The Fear & Anxiety Page

Hi, TMSerati,

I am in fear. Anxiety. Angst. All three of the big triggers for me, bigger than anger and resentment. I keep trying to tell myself it's excitement. I am going to be really honest here because I can feel the tension building in my back, like I want to contract into myself and disappear rather than drive my new car.

I even did a web search for people afraid to drive new, highly technical cars. Nothing. So, I knew I had to come here and out myself. I got a great, amazing new car and I'm afraid to drive it. It feels like it's above my pay grade, that I will never figure out how to work the apps sufficiently to be as safe as the car can keep me, so long as I pay attention, of course.

So, I said it. The Tyrannical Shoulds that analyst Karen Horney wrote about in the 1940's - and Sarno mentions in his books - can create symptoms. I should be excited, honored and I should be happy! But I'm scared.

The good news is this: I told you-all. When I get in the car, I will orient myself, I will be mindful, I will take my time. I will reach out for help to the 800 helpline if I need it, I will not should myself but rather meet each emotion as it arises, each sensation as it arises, with just "hello" and a little curiosity.

Wish I could take you all on a ride with me and we could laugh about the fear. This is the best I can do for now.

Thanks for listening.

 

I like your strategy. Sort of like getting to know a new horse, no?

 

Congratulations on your new car. And kudos to you for recognizing how it is raising your anxiety level, and coming up with a good plan to deal with it.

Enjoy the ride.

 

Thanks so much! I drove my own neighborhood this evening, just getting used to the feel of it... I think I will be fine now that I landed in my body, honest, authentic, not too cool, just so grateful to make anxiety a natural thing, like hunger or being happy or tired. Just another state and nothing to get twisted up over. Or in pain over!

 

Exactly, Ellen.