how to deal with a fear of perception?

I assume this has probably been asked before, so if there's a similar post, feel free to point me in that direction.

I was recently fired from my job. It happens, and I don't have any hard feelings about it. What I'm struggling with isn't the job itself, but how people might see me now.

I'm worried that former coworkers will think I was a terrible employee or that word will spread that I was useless. Rationally, I know I can't control what other people think, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about it. My community is very small.

I'm a young professional, and I've always been socially awkward. I've worked hard to improve that by attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and pushing myself into situations that are outside my comfort zone. But now I don't even want to go to those events anymore because many people from my former company are involved in the same groups.

I keep assuming they must dislike me or judge me. The firing was not on the best of terms. The truth is, I have no idea what they actually think. I'm filling in the blanks with my own fears, and I don't want to "find out" by putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I truly don't.

I know it's impossible to be liked by everyone, and I know my reputation will take a hit with some people. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that this is mostly anxiety talking and that my professional life isn't over. I know the bridges are burned.

Has anyone else dealt with these feelings after being fired? Did everything eventually turn out okay? Thanks y'all. Really.