Today I drove !!! YEAH!!! I have been practing all weekend. I posted last week how I was driving around the block, through parking lots of K-Mart and my church. Friday night I actually drove to 7-11 by myself went in bought some milk and drove back home I was amazed that I have gotten to this point. I really have not gone anywhere alone in almost 1 year. This morning I packed up my car with my Don't panic book, driving with comfort tape, my rosary and of coarse there was some anxiety. Andrew if you are reading this I put in my Sade tape and really listened to the words of her music and before I knew it I was almost to work. I left work a little early because I did not want to get stuck in major traffic. I drove in my driveway and just smiled I am very proud to say that this program and all the members that post are so wonderful. I am not 100% better and I still have anxiety but I did let the panic know TODAY that I did not want it around me or in my car and with all the positive thinking and spiritual thinking I was finally in control. Every day brings a new challenge to us. I will be praying for you.

KAA

Hi KAA!!
I have a driving struggle too. I am under fear of driving under tape 3. I have had this strugggle for a long time. It is a hard one for me to conquer. Congratulations for doing what you did. I am back on the road again with this program. I try and practice everyday. Sometimes I slack off. I tighten up really bad in my muscles. I sometimes end up with bad sciatia. I have gone as far as 15 miles. My biggest fear is I won't make it back, to my safe place being home. I am trying to understand that we are our safe place, and that we need to become secure within ourself. I know that the panic can have no power over us unless we let it. This program has been really good, I think. Someone in the forum told me to focus on where we are going not what we are doing. Also to make as many words out of license plates and signs etc. It really helps take the focus off of our symptoms. I try and do that all the time. I also bought the driving with comfort tape. I like the way Carolyn says we have the keys to unlock the doors. How true that is huh? Keep me posted on how you are doing and I will you. I totally can relate, so maybe we can encourage each other. I think I have talked with you in the chat room, I'm not sure. I have met alot of people in there. Sometimes I get mixed up on who's who.
I just wanted you to know that you are diffentally not alone in this. I will be praying for you, God Bless. Backcomb

KAA,

I am, we are, so proud of you! What an accomplishment. I remember before you said that it was hard to even get in the car...wow! You are kicking some butt out there, and just think, the more you do it, the easier it's going to get! I am still around 15 miles also, but heading in the right direction! To many more miles ahead of you, Cindy

To all you courageous people!

Be proud and wallow in it! You worked so hard - don't neglect the payoff= enjoyment.

REmember: You don't need to practice driving...you know how to drive. We need to practice MANAGING OUR FEELINGS while driving.

GO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. Carolyn