As you may or may not know, I recently came back from an overseas holiday. I've been wanting to write a blog post on the topic of flying for the longest time now and since I've just been travelling, I figured this would be one of the best times to do it.
Ever since I can remember, I've hated flying.
The airplane itself is only half the problem. I dread the whole process beforehand as well. From checking in to security to waiting to board, all I can think about it the x hour flight awaiting me. The moment I set foot in an airport, it's like a switch goes off and I'm suddenly in full panic mode. Before I know it, I'm in the worst possible mindset and am having the most irrational thoughts about how the flight is going to go.
The fact that I freak myself out before even boarding means that when I do finally get into my seat, I'm half-wanting to run out the cabin door and not look back. When I'm on the plane, nothing and no-one can distract me. I'm already too deep into my own thoughts. My family - who I travel with the most - are so supportive and understanding when I'm in this frame of mind. They know to leave me alone but won't hesitate to intervene if I start getting really worked up. Some of my worst flights I definitely wouldn't of been able to get through without them.
I want to say that my relationship with flying is a lot better now but I really don't think that's the truth. I still have a massive fear of planes and airports and everything in between. The reason I wanted to share this post is because I think it's important to talk about these sort of things and let people, who may feel the same way, know that they're not alone. A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to an uncle who also has a fear of flying and a lot of the thoughts and feelings he experiences before flights are pretty much the exact same as me. While it didn't necessarily get rid of my fear, it made it seem a lot more normal and I think I really needed to know that.
This is probably my most personal post to date but I'm so glad I'm putting it out there.
Q: What's a fear (big or small) that you have?
Thanks for reading!
The fact that I freak myself out before even boarding means that when I do finally get into my seat, I'm half-wanting to run out the cabin door and not look back. When I'm on the plane, nothing and no-one can distract me. I'm already too deep into my own thoughts. My family - who I travel with the most - are so supportive and understanding when I'm in this frame of mind. They know to leave me alone but won't hesitate to intervene if I start getting really worked up. Some of my worst flights I definitely wouldn't of been able to get through without them.
I want to say that my relationship with flying is a lot better now but I really don't think that's the truth. I still have a massive fear of planes and airports and everything in between. The reason I wanted to share this post is because I think it's important to talk about these sort of things and let people, who may feel the same way, know that they're not alone. A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to an uncle who also has a fear of flying and a lot of the thoughts and feelings he experiences before flights are pretty much the exact same as me. While it didn't necessarily get rid of my fear, it made it seem a lot more normal and I think I really needed to know that.
This is probably my most personal post to date but I'm so glad I'm putting it out there.
Q: What's a fear (big or small) that you have?
Thanks for reading!
I hate the whole process at the airport too, it's so long especially when you have to be there like 2-3 hours before your flight leaves so I can imagine how anxious you get when you have that long to build up to actually getting on the plane, wouldn't it be so much easier if you could get there check in and board straight away, you wouldn't have enough time to work yourself up too much then! It's so good that you don't let your fear stop you from getting on the plane though. My big fear is heights!
ReplyDeleteJess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
I completely understand how you feel. Until last year, I hadn't flown for 7 years. Most of my anxiety was health-related but I really hated the airport/plane feeling. The amount of people didn't help my claustrophobia and the waiting is so annoying. Well done for writing this post, I know it can't have been easy, but I think it's important we all talk more about these things x
ReplyDeleteMegan | https://meganelizabethlifestyle.com/
I think as far as fears go, flying is a pretty understandable one to have! It’s quite an unnatural experience and unlike anything else. There’s not really much you can do to prepare or change about flying so I don’t think it’s so weird that you have that fear! It’s just finding ways to cope. I think it’s admirable that you still do it despite your fear and hope that one day you’ll feel much better about it 😊
ReplyDeleteAlice Xx
Www.blacktulipbeauty.co.uk
I know what you mean, the whole process can be so stressful and my goodness so time comsuming too, so that makes it worse too. I feel like this everytime I fly too, its been years since my last airplane journey.
ReplyDeleteMel 🌙 | Moonlight Mel
I was a little nervous for my last flight because I hadn't flown in ages, and I can imagine having a fear of it is so much worse! At least your family are really supportive of you. I think it's great you've written a post on it because there are so many people with a fear of flying xx
ReplyDelete- Charlotte / myownblogofthoughts.blogspot.com
For me it's the takeoff and landing. it's not a fear as such, but that feeling in the stomach, I hate it. Same thing with elevators, except on a flight it's a million times worse.
ReplyDeletegreat post and thanks for sharing <3
I can relate so much. I use to have a really bad travel anxiety - not from the actual flight, just from getting away from my comfort zone in general. Like you wrote - it's important to share, and it can get better.
ReplyDeleteP.S I LOVE your illustrations!!
Madi
madidearson.com
I actually enjoy flying! What does stress me out is not making it to my flight on time, so I'm at the airport ages before my flight leaves. My dad on the other hand has an extreme fear of flying - hasn't been on an airplane in 12 years!!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you bring up the fact that you don't like flying. I am the same because I am paranoid about potential incidents. At least you had a safe flight! I am glad that your family has been supportive, especially during the flights. Hope your relationship with flying continues to improve. Flying is a lot safer than driving a car, which makes sense considering the amount of scrutiny the policies are over maintenance.
ReplyDeleteNancy ♥ exquisitely.me
While I love travelling and sometimes flights are a necessary part of that process, I totally understand the fear surrounding it and the anxiety too. Although I'm generally fine, in the past I was very anxious about planes and flying as I would immediately jump to the worst conclusions and just work myself up basically. It's really great to hear you have supportive family members who understand what you're going through and know how to help you when it arises. Take each flight as it comes and I hope one day you can conquer your fear (: My biggest fear is probably a car accident or losing someone I care about - getting deep there but I appreciate your honesty and sharing such a personal thing about yourself so I thought I'd do the same xx
ReplyDeleteI understand flying can be intimidating. I don't mind flying and actually enjoy being in a plane. it is just when i start thinking about the confined space, the risks and all that i feel a bit queazy. I don't really have big fears.. besides pigeons ahah
ReplyDeleteI'm like Corinne because I've never really been afraid of flying but I can defs understand why it's so scary- esp on like bumpy flights and whatnot. That being said I'm super afraid of heights when I can see how high I am (planes don't seem to freak me out even though I know I much higher up but like on a ladder two steps from the ground I'm so scared Haha!)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your family support you and maybe one day it'll be okay hopefully <3
Anne // www.basifpa-and-did.co.uk
I've never even stepped foot in an airport, but I can imagine it's not nice to put yourself through that. The holiday at the end of it must be a great reward, though! It's nice to hear you have people you can talk to who have been through a similar thing, like your Uncle; sharing our fears with others can often bring us great comfort!
ReplyDeleteRebekah Gillian | https://rebekahgillian.co.uk/
I love your post. It had alot of wonderful information that you shared.
ReplyDeleteThis was so interesting to me, I love everything about airports and flying. I love the business of the airport, the excitement to reach your destination, I find the flight itself the most relaxing thing ever and LOVE that feeling you get in your stomach during takeoff. It was really interesting to read about this from the perspective of someone completely opposite. My weird fear is water! I hate pools, being by the sea, lakes...all of that stuff x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
I find anything like this fascinating... I've never really had a problem with flying or airports as such. Have you considered doing any mindset work to overcome your fears? I've found it works wonders. I was always so nervous about spending time alone in public, purely through judgement of others. But I feel like I've probably overcome that now. I hope it gets better for you real soon!
ReplyDeleteLorna x
www.simply-violet.co.uk