Sunday, February 16, 2014

Airplanes and Fear

In March I will be attending a conference for work in Miami.  I am super excited to go but there are two things about this trip that are giving me anxiety and both have to do with airplane travel.  The first is that at 28 years old I have never flown.  Ever.  I think it is the fear of the unknown that makes me the most nervous but also the fact that I will be flying without Brent and Madelynn adds to my anxiety.

The second is that I have heard horror stories about airlines kicking people off planes because they are overweight or charging them for an extra seat.  My anxiety about this got so bad last week that I went online and actually read about the width of airline seats, policies, etc.  I then got my measuring tape out and measured how wide the seats of an airplane are and trying to see if I would fit.  Brent saw me doing all of this and asked me what was going on.  I lost it.  I sobbed and told him that not only was I scared to fly but I was scared they wouldn't let me on the plane because I was too fat.  I think what made me the most upset is that I let myself get to a point where my weight can truly hold me back.

Brent tried to calm my fears and it was his idea to write a blog post about it.  I do feel a little better about it but I am still stressing about flying.  I have made a significant change in my body and it will crush me if I am not allowed to fly because of my weight.  In the end, all I can do is keep progressing in a positive direction and leave it to God. 

If anyone has any feedback regarding flying that can calm my fears it would be greatly appreciated.

Until next time,

Amanda

13 comments:

  1. Aww so sorry about the anxiety you are feeling right now! I know it can be overwhelming but exciting at the same time.

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    1. Thanks Desiree, I know everything will work out but the fear of the unknown starts to take over sometimes.

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  2. I used to fly often as a child and my last flight was almost 7 years ago for my honeymoon. I will say that flying on the standard 747 would be best, the smaller the plane the more you feel the turbulence. I definitely understand being anxious so I would suggest finding things you know calm you. If it's a lavender scent then spray it on paper and keep it in your pocket. Keep yourself entertained whether it's books, mags or music and it'll be over with before you know it. And get a window seat! That will actually help when you can see what's going on, and looking at the land from the clouds is a feeling everyone should experience!! No luck needed, you got this!!!

    http://aria82.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks Aria. Luckily I am flying from a large airport so I don't have to ride a smaller plane.

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  3. I understand your fears. Even though I have flown successfully many times; I still feel a little anxiety each trip. Best wishes for a successful trip.

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  4. If you want to take something to calm your nerves and relax you a bit, visit a health food store and look for a anti-anxiety vitamin. I'm not 100% sure the name is as my Mom uses them and they help her so much!

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    1. Thanks Stephanie, I will look into that. I am flying with co-workers and don't want to take anything that makes me loopy.

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  5. I have anxiety about flying too but I just try to relax and bring something good to listen to or read. I hope your trip goes great!

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  6. I have flown many times, and I am a big girl. I have NEVER seen anyone asked to get off the plane for being overweight, in fact any airlines I have flown with have "belt extenders" for the seatbelt in case you don't fit into their seatbelt. You will be grand xx

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    1. Thank you Tina. That makes me feel so much better.

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    2. As much as you can just relax and enjoy it. Ur first time doing anything is a scary thing, but also very exciting. x

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