What is it about turning left?

[drsusieq]

We all seem to have something in common...turning left. Perhaps it is the sitting in the open, vulverable, waiting? Right turns are much more tolerable because we know we are on the side of the road if we need to "escape." But, if the car broke down during a left turn, wouldn't we just walk away from the car - Duh! So, why is the fear about open spaces or vulnerability. And, why don't I feel this way when I am a passenger...never afraid. Who is judging us? No one but ourselves. I get it but still trying to overcome it all.
Susie

[Rich-Admin]

Yep, what I've found is the feeling of being trapped in the left lane and not having a shoulder.
Which you're right, is silly.

Rich

[teaser]

Talk to UPS. They don't want to go left either... :lol:

Today I had to take out the kids' soon-to-be beater... oh wait... car. My car is in the shop. I went all over town and DID left turns, and waited for red lights. Then I made myself wait through the bank drive through. That whole part of sitting there.. grrrrrrrrr... maybe I'm just becoming older and less patient. LOL!!!!!! Does anyone feel aggravated when they are done driving because they did it and everything was okay? I have a hard time congratulating myself over something I used to do all the time.

Tomorrow I'm going to my mom's. I have to take the freeway :o Not much of a freeway, but freeway none the less.

Therese

[annie]

Therese,

I also did the left turn thing today. Sat through a couple of intersections that I usually avoid, my heart starting to pound, etc. But like you, I made it today and don't feel so victorious. Tomorrow I have to take my oldest daughter to a dance audition 90 miles away. I have butterflies in my stomach thinking about it but I know I have to do this for her. There's no backing out. I think I'll be okay. I really have been trying to use the R.O.A.D. technique and also, telling myself to take a bite out of the elephant. Won't it be nice when we can all drive without a thought as to whether we're going to panic?!

annie

[Rich-Admin]

I'll be waiting for that post in Success Stories from you Annie!

Rich

[teaser]

Hey There Annie - Good luck today!

One goal that I need/want to meet is 150-200 miles away. My dad was moved to a nursing home two weeks ago "up north." My mom is selling their house and moving closer to him. :(

Therese

[Fiore]

Evening all,

Had a small giggle to myself reading about your issues turning left. For me, it's turning right .... but that's because I'm out here in Australia where we do things opposite to you.

Therese, my dad was also admitted to a nursing home back in February this year and to get there involves a highway drive .... one of the reasons I think for wanting to rev up my motivation to get my freedom back on the roads because for the moment I'm relying on family members to drive me there. Freeways for me still seem like such a long way on the horizon, but at least, almost every day I notice some small, steady improvement. Those elephants are pretty damn huge, so I guess there are a lot of bites to take.

Keep striving at the Driving!

Fiore

PS, hey Rich .... do you have any decent dipping sauces you can recommend for Elephant bites !!! LOL .... couldn't resist!!!

[teaser]

Hey There Fiore,

I'm glad there is someone who has a common goal (well, besides just the driving..hehe). My parents have always been within 25 miles, and boy, I really took that for granted.

Ya know - I started this program about a year ago to try to get ready for winter. Unfortunately, I slacked off. This is my third try and I've been able to stick with it.

As far as conquering right/left turns... hmmm.. I wouldn't mind living in Australia :)

[Rich-Admin]

it's the same problem in Australia, just everything's reversed....:)

dipping sauces? jeesh, I usually just get the ranch dressing on the side no matter what I order....it rarely let's me down.

Rich

[Jim]

I have the same problem too, especially those 2 left turn lanes, and I'm the right most one. Because of my claustophobia, its worse if I'm in the right-most left turn lane, because I could have cars all around me at a red light.

I'm trying the Red Sock technique method along with THought Popping to try to calm myself down. I still feel anxiety, but it's not as bad as before (originally, I would tremble, and my face would feel really flushed, waiting for the red light to turn green)

[Rich-Admin]

Good job Jim, it'll just take some time for your body to learn to relax without being on guard since that's the "training" you've been giving it. You'll get there.
Rich