Today I am extremely frustrated because I am sick of being afraid to drive. I keep hearing stories about how people faced different types of fears and then their fear was magically concurred, but that just has not yet happened for me. I’ve been in Texas for two months now and I am still afraid to drive. Last week, I decided to push through my fear and drive by myself every day and I thought once I did this the fear would go away, but guess what…the fear is still here. Every time I leave my home and have to get behind the wheel, the fear returns. I'm constantly afraid that my husband is going to make me drive places or that he won’t be around when I need to get places and I will have to drive myself. This fear is tiring and stressful.
I get so frustrated because I so desperately want to explore this new city without this heave fear in my passenger seat. I look at people driving and they look so relaxed. They pull in and out of lanes, speed down the highways, and park their car without repeatedly pulling in and out of the parking spot. How do they do it? I want that freedom!! But instead I’m constantly afraid I’m going to hit someone while changing lanes, lose control of the car because I'm not accustomed to driving fast, or someone is going to be slam into me because I am driving going too slow.
I once heard that true courage is facing your fear and doing it anyway... well I'm tired of being courageous... I just want to be confident!
I think it's just going to take time. I see my 16/17 year old brother & sister driving (learning to at least!). They, like most new drivers, start out very nervous & jumpy, but once you start spending time behind the wheel, confidence will come. You will learn to trust yourself, your car, and other drivers. Start out slow- neighborhoods, parking lots, malls, etc. Work your way up to the freeway slowly & start by picking easy drive times (daylight, not tons of traffic, good weather). Hang in there- it will be worth it! Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI am sending happy driving thoughts your way - I think it will just take time maybe have your hubs take you to more of a suburban area and try there first - baby steps, you'll get there!
ReplyDeleteI have been driving since 15 and grew up in the south, where there was not a lot of public transportation. It can be scary, even after years of driving I still get nervous in certain areas.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you can put it in your budget, but have you considered private driving lessons? That is how I started with about 3 or 4 lessons. I don't think my mom's nerves could handle it.... So she paid someone. Good luck!!
Don't beat yourself about it! It takes most people (or maybe just me, lol!) years to get really, really comfortable driving. Add to that, you're learning in a bug, fast paced city. Your fears are justified, but don't let it overtake you! Try to pace yourself, and drive at least a few days a week! This fear is something that only time will erase. Just take it easy, and you'll overcome it!
ReplyDeleteIt is really scary to drive here. I remember feeling like this when I first started driving... like I would never get over those fears. It just takes time. Thinking happy thoughts for you!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely sending happy thoughts your way! I think driving is scary, but the more you do it, the more confident you will feel. I think, for now, start slow and small. Go a short distance. Then gradually increase, try highways, try busy intersections. Eventually, you'll be a pro! :)
ReplyDeletethe more driving you do the more comfortable you become. but honestly i would be afraid to drive in a new place anyway. good luck and don't be frustrated! it will come in time!
ReplyDeleteBe confident! You can do it! :) New follower, newlywed,blogger! Can't wait to get to know you!
ReplyDeleteHey! Are you doing it yet? I'm not ;-/ Youre my idol. I need you to push me.
ReplyDeleteIT takes time chica!! Are there any driving schools around you can go to??
ReplyDeleteI've been driving since 16 in LA and it still makes me nervous. I just have to do it anyway. I try to avoid the situations that get me the most anxious (like driving at night in unfamiliar areas where I know or suspect that parking might be difficult), but otherwise you just gotta do what you gotta do... and the more you do it, the easier it is. Getting over the nerves? Is more likely to take you years than days.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments and words of support...I have taken professional lesson here in Houston and back home in NYC but Its just about solo practice at this point.
ReplyDeleteHow are you doing now? Were you able to conquer your fear of driving? If you still haven’t been able to do it, there’s no need to fret. Like any other fear, all you have to do is to take it one step at a time. You don’t need to drive alone right away. You can try driving around your street alone for fifteen minutes for days. If you start to feel confident, then you may want to try driving alone longer or farther away from home. It takes time to build confidence on the street. But, as long as you’re committed, I’m pretty sure you can do it!
ReplyDeleteMarvis Carswell