Six years ago to the day (as of yesterday), I became petrified of flying. I experienced two horrendous flights during the same vacation, and on one a flight attendant asked if there was a doctor on board. At 38,000 feet. Cue the panic attack. After that vacation, I vowed to do just about anything to either stay on the ground or fly with someone until the end of time.
I’ve talked about it a lot, but Making Things Happen had a huge impact on me. One of the biggest things I knew I instantly wanted to conquer was my fear of flying by myself. A month ago, I announced to my cousin over Skype that I was coming to visit. I made a split second decision, didn’t allow myself to over think it, and I booked a flight a day later. I figured I could pump myself up enough over the course of a month to confidently get on the plane and fly from Philly to Indianapolis.
The universe had other plans because I was in a car accident a mere two days before I needed to fly. Right after being rear ended with serious force, I knew I couldn’t go on my trip. I wasn’t ready. I was no longer feeling 100%. I lost all confidence. And, quite honestly, I was really frazzled as a result of something that wasn’t my fault. How could I fly when I wasn’t feeling perfect?
But I think the point of my terrible car accident was to show me a.) you are so.much.safer on a plane than you are on the road (even stopped at a red light) and b.) you don’t have to feel perfect to just do it.
I said Emily’s favorite phrase, “Grace not perfection,” and thought about Lara’s Let’s DO This print over and over again before, after, and during my flights. I also knew I couldn’t disappoint my best friend who told me to not “chicken out” unless I was making a decision based on my health rather than one filled with fear and emotion. Girl knows how to keep me focused.
Let me tell you, I had the best time with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Because I faced my fear, I laughed hysterically, met new friends and family, shopped, drove around town, attended and helped plan a baby shower, and did this…
I held hands with my grandpa who is a World War II veteran. He’s 88, and he has dementia. When conversation fails, love is still there because love never fails.
I will never be a happy flyer, but that’s OK because I will fly by myself over and over again if I get to have fun and go on adventures. Face your fears and see what happens. From experience, it’s worth it.
You are the BEST!!! Great read. Remember… you have nothing to fear but fear itself.
I am so proud of you! Great job!
The photo of your hand holding your grandpa’s hand is one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. Love never fails, and it helps us face many of our fears. What a wonderfully inspiring blog!!!