I have been sitting at work wondering why my stomach has been in knots...literally...knots! I have felt nauseous all day, and dizzy. I kept thinking oh I'm just tired or I just ate something that didn't settle, but it just hit me-I'm nervous about Friday. Not nervous because of the actual day, what I will wear, or if my luggage will get to California (that could be a reasonable concern), but I'm nervous because of the flying part. I don't believe there is anything more terrifying to me than to fly. I have had so many bad memories of flying growing up. Not from scary happenings although some, but from my "panic episodes." I honestly thought I would never be able to fly with one of my family members ever again after each flight. Everyone would take their turn sitting by me. Mostly by force or they couldn't find another seat. I can't say that I blame them. I have had a lot of annoying moments on past flights. I cried one flight from the second we took off till moments before we landed in California. That was a 5 hour flight sitting next to my sister. It's a miracle she continued to sit to next to me. She raised her voice at me a couple of times, pretended to be asleep hoping I would stop bugging her, but nothing seemed to work. Finally my mom was determined to make our flights bearable for everyone. She discovered cross word puzzles and word searches. I laughed at her when she bought them, but after being forced to focus on them and play them, it actually took my mind off of the flight. I'm really not that bad anymore...well I can control it better. I don't usually cry often, I don't panic on the outside, and I don't annoy the person next to me (except for Hunter).
I remember when Hunter and I went to New York with his parents in Christmas of 07. I was so excited to go, and thrilled to be taking a vacation with my soon to be in-laws, but horrified of the flight. I was so nervous I was going to embarrass myself in front of them! Luckily Dedee is just as good as my mom. She came prepared...Sudoku style! At first I wasn't sure what to think of it, but after playing it for a while with her, I was hooked! Every time I started to look nervous she would pull it out and say, "Gosh I need help with this one!" I knew she didn't really need help, but it made me focus on the game! I know I sound crazy, but this really is a true fear of mine. Planes are so crowded, stuffy, full of strangers, bumpy, etc. Is anyone else afraid of flying? If so, what do you do to help yourself from not being scared?
3 comments:
Mel, you will be okay!!! No worries. I remember going to Nashville, that was a long flight for you! Have fun in Cali, I'm jealous. Love ya!
I'm sorry flying makes you uncomfortable :-( I love love love to fly so I don't have any creative ideas for you. I have heard of people taking anti-anxiety meds just on the days they fly. I don't know if maybe that's an option for you? Have so much fun in Cali and take lots of pics!
Hi Melissa!
I commented after yours on McMama's post today, and since she asked us to pray for the person before us, that's you!
I understand your fear of flying, and what it's like to have a panic attack. Here's what I do to get through flying (in no particular order). I think about Bob. From the movie "What About Bob". If you haven't seen it, you need to go rent it and watch it before Friday. And then as you are boarding the plane, or even driving to the airport, walking down the aisle...just keep repeating "baby steps". As in "baby stepping to the airport...baby stepping on the plane". I am not kidding, I actually do this to make myself laugh. It helps.
Secondly, I have some wine on the plane. I'm not talking about getting drunk, but a glass or two of wine helps me relax.
Lastly, I imagine God holding the plane in the palm of His hand...gently carrying it through the air and setting it down at our destination. Because that's what He's actually doing. He is in control of all things, and He won't take His eyes off you! He cares about your anxiety and wants you to give it to Him.
I'll be praying for you ~ have a wonderful time!!! And your grandma sounds like a hoot! A golf party - I love it!
Lisa
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