How to overcome shyness?

I used to be mega shy so I will tell you how I overcame it... It may seem strange but I volunteered at a Nursing Home, at first it was like putting on a performance, talking with the elderly, making them laugh, even being with them when they were dying, they were so appreciative for the company and they showed it, they made me feel, no them made me know that I can make a difference and they really did bring me out so much the performance I felt I needed to put became for real, I no longer felt shy around people because then when I looked back I was interacting not only with the elderly but with their family, I now have confidence and far from being shy...you just need a few people to uplift you and then you will know how easy it is to get rid of that shy feeling...