How I Overcame The Fear of Flying
I had a fear of flying alone on short and long haul flights. I dreaded the thought of dying in a plane crash on dry land or drowning in ocean if the plane broke down in the the middle of nowhere but water, as far as the eye could see….. Might sound silly but that was my biggest fear.
I had to travel on a plane for eight and a half hours then catch a connecting flight which was an hour long. I had many sleepless nights. But I couldn’t let anyone know, there was no way out, I had to find a way to defeat this grim notion.
What better way than facing your fear and smashing it in the face, right?
That’s what I did.
The day came, went through customs into the waiting lounge. It was huge with front wall made of glass. I could see airplanes landing and taking off, and felt a sudden rush of mixed feelings; excitement, thrill, anxiety….. Finally saw the plane, which was taking me to London, land. People disembarked and plane was serviced. Saw the crew enter the lounge in their crisp uniform ready to board the aircraft and fly us to our destination.
An announcement was made requesting us to board our plane one by one, maintaining a social distance with masks on. I was welcomed at the entrance of the jet by a chirpy air hostess who guided me to my seat. I was traveling in economy plus where there were two seats instead of three and I had booked the window seat. Once the doors closed, to my dismay, there was an announcement from the captain telling us that due to closure of airway we have to make a detour which meant a 10 hour flight rather than 8 and a half!
And then we prepared to take off. My heart was racing and I was clenching the arms of my seat and kept my eyes squeezed shut as the plane took off, I felt my heart sink, almost knocking me out. I wanted to get out of the plane, just wanted the crew to let me out as it was too overwhelming. I experienced all of that and kept telling myself, it will all be over soon, just breathe….
Soon the plane reached desired height, and things started to calm down. I regained my senses, it was a hell of an experience!
The landing didn’t turn my insides out. I actually enjoyed the connecting flight, felt a bit queasy, but that was it.
I overcame one of my biggest fears and you can do it too! Just be brave enough to take the first step- face your fear!
