The type that has me tossing around in bed, panicking internally, the night before my flight.
As soon as my flight was booked, all week I was overthinking the little details; watching YouTube for tips on airport check-in processes, security checks, what to carry in your hand baggage, checking the airline website each night for FAQs, messaging my friend, Ifu about what I needed to get on a flight. Do I need a covid test result? Do I need to print my e-ticket? The questions kept bouncing through my head.
I know the default feedback to anxiety is being told to stay calm, be calmer, stop overthinking, or my favorite, pray about it. While these may be in good faith, anxiety doesn't have an off switch. It is pouring your breakfast of oatmeal down the sink because the anxiety has settled so deep in the pit of your stomach, that you can't push your food down there.
I remember talking to our HR at work about my anxiety and she gave me this great piece of advice I was willing to try. It made sense and somehow helped me to think about stuff from the perspective that nothing will really matter afterward.
My HR helpful advice
So I decided to journal the worst and best things that could happen for my first flight.
Being extra cause I can't screenshot my journal
And not to sound inspirational or anything, this somehow made me feel better and I felt calmer. Through the days leading up to my flight, I felt like I could do this without having a panic attack. And I think seeing anxious situations in these best and worst scenarios can help you see it from different perspectives.
After my flight, I kept thinking I wasted my anxiety for nothing - because, at the end of the day, I boarded the plane afraid, and still none of it matters.
I didn't miss my flight - I arrived at the airport an hour and 30 minutes early.
I didn't panic as the plane took off or landed - it was pretty much a smooth ride.
My carry-on baggage was just the right weight.
I actually enjoyed the flight and we got served cake and juice.
The airline was very hospitable and kept to schedule.
10/10 I'd recommend this and I would try this again because I kinda understand that this odd fidgety feeling is only temporary. And this is an important lesson to do whatever while afraid because what you are worried about now might not even matter the next day.
Things that made me happy this week🤎
I made a new acquaintance and I was intentional about this one. I hope we eventually become friends.
Lately, I've gotten back to editing videos. I particularly love this one I edited this weekend.
