Want to know one of my biggest fears in the world?
I’m afraid of getting on a plane again. In 8th grade, I had one of my ear drums burst on a plane. And this was just a few years after the other eardrum burst. My old memories are of an indescribable pain that I NEVER want to feel again.
To be honest, I have no clue whether it would even hurt that badly now, or if my dramatic middle school brain has just built it up to something bigger than itself. Nevertheless, I haven’t been on a plane since then and have had plenty of nightmares where I’m forced to get on a plane. Not fun.
The hard part is, I can’t just get on a plane a tell them to “take her back down” if something starts to happen. There’s no turning back. And that gives me heart palpitations just thinking about it.
I am determined to get over this fear, though. I have always dreamed of traveling to Europe (hasn’t everyone?) and even moreso now. My sweet husband has family in France and has spent two summers there himself. I’d love to take an adventure with him, have him show me places he loved and hear him speak French. ; )
I always assumed I’d be over my fear by now. Hello, I’m a grownup now! And grownups don’t have any fears, right? Well it’s been 14 years since I’ve been on a plane. I can’t believe I let this fear last that long.
The truth is, it’s hard to overcome fears. It takes baby steps. And I’ve figured out mine.
1. Go to the top of the state capitol building in Baton Rouge. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Louisiana. Got to start somewhere!
2. Check out my ears. See if there are still problems or if I’ve grown out of them.
3. Helicopter ride.
4. Short flight to Houston.
5. Flight to West Coast.
6. Europe! 🙂
So the question is what are you afraid of? You may have fears that you just always assumed would be fears, but they don’t have to. What baby steps can you take today to overcome them?
And I’ll leave you with some pretty pictures from France! I will have to live vicariously through them until my visit. Enjoy!!
Leave a Reply
Comments (4)
Val, was this our DC trip?! I remember others getting sick but didn’t realize you had ear trouble! Sorry to hear it!
An extra boost for you, I’ve been to Paris and would go back in a heartbeat! It is definitely worth the plane ride. Having yummy hot chocolate and croissants for breakfast, a fresh made crepe from a corner stand, seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, and THE LOUVRE!!! are all reasons you MUST go! ^_^
Yes, Hannah! That’s the trip! Haven’t been on a plane since. THanks for the Paris recs. I’m so looking forward to it!
Val, I love your plan and I know that you can overcome this fear! Can’t wait to see you post all about your flying adventures! XO!
Thanks so much Mariana! So ready for flying adventures. Lots of little baby steps before then but I’m excited to get off my duff and start. ; )