Why must we always feel self-conscious?

"self pity is our enemy, if we yield to it we may never do anything wise in this world" -  Helen Keller

  Why must we all feel self-conscious?  I was talking to one of my goddess friends recently and the subject of going out to dinner came up.  she said she always orders a salad or something healthy looking because she constantly feels like people are judging her. "I never order what I really want.  I feel like everyone is staring at me and thinking -look at that fat woman eating that steak!"  I was surprised that she was so self-conscious and even more surprised how many others felt the same way.  I used to feel like that but no more.
  Here's an excercise- one day last summer I decided to wander down to the food court in the mall and order an ice cream cone. I decided to sit outside and eat it with the biggest smile I could muster on my face.  I was sending a message to the world that I was happy and didn't care what anyone else thought.  The result? 3 strangers sat down next to me because I looked like a fun person to talk to.  They weren't judging me, they wanted to get to know me. It was eye-opening.
  Since then I go out to dinner alone once a month and order whatever I want and smile through my dinner.  I am sending a message that I am fine just the way I am and it's o.k. to order whatever I want.  In fact, as I look around the room I see many women looking like they are envious that I can do this.
Give it a try. Get out there and live your life!  Enjoy your life!