What's the best thing you've done to form meaningful friendships despite your social awkwardness?

For me, I was letting how people treated me define me. It made me MISERABLE, especially because I'm self aware at how awkward I can be. I didn't grow up in an environment that embraced strong women, so I really struggled to stand up for myself. I could fight wars for my besties, but when it came to myself, I acted like a baby back btch. I was always trying to be sooooo nice bc I know I'm weird😅. Therapy helped a lot. I had to tell myself I'm not everyone's cup of tea, get tf over it bc it didn't mean I was worth less than the ppl to my right and left. I have this thing about me where I can find a reason to like literally anyone, even bullies. I'm an empath on steroids, lol. But most ppl aren't like that at all. This last year, I challenged myself to maintain a "do it anyway" mentality to stop talking myself out of living life! I started to go to every random fb event on my own. When I traveled for work, I'd stay out of my hotel till bedtime and explore whatever city I'm in. I am still kind to everyone, but I no longer expect it to be reciprocated. I tell myself, "What people say behind your back is none of your business," and I also use my empathy to understand fear and cowardice have some ppl in a chokehold. At times, myself included, and it will show itself in different ways. Some are fight or flight, some shut down, some are mean and try to bring others down so they don't feel isolated, etc. The trick for me was to stop listening to my anxiety when it was telling me why I should not do something, and start shrugging my shoulders and saying, "Why not go for it?" All that to say, I'm looking forward to continuing living my life to the fullest and internal growth 2025. What are some ways you've challenged yourselves to live your best socially awkward life?