Hello

[ecpdba]

Hello all!

I am new to the forum and to the Driving Fear Program. I have been doing the program now for about 4 weeks. I am still getting up to speed on all the details of the program, but I feel like I am making progress. About 1.5 years ago I was having stomach problems due to the stress from anxiety about driving. I can now drive somewhat comfortably on the freeway and street driving has never been a problem. I apologize ahead of time for the level of detail below, I work in computers and tend to be very detail oriented.

If it is not too much trouble I would appreciate any feedback on my plan below.I developed a four part plan to combat my anxiety. I divided it like this:
1. Tracking Sheet - which I use to track my activities and has the following rows and suggested frequency for practice:
Journaling
Deep Breathing/Deep Relaxation
Physical Exercise
Countering Neg Self Talk/Affirmations to counter mistaken beliefs
Imagery Desensitization/ Real Life Desensitization
Expressed Feelings/Assertiveness
Eliminate caffeine/sugar
Spirituality.
I try to practice everything on the sheet every day(I miss some) but at least 2-3 times a week. I update the tracking sheet every day and it helps remind me of all the tools I have. : )
2. Journal - (nothing special here..)
3. Prayer Guide - I don't believe that their is any special prayer that means more than another, but I wanted a structured approach to my prayer life so I created a guide based on the Lord's Prayer for my own study. I try to pray and meditate at least 20-30 mins a day.
4. Education - I am working my way through "Stress Free Living" chapter by chapter every day.

I setup an Outlook reminder every morning to remind me of all of this. I try to get it all done. : )
I have all of the Driving Fear Program and I have downloaded all of the books from Dr. Angela as well.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

[Fiore]

Hi ecpdba and welcome to this forum.

You really sound very much on track with the steps you are taking, and it also sounds like you have progressed further than some of us if you are driving comfortably on highways and don't have issues with the minor roads.

I say continue working with the program (I am constantly reading/re-reading sections and I have countless colourful post-it-notes attached to certain sections/phrases that really resonate with me).

We all like to hear about each others progress, so keep posting.

Fiore

[ecpdba]

Fiore,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. For me it is still a daily battle. Racing thoughts, uncomfortable "moments" when I drive, but I am still making progress. Thanks for your tip, I will continue my studies.

For me, it continues to be a slow steady struggle. I know that one day, I won't feel this anymore, but until that day I will continue to strive forward.

I absolutely LOVE this program and cannot thank Rich enough.
Thanks again,
Frank

[teaser]

Hi Frank -

Good going on setting time and place for the program. I had to do the same thing as well because I kept slacking off.

Let's consider it slow POSITIVE PROGRESS!

Keep posting!

teaser