Overcoming Fear

Driving in January is something that I dread.  In fact, I sometimes have so much fear that I just stay home.  I avoid as much as possible to go outside.  My track record these past few years has not been so good.  Last year when I was pregnant, I did not work parties that meant driving on those roads.  That is the honest truth!

In January 2004, I hit two deer in the month of January on my way home from work.  It totaled the car and yet I was fine.  I had a difficult time driving in Sugar Grove on the I-88 entrance for quite some time afterwards and was always on the look out for deer.

In January 2007, I off-roaded in the Subaru Outback around the 'S' curve on a road in Big Rock.  Never before had my all-wheel drive vehicle decide that curves would bring on a new meaning when it was icy.  I landed in the ditch - yet the car was drivable and I made my final 2 miles home.   I was 7 months pregnant at the time with the twins.

In January 2008, I was on my way to Plano on Eldemain road to an event when it was 20 below degree windchill.  That particular night, the snow was drifting.  I had a hard time seeing.  I didn't realize that near the Railroad crossing that there was a cement middle in the intersection in the road.  Trying to avoid driving over it - I swerved and landed on the Railroad tracks.  I pulled out of the tracks. I took a deep breath, got out of my car for a quick assessment and got to my destination.  The entire night, I was so worried about having to drive home again that night...but I made it!

Last year - I avoided driving at all on either of those two roads as I was pregnant due with Katarina any day.

So needless to say - ANYTIME I have to drive on Jericho Road or Eldemain Road in the winter, I get a mini panic attic.  I pack my car for the 'what-if' and I try to add extra time. 

Tonight, after sleet and a little bit of rain, I knew I had to go on BOTH of those roads to my destination.  Was I nervous?  Yes.  Was I wishing I could just crawl in bed.  Absolutely.

However, I kept reminding myself what FEAR is.

"False Evidence Appearing Real"

I know I cannot avoid these roads forever.  In fact, these roads are a staple to where I live. small town America where it goes miles before stop signs or stoplights. Darrin will tell you that I will call him at work obsessing about weather conditions and driving on two particular areas near where I live. 

So, how am I going to overcome this 'fear' of driving in January.  I cannot reach my dreams or goals by sitting at home.

How can I turn 'Fear' into a POSITIVE future?

Fear precedes Growth.
If I confront my fear - will I develop skills or learn something new that I would not learn otherwise?

If I focus on what I want versus what I am afraid of - what will I gain? Instead of worrying about the 'what if I end up on the side of the ditch again'.  I should say, 'What will I gain from going to that event?'

I also reminded myself that people change when the fear of staying the same is greater then the fear of change.  I want more in life!  I can't do that by staying at home.

It's mid January and I am am constantly having to say positive thoughts in my head about winter driving.  FEAR can paralyze a person from moving forward and reaching new destinations.

I want to be the Driver who gets to control my destination.  My new affirmation to myself when driving on those roads will be, "What is something NEW that I will gain today that I would have missed otherwise?"

Tonight, I was gently reminded of a beautiful home that sits right in the middle of the 'S' curve that is on the housing market. Hmmmmm...now, wouldn't that make a nice home for somebody.  I am sure that they cannot be fearful living out there?