Phobia V.S. Fear

Many people are nervous when it comes to driving. Especially when it comes to driving in the crowded car loving city of L.A. with its crazy freeways and insane lack of parking. Driving is something that should be done with respect and caution.

But what I got going on is something that goes far beyond a healthy respect. I have a full out phobia of driving. For me getting behind the wheel requires a positive self-talk, and lots of meditative breathing. It also causes a lot of physical distress. Since I have started driving again I have had sleepless nights, upset stomach and more jaw clenching and teeth grinding than any mouth should ever have to deal with. I’ve essentially been making myself ill with worry. This is what sets apart a phobia from your run of the mill nerves. The adrenalin that is being pumped out by me right now is at a level that you would think I was being chased by a lion.

The thing about a phobia its work to overcome, so much work that its almost easier just not to deal with it. But they can be overcome, and the only way to get over it is to do the thing you fear. It is so counterintuitive when everything inside you is screaming that participating in the activity you fear is the worst possible thing you can do for yourself. 

That’s what driving is for me. But I refuse to let the phobia rule me. It’s going to take time. It’s going to take patience. And it’s going to take lots and lots of deep breathing.

This is a fear that’s going to be an ongoing one to face. This is the first entry on driving on Fraidy Cat Does, but you can be sure it wont be the last!