Letting Go

[Lupe]

Hello Everyone,

I'm sure talking a lot, but I'm thrilled with this forum! I think about my driving limits every single day.

I have tried to force myself to drive over bridges and on dark unfamiliar highways. It was horrible. My husband was so concerned about my fear on the bridge that the poor guy popped a blood vessel in his eye. I just kept saying "I can't do this!" It was too late because I was already on the bridge, I had to get to the other end. That's when I realized I needed to find the right tools (this was about 1 year ago). I've had my fear for at least 9 years - it started 13 years ago. I just didn't know how to fix this. But, now I understand that it's because I was gripping so tightly and trying so hard. I need to let go and have faith in the knowledge that there is nothing there. After being able to drive, by myself, today with my two young children for 3 hours, I'm so hopeful!!!!!! And proud of myself. I need to believe and let go - relax. I relaxed today and let go. I want more but...well you all know.

[drsusieq]

Great job! 3 hours! I look forward to posting news like that.

[Lupe]

Hi Susie,

Thank you for the encouragement. I know you understand, as everyone that reads this type understands, what a big step that was. You will be able to post the same some day soon; we just need to keep working at it. It sounds like most of us didn't get this burden over night, so we need to be patient and take the steps to improve.
Warmly,
Lupe

[Carballoca]

Hello





My name is Pam I`m 53 years old I had my first panic attack about 35 years ago had nothing to do with driving but soon I was home bound agoraphobic couldn't`t go anywhere without going into a dead panic attack. I don`t know what happened but a friend of mines father passed away and I told myself what memories are you going to have when you get old sitting in this house afraid of the world..? I started going getting out into the world and now can go pretty much anywhere I want too...But my last hurtle is my fear of freeway driving which I am working on I`m not where I want to be yet but I`m a whole lot better that I was. Case in point a fairly new friend called me and needed a ride to have some staples removed from a surgery she had, had...I figured it was in town no problem well soon she told me it was 20 miles away and over a huge, huge hill. She doesn`t know about my little problem and had no one else to take her. So I of course told her yes I would take her I was in a dead panic as I hung up the phone. Then I told myself what your trying to do is turn this into negative situation flip this around into a positive situation this is going to be a good practice session for you. So I got out my ipod and listened to Rich on chapter 3 several times. The next day as we approached the hill I will tell you got a little panicked but....As I have told him I started hearing Rich talking to me reviewing chapter 3 in my head as we climbed the hill, Soon I was next to this pretty good looking guy next to me at we climbed the monstrous I almost had to laugh out loud as I looked over at him I wanted so bad to ask him for some grey poupon...lol I was in total ease going over the hill by then. On our trip back over the same hill I felt nothing just flew over it like it wasn`t even there....Another bite was taking out of the elephant that day...For anyone that is just starting this program it works....Not that I would wish this phobia on anyone but it sure helps that Rich has been there done that he knows just what all of us are going and has come through it himself...Thanks Rich for putting this program together and continueing to improve on it...

[Lupe]

Hi Pam,

Great story! Congratulations.

Lupe

[KimCosby]

Hi Pam;
Thank you for sharing your success story! Reading success stories from others will really help me to keep going. I am going to listen to chapter 3 again this evening to see what helped you out. I am still beginning to work through my freeway fears, they are fairly new to me, and it is so nice to hear that others have been in my spot and overcome this thing. Thanks again for sharing!

Kim

[jjfree]

Pam, that was such a hopeful story. I have been feeling more and more anxious lately and the hopelessnesss sometimes slips in; it helped to hear what you did. I start thinking that I have so many crazy fearful thoughts that I worry that I will stay emotionally crippled. I start dreading and then the thoughts become so terrifying. I will read chapter 3 again, thank you.