My husband and I are getting ready to go on vacation. I want to go so badly, but am having anxiety just thinking about driving so far from home. Our past vacations have always ended in him driving me back home with me feeling embarrassed, devasted, you name it. Is there anything that can help? I want so much to feel ocean waves on my feet...............

MsKitty,
I love your name! It reminds me of an old western movie that my Grandpa watched! Anyway, I can relate to you here. I had a fear (probably not as long as you) of traveling far from home, but I focused on what I was going to see when I got there. FOr me, I LOVE the beach, and although I only live 1/2 hr away from the beach now, I can visualize it...the salty air, the crashing waves, the bawking gulls... When I get there it's just great because it's a lot like I visualized. On the way, I am anxious because of the whole driving thing... A few weeks ago I went to Clearwater Beach (which I had never been to before) in FL which is prob about 2 hrs away from me. I drove it w/ a "non safe person" and I was anxious the whole way there since I had to travel through Tampa (which I have not gone through many cities in awhile)...anyway, when I got there it was wonderful! I had a lot of fun and just enjoyed sinking my toes into the white sand and playing in the gulf! I guess what helped me was focusing on the reward...what I would see when I got there. I know it was only 2 hrs away, but it helped me. I didn't so much focus on the drive, but tried to stay in the present moment and watched the water as we drove over a 2 mile bridge (which was scary for me) and think about what I was going to see. I think it also helped me because one of my peaceful scenes is around the ocean. Anyway, I hope that helped a little and wasn't too off track! And I hope you do go on vacation because you will have so much fun! It will definitely be worth it!
To your days in the sand,
Cindy

I just wanted to let you know that i just got back from florida. It was a 15 hour drive from my house and I made it. Before we went i had a lot of anxiety and worries that I could not make the trip, but I listened to my tapes, positive thinking, and just said I'm going no matter what. It was great!!! Yes I did have some anxiety but I made it through. You can too just think positive and good luck.