On my 18th birthday my parents bought a car for me. I was very happy, because I have always had a strong passion for cars, and at last my dream came true.

But when the time for practicing how to drive came I understood that the fear of hitting someone or crashing my car had occupied my mind.

I parked my car in the garage and haven’t driven it for months. I was trying to convince myself that it was just a matter of time before these thoughts faded. But whenever I got behind the wheel my palms became sweaty and my heart started to race.

One day I understood that this fear should be stopped and decided to talk to a psychologist who specialized in fears, panic attacks and phobias. Our conversation revealed that I had a driving phobia. And the psychologist said that I could overcome it, though I shouldn’t expect to get rid of my fears at once: I needed time and patience.

He told me that the first thing I had to do was to sit in my car, close my eyes, hold the wheel and imagine myself driving. “Visualize yourself driving, feel the speed, drive to all those places you love.” He also advised me to listen to my favorite music while doing this “exercise,” because music helps you relax and improves your mood. “And finally, just believe that you can drive, and you certainly  will,” he added.

Each time I visited the psychologist I felt that I was gradually overcoming my phobia. One day I called my best friend and asked him to come and support me while I drove. We went around the block, and a day later we drove through the city. And then, with time, I started driving to places farther away.

I guess that we all have different kinds of fears. Our fears are like our enemies and we should never avoid them: they must be fought and overcome. I am happy to say that I managed to overcome all my fears, and now driving is an inseparable part of my life.

Photo ©  Webb Zahn

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