Time to Put What I'd Learnt into Practice

After that I didn't book a flight until a year later. Like I've said, you have to remember that overcoming your fear doesn't happen over night! You have to really change your way of thinking and I was still putting what I'd learnt into practice. I've always thought I would overcome it, but now know that without the support of the forum, I wouldn't have done it. When I did eventually book my flight, I didn't really think about it, as it was weeks away. But as it was looming I just kept remembering everything I'd learnt, rather than thinking the bad thoughts I used to think. I'd not been able to do this in the past, but this time I was able to. I was only going to Glasgow for the weekend, as I wanted to stay close so if the worse came to the worse I could hire a car and drive. This was a great comfort and I would advise getting in some tester flights - short and sweet ones to get you going. Also the flight was very cheap, so I knew I wasn't going to loose much money if I didn't make it. Keith had said to me in the past, not to put too much pressure on myself and if I didn't do it - so what! I kept this in my mind. No one was forcing me and no one has to force you either. Don't beat yourself up if you don't go through with it. Like I've said keep trying! You might not succeed everytime, but you will get there in the end and feel very proud. I still have wobblers, but I know I can message the forum at anytime and have some much needed advise and support. I know I'm not alone at anytime!

I did manage to fly there and back to Glasgow with no dramas and no tears for the first time in years! I found that remaining calm and not letting my mind wonder to morbid thoughts really kept me positive. Nothing was going to happen to me on those flights. Just like nothing has happened to all my friends and family who have flown year in and year out. I kept reminding myself of this and it really worked. Also I read a book all the way, even whilst boarding the plane. I didn't want to think about what I was doing and let my mind wonder off and that's what you need to do too. Anything to keep you occupied. Also the sensations used to bother me, but this time I kept reminding myself that it was perfectly normal, you know planes fly and don't just drop out the sky or fall to bits. I used to think we were going down at every movement, but remember to think you are not!! Also I used to worry about what the cabin crew ''were up to'' and I would try and analyse what they were thinking - watching them to see if they were panicked too. I mean if they were, surly that meant there was a problem? But Keith reminded me that they were doing a normal, everyday job, just like you and I do. Sometimes we have a gossip about the latest soaps or share a joke. Well of course they do that too and when they are whispering to eachother it doesn't mean it's because something is wrong. They are humans.

After I had done the Glasgow flight I booked a summer holiday to Majorca. Still close, but abroad at least! I put all my thoughts and tips into practice again and managed a flight over there - even putting my book down to admire the view. I ended up having to come back on the flight alone but I did it, once again with no panic or tears. It felt amazing. Who would have thought I would have done that in the past - the girl who refused to come back from Majorca on a plane all those years ago was now flying alone.

The thought of doing the flight and going through it all is a lot worse than the actual doing it.