyness and social anxiety, and how I found freedom through a special kind of drama and improv designed especially to support people like me — and maybe you too!
The Hidden Cost of Comparing Yourself to Others (And Why It Makes Social Anxiety Worse)
Explores how comparison quietly amplifies shyness and social anxiety – not just by denting confidence, but by draining your energy and pulling you out of connection. Learn why comparison feels so convincing, how it affects your nervous system, and four gentle ways to interrupt the spiral.
Why Do I Keep Comparing Myself to Others? A Guide for Shy People
Break free from the exhausting cycle of self-criticism and learn why self-compassion, not harsh judgement, is your most powerful tool for creating lasting positive change.
Short essays and personal notes on the complicated business of expressing yourself — on shyness, creativity, fear and building confidence in your own quiet way. Free and fortnightly. ↗