went to california and lived to tell!

Deborah Henry · Post by **Deborah Henry** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:09 pm

Hi everyone,

I walked through the wall of anticipatory anxiety! I left my 2 kids and flew to California with my husband to attend a family wedding. I was dreading the trip. Flying makes me anxious because I don't fly often (although it doesn't stop me), but leaving my kids and getting on a plane causes me immense anxiety! Additionally, my 6 year old daughter decided to cry about my leaving her because she was going to miss me. Talk about the guilt.

I fought these feelings tooth and nail. I was bound and determined to go on this trip even though I really didn't want to!

Just got back today from the trip. I had a wonderful time. So glad I went. My kids were fine. I was fine. I feel so great!

I increased my positive self talk before the trip and during the trip. I decided to live in the precious present moment and eliminate what-if thinking. It worked!

Debbie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 1:47 pm

Hi Debbie. <span class="ev_code_PINK">CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span>. You should really be proud of yourself. I am so proud of you.

Take care of yourself and keep pushing those boundaries.

DeeDee.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 2:00 pm

Hi Deborah,

WOW! Incredbible. I felt wonderful reading your post. It is SO great to hear about folks taking their lives back after being imprisoned with anxiety!

Relish in every moment...and be proud...very very proud of yourself. Just like you would if your own child had achieved some incredible feat of theirs.

Blessings,
Danielle

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:54 pm

Congratulations! That's good to hear!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:01 am

That is so great. I have to admit, just sitting here reading your post about flying and leaving your kids gave my stomach butterflies........but I would definitely do it too! Thanks for the inspiration.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:23 pm

Congratulations Deborah

How awesome not to let this 'stuff' stop us from enjoying life!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:35 pm

Thanks for sharing your story! I am going to Colorado next weekend. It will be the first time I have flown alone in over 5 years. I am also just going to have "fun", so I keep thinking abt cancelling it. Reading about others being able to do it makes me realize I might be able to make it through the flight w/o a major panic attack...

keithjoy · Post by **keithjoy** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:20 am

Don't cancel, go! You will be better once you are on the place. It is the anticipatory anxiety that's the worst. Have fun on your trip. Everything will be fine.

Debbie