I've done something that I've never done before!

That is great, tranquil! Just take little steps each time. You'll get stronger and better. Believe me, cuz I've been there and I've come quite a long way. I used to say I can't do anything or go anywhere. But, as I ventured out and did things with courage and strength from God, I was able to overcome many social situations. I used to say I can't eat out in restaurants or in front of my boyfriend who is now my husband. Now, I love eating out and have eaten by myself in the food courts at malls.
I just want to encourage you, you can take small steps and soon enough you'll see that your freedom will expand beyond the confines of your home. You'll gain greater confidence to do more and more. It will take time, but it will happen.
I'll be praying for you.
Also, notice the thoughts you are thinking while you're in these anxious situations. These are the thoughts you need to evaluate. What are you telling yourself is terrible? More than likely you will come through the situation without any major harm. You probably won't die. The anxious feelings will pass. You probably won't see these people again, so who cares what they think.
You have to be your own best friend and dispute the negative thoughts.
Tell yourself good, positive and encouraging things.

I started a journal of successes that I've made, but I'm only writing what I did, only a sentence or two. Actually I'm leaving out all the details about how my anxiety effects me, or how I felt. I think too much CBT can be more of a hinderence than a help. This has been really helpful in motivating me. I thought that writing down things that I tried was a good idea because I have a tendency to discount successes, or minimize them.

I think I did pretty good yesterday for someone who wasn't on any meds. Maybe I would have done better on ativan. I've thought about tackling walmart next, but thats a pretty big jump and not a good idea so I'll plan something else. I'm not looking to get trampled by my anxiety. :lol

How do normal people just go in places and not freak out and worry, worry, worry? I'm constantly aware of people, yesterday when I was in walgreens, and people walked past the isle I was on I'd try to act casual but then that just makes me look awkward and probably a little insane. I was paranoid that they were judging me on what I was looking at, and I was only buying shampoo! If the stores were busy and there was someone on the isle I would have gone down an empty isle and waited until they left to get what I wanted.

I do believe there is hope for us, and it's not a hopeless situation as long as you keep trying!