Recently an experience did not bring out the best in me. I tried to figure out why that happened. The experience made me self conscious and uncomfortable. In a sense, I felt that I didn't measure up. As I thought more about it, I think I was picking up vibes at some negative, judgmental vibes at the event. On the other hand, I was at another event recently where I felt completely at home--I wasn't thinking about myself at all, but instead completely in the moment, self assured and happy.
As I thought more about the uncomfortable event, I realized that what was valued at that event were aspects of life that I've never fully embraced or felt comfortable with--aspects of life that people are often judged on, and aspects that I never quite measured up to with regard to the popular sentiments. At the other event, those aspects of life weren't a consideration or valued much. It was a far more comfortable event for me.
When you experience uncomfortable events, I do think it's important to understand what made the event uncomfortable for you, and what you're going to do about it. With regard to the uncomfortable event, I could choose to look and act more like the ways embraced in events like that or I could choose to simply not go to events like that. I may even be able to accept being who I am at an event like that without concern for others' opinions about my looks or actions. I might even be able to organize the event in ways that spell more comfort and less judgement too. I'll have to think about that.
As for avoiding uncomfortable events, I think you have to really think about what that means for you. Uncomfortable events have the chance to teach you something new, challenge you, and make you think about who you are and what you want. That is positive. Yet, too many uncomfortable events or uncomfortable events that never become comfortable no matter how much you do may not be worth pursuing anymore. That's something to think about.
In general, it's important to fill your days mostly with events that bring out the best in you. When you're at your best, you tend to attract the best too and that's good. Knowing what brings out the best in you and making sure your schedule is full of that is a positive direction to go. Onward.