Slowly Overcoming My Fear of Driving

In the past few years, I've developed a crippling fear of driving, way beyond driving anxiety. People who know me now find it hard to believe that I used to drive every day in Los Angeles traffic. When I was younger, I was fearless. In my early 20s, I lived in Los Angeles, which now feels like a different planet compared to my present-day home in Toledo. I never had a fear of driving when I was younger and I'm hoping that my motivations to succeed in business will continue to help me overcome this specific phobia.

How My Fear of Driving Plays Out

Here in Toledo, I always let my husband drive, but when I’m by myself, I have no choice. Every time I climb into my SUV, I envision all of these horrible scenarios. I hear the sound of a crash. I smell airbags that have been deployed. I see myself broken down in a rough neighborhood, blocking traffic, and waiting hours for a tow truck. It may seem silly, but these thoughts are on repeat every day. Public transportation and alternative modes of transport are scarce and unsafe where I live. I drive because I have to.

My fear of driving isn’t completely unfounded. My mother was killed in a car accident and I, myself, was in a serious accident as a teenager. I know, logically, odds are that I’m not going to get into an accident every day, but I also am very aware of the dangers associated with driving.

Am I Getting Over My Fear of Driving?

However, something interesting has happened lately. I recently became a member of the Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Northern Ohio. Their office is based in Cleveland, about two hours from my home. I have now attended a couple meetings and classes there despite my nervousness. When I plan to go to the WBC office, I get up in the morning with anxiety and want to cancel. I start on the road and want to turn back. I cry in the car, eventually, make it to Cleveland, and fix my makeup in the parking lot.

I joined the Women’s Business Center because I started my own business, and I don’t want to miss any opportunity. Apparently, my desire to make my business successful is stronger than my fear of driving. When I return home from Cleveland, it’s a huge rush. I can’t believe I did it. Sometimes I cry again. Getting past the fear of driving just feels overwhelming.

Is it possible to focus on your strengths to minimize your weaknesses? My confidence and anxiety definitely seem to be linked together. I will not stop going to the Women’s Business Center. I just can’t. Every time I drive to Cleveland I feel just a tiny bit more comfortable. I hope this trend continues, and maybe one day my fear of driving won’t be that big of a deal.