Millions of people fight some form of anxiety every day. I have battled with my fear of driving on the highway for years. I had gone to therapists, hypnotists and healers trying to win this internal, mental battle that I had with myself. Then I found DARE (dareresponse.com)! It was a literal life saver and has given me back control. It made me realize that I was my own worst enemy and that by facing my fears head on, I could be free of anxiety. Was it hard? Heck yes it was hard. Was it scary as hell? YES IT WAS!
I joined one of the Bootcamps and was able to communicate with others going through anxieties of their own. We encouraged each other and celebrated our victories which really helped me through.
One of my first assignments was to get on the highway and drive to just one exit. I circled around and around, passing the road to get onto the highway. I was shaking, I was crying, I was tense and then I did it. I repeated all of the steps DARE had taught me and I cried more and I hated every minute of it. I saw the exit coming up fast and I told myself, one more exit, you can do it. I went to one more, pulled over and jumped for joy. It was awful but I did it, I drove two miles on the highway. Crazy crap huh? Something so mundane can bring so much fear.
This continued on for several more weeks and each day I drove farther and farther. Some days were harder than others, but I continued to push myself with the encouragement of my new found friends. This group of people has changed my life. They are so caring and thoughtful. Even when they are at their worst, having panic attacks, they still shake their pom poms when someone else has an incredible day. They are some of the strongest people I know.
It has been months now and I am still driving on the highway. I feel as though I have opened a new door and I am free. I have my moments and I get nervous at times but I push forward and literally say out loud “I CAN do this”. Thank you Barry Mcdonagh for DARE.