I just returned from a week-long road trip and wanted to share my success! I've been working the program here for a little while, and it really seems to have helped a lot. I've been a bit busy before the vacation, so I hadn't done much of the exposure work formally.
My adult stepdaughter and I left for a 3 State road trip, last week. We drove over 1,000 miles each way. It was awesome! As the trip approached I replaced my anxiety with excitement, by reminding myself that it's normal to feel keyed-up before a big trip like that. AND I reminded myself that every time I chickened out on something like this I always regretted it. So I just took the plunge and we headed out.
I made a point of eating in real restaurants as much as possible, instead of trying to do drive thrus and quick food. We went to towns we'd never been before, and lots of little stores. Stayed in 4 different hotels, some on the second floor with interior hallways (never my fave.) I did not have one moment of panic driving or walking around these little towns, or in the restaurants. My only moment of feeling anxious came when I was going to meet a friend for lunch, and the temps were quite hot... I was nervous about the weather, etc. We sat outside, and yes it was SO hot! But I just drank lots of water and asked for ice cream for dessert. Anytime I get like that now, I remind myself how much the other person is looking forward to getting together, and how they've made time in their schedule for me. That usually works.
So.. I just had to share. It was just such an awesome time. At my worst, a few years ago, I couldn't even go into the grocery store or drug store. Through my own unguided attempts at exposure work I got a bit better, but now with this program, I'm really making significant changes.
