Feel the fear and do it anyway

GrannygGravy I feel your pain! We flew to Dublin once and my husband was in hysterics as I said I was keeping my coat on on the flight 'just in case'. He said 'In case of what?' I said 'I don't know'.

I don't mind dealing with spiders, phoning someone to have work done or flying anywhere BUT I hate being a passenger in a car (I gave up driving years ago because of anxiety). I can just about tolerate short journeys but longer journeys - especially on a motorway - and I am really scared. When we go on holiday we book an early flight so we set off for the airport about 2.30am so hardly any traffic and we only have to go on the motorway for about 9 minutes. I would dearly love to conquer this but 'feel the fear etc' doesn't work for me when it comes to getting over this problem

I'm fine once I get on the plane, it's getting through the airport, particularly Heathrow, which causes me anxiety.

Not having flown for 18 months nor likely to in the foreseeable future, I think I will be in a state of high anxiety next time we go and have to change planes partway.

When I was first married I found shopping in the butchers very intimidating!
All the different names for cuts. The confidant conversations between staff and regulars. Everyone watching what you brought. Listening and commenting behind knowing glances.
Brings me out in a cold sweat even now
School playground waiting with Mums was the same for me.
Technology gives me clammy hands nowadays (amongst other things). But, and it was before covid, I booked all aspects of a holiday (plane,train,hotel,daytrips,restaurant etc) on line. Despite a few hiccups it all worked out well.
I felt a bit better for it like you Maw

I had only driven locally but when my D asked if I would look after my GCs for a few days each week I had a panic. To drive to her house involved 2 motorways and a dual carriageway.

The first time I did it I was a bit weak at the knees when I arrived but I did do it and continued to drive there every week for 11 years.

Spiders don't bother me at all and I can book things over the phone happily.

None of the above faze me. I am a bit anxious about many things but only in a general way. I have to do a tax return for the first time ever in my life which will cost me some nerves, but I'll just grit my teeth and get on with it.

I’m with you Farnorth, regarding phoning. I’m always reluctant to phone my very, very busy family,. So I either text them, or wait for them to ring.

Definitely flying. Walking through a tunnel. Using a lift. Talking on the telephone. Giving an opinion on gransnet ?

My oldest friend booked us tickets to see the Nero exhibition at the British Museum this week. It must be over 2 years since I last went into London and I was surprised how nervous I was about booking a train ticket and using the tube once we got into Waterloo. Talking to my friend I found she was just as bad as I was. In fact of course neither of us missed our trains, travelling to the museum was simplicity itself, we met some very nice people and had a lovely pub lunch. I shall feel much happier about our next trip.

"Giving an opinion on gransnet ?'

Ha ha ha ha ha nadateturbe. Me too!!!!

nadateturbe lifts, no way, hated them for a few years, similarly stairs or escalators with ‘drops’ at the side, I need a wall or two preferably. Any phone calls, spiders, driving are no problem, but some days seemingly trite actions are difficult and no matter how much I want to, feeling the fear and doing it is just too much.
We’re all different.

Alizarin

Jaxjacky If I had enough energy I would never use the lift. I have to close my eyes.

Mawbe good for you. It's such a sense of achievement when you do something you fear.

Spiders. I cannot go near them. My heart starts racing and someone has to come and rescue me. I can’t think of much else, really. Oh, being out of my depth when swimming. That stems from a childhood incident in the sea. I want to be able to put my feet on solid ground.

Well done for facing your fears, Mawbe. I am baffled, though, as to why you’re sitting in your car when it’s washed. Don’t you go and do your shopping while it’s cleaned?

I have a solo classical recital coming up next month, the first performing since lockdown and my tummy turns over every time I think of it. However, even before this long gap, first nights and solo performances are pretty terrifying!
I’m choosing a nice dress which is easing the pain…
Just as well I love it so much.

I'll ways been OK with spiders, but as a young woman I had an irrational fear of moths. Not wanting to pass this on to my child, eventually I made myself get over this fear by gently catching and removing any moths in the home. It was an effort, but I dealt with my fear and I've been fine with moths, ever since!

Dealing with the slugs on my plants.
Going into a room with lots of people, even if I know them, and making casual conversation.
Supermarket shopping, even worse because of the masks.
On-line ordering and finances.

All things I get anxious about, but have to get on with and have to deal with.

The page here isn`t long enough for me to list the things, I feel I have aged 20 years in this last year, lockups! I seem to experience some form of anxiety over everything lately.

always hated, lifts and spiders,, still do. wouldn`t go in a lift on my own, would walk up flights and flights of stairs or not go!

spiders, well dh used to deal with them, I am dreading one coming at me,, my cat might help, but I am not so sure, I would still feel scared even if she was dealing with one.

I absolutely hate taking my car for it's MOT. I did this yesterday and, apart from needing new brake pads, it passed.
Phew! The relief. Now I can relax until next year.
(they did replace the brake pads).

Meeting new people. Hubby wants us to go for dinner with his friends and their wives. I try to explain that I can't enjoy dinner with strangers. I'm less likely to force myself now that I'm older. I also find driving through the city centre terrifying, and motorways are scary.

Mine is a needle phobia that I get so worked up I usually faint. Have had my 2 Covid jabs and so darned pleased with myself for being such a brave little soldier

Frogs and toads - gardening at this over grown time of year sees me in wellies, long sleeves and gardening gloves. I can handle newts though, as they are lovely, totally irrational.

Huge roundabouts do it for me. Never sure if I am in the right lane or cutting someone up. Normal 2 lane roundabouts I have no problem with

Rosie1959 - if you are struggling to see properly you do know that the seat can be raised to accommodate your height. I’m sure a Jag will have this facility for you.