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As most of you know, I am a virtual recluse who only goes to work: even going to the shops once a week is a major trial for me. Now, next Wednesday, I'm traveling from Pretoria to Bloemfontein - approximately 300 miles - to go honour my friend and mentor.

To be very honest, I am sh*t scared of leaving the house to go so far by car: even if I flew there - that would take me no more than 2 hours to get there - that would also make me scared. The last time I traveled this far was in 2013 to the same city.

Any advice for me? I have to go - everything is booked and ready - but I am scared.  :buggedout:

I've never really had to deal with fear that much in my life, so I don't have a common frame of reference.
But on long road trips, I like to pop in a familiar CD and sing along as my favorite songs play.
Of late that has been the soundtrack to HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL.

Try to feel familiarity around you, Trevor. Take things with you that make you feel comfortable. Indy's right, music is a good thing. Courage is something we all measure within ourselves, and I'm proud of you for being brave and doing something you want to do, even if it's not easy. Heck if all else fails, we're all here, standing behind you, sending you our good hopes.

This is going to be a nice experience.

Im agoraphobic myself, i struggled through school and couldnt go half the time. I failed 6 grade because of this, it sucks. I have to peek out of windows and check to see if any neighbors are outside, if they are, i wait. Ive gotten better at managing this but i still struggle.

Sometimes music helps but i think what teally helps is really focusing on something else, anything other than the actually going out. Sometimes i run through skits or scenarios in my head like a scene i would like to see in a movie. Not the possible scenarios that could happen when i go out, those always seem to force themselves in but i try to fight them off. Often i end up psyching myself up into a silly or fighting mood. I have to pretend everything is great! Beacause it is!

Tell yourself that this trip is going to be fun or awesome or whatever, anything other than what it really is. It helps me
To remember that ive been through much worse, this is nothing. When its done youll be back home in a comfortable place.

Thats about the best advice i can give. Your going to have a good trip and your going to tell us about it. Convince yourself!

Thanks: I always take music with me and I try to bring one of my stuffed friends along - I think this time it will be either Uncle Raphael or my fifty year old Teddy.  :smile:

Thanks: I'm sure that by the time I am on the road I will be saying "I'm on the road, let's get there."  :smile:

I'm not agoraphobic myself but I do understand the symptoms and implications. I do like the outdoors but not really when I have to travel far.
 


Thanks.  :smile:

I think I'm ready to go.  :smile:

Take a deep breath, put on a happy face, and work it, girlfriend!!

Well, you get the idea, Brother Trevor.  You'll be fine. Just focus on the reason for going.

You can do this. We all have faith in you. There have been things that you have done in life that have been much harder and much scarier. I think that once this has been done, youll realize that it wasnt that bad. I also think that this will be healthy for you and youll feel better afterwards.