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Posted 2/14/2014 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. I'm not sure why I'm posting this...probably for piece-of-mind and assurance? Anyway, I'm very excited that I'm going to be a grandma in April as my daughter is pregnant with her first child and due April 21st. I'm in Washington and they're in Kansas. We're very close, and of course, wild horses couldn't keep me away when the baby is born. Since babies come when they're ready, and because I'm taking her the cradle I slept in as a baby, I'm driving there....all 1800 miles of it...on my own.

I've planned the route I'm taking, planning to take CDs and audio books to listen to in the car, and am having a road trip safety check done on my car before I go. It's only 2 years old and in mint condition anyway. I'm very excited...but also anxious.

I keep having the "what if" thoughts creep into my mind. What if I have bad anxiety, what if I get light headed, what if I have an anxiety attack when I'm by myself with literally nobody around that I know. I know that it will take me about 2 1/2 days and I'll have my phone, snacks with me, and plenty of money for hotels, gas, food, etc. I'm good at preparation, but not good at managing the anxious thoughts. Just trying to focus on the reason for the trip; sharing the birth experience with my daughter and her fiance and meeting my new grandson. Anybody else ever done something similar on their own? Any suggestions?

Posted 2/14/2014 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
MSP.,

First of all, congratulations!!

How exciting...and what better reason to make a trip.:)

You are preparing well, and in advance, so you should have a good expierence since you have time to do some 'dry runs.'

This is what I mean by that...two things.

One, is to use positive visualization. Spend a few minutes each day visualizing taking the trip...everything from the driving to the navigating, getting gas, stopping for food and the night...even imagine trouble shooting any posssible glitches that could arise. Make sure to imaging positive, victorious outcomes to every aspect of your trip.

Take a couple of practice mini trips if possible. Between now and then, see if you can get in a drive of an hour or more to a destination that is off of your regular path. This will be a good warm up, and indication of how you will do come Spring.

I have flown across the country alone (actually with my then 5 yr old daughter) and have several times and just recently taken solo road trips...however, it was considerably shorter (only about 3 hrs) but I made it through each one, no problem.

I am sure that you will do the same! :) We'll support you through it.

S.C.
Posted 2/14/2014 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I still get those anxious "what if's" creeping in every month when I have to drive 3 hours down to the Cape for 2 days, spending 1 or sometimes 2 nights, then driving back....all on my own.

I understand that's teensy by comparison, but S.C. has brought up some of the most important guidelines I could ever think of.

By the sounds of it, you are very well prepared. By doing those dry runs, mentally, you will find that if any problems occur, even if you're not aware of it consciously, your subconscious picked up on all those dry runs and you'll know what to do.

My anxiety was much worse for me when I was starting to have to make these trips because I wasn't nearly as prepared as you are! If I had the forethought to think of even half of the things you've done, I would have saved myself so much time, dragging these feeling out. I was too anxious to prepare for possibly being anxious I guess.

So, in that regard, it sounds like you are doing truly great! You've got so much pre-planned, and quite in advance. Frankly, I think things will run smoothly for you!




M.
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