Last night I did another behavioural experiment, for my CBT course, my scariest yet.
I had said that I avoid drive-thrus. Actually, I've never ordered at one, ever. It's basically everything I hate, rolled into one. So they set me the task of ordering a bunch of food at McDonald's.
So last night, with a big butterfly in my stomach I drove alone to McDonald's and got some dinner for us. As I pulled in to the dark, tunnel-like drive thru, my heart sank, and my heart started racing. Then another car pulled in behind, and I suddenly felt really trapped, knowing I couldn't back out. For a moment I felt really panicky and frightened, and got a cold sweat, but just tried to not think about it, as I crept closer towards my turn to order.
Once I got there, it went far better than I could have hoped-- I was able to maintain my speech technique reasonably, and the girl was really patient and nice. I got out everything I wanted to, ordered all three complicated meals, and left there with a huge grin, feeling absolutely ecstatic.
This probably sounds a bit ridiculous, but if you can imagine an arachnophobe patting a big hairy spider, that's kind of what it felt like!
So, I'm feeling pretty triumphant about it. It's so great to knock off these fears, one by one.
Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)
Huldra Forsvant (Theodor Kittelsen)
22 comments:
I'm trying to think what a similar fear would be for me and can't.
Well done. Drink the euphoria!
What's next?
Next, I have to make a difficult phone call in front of colleagues. So, usually I will pretty much go and stand in the middle of a field if I have to make a difficult call! I hate using the phone at the best of times, but hate much more if other people can hear me doing so. Irrational and strange, I know. Not really looking forward to this one..
I think it's great Ben...approaching your fears, meeting them head on and accomplishing them. Good for you.
thanks, Beth
My equivalent would be eye surgery. Several people I know have had cataracts fixed - gives me the shivers thinking about it.
Well done, Ben!
Well done mate!
Have any of these experiments not worked with such resounding success?
thanks.
Well, I've only done a couple and they've been pretty positive, and certainly far better than all the predictions I had to make about each one.
Yay... congratulations :)
So much of this stuff rings true for me - the avoidance of phones, and drive throughs (I have never done this either)... It is so encouraging to see someone pushing through it all successfully - gives me hope.
Hurrah for you, Ben! And also for being willing to share your ups and downs on this road - I really appreciate it.
Great news! Maybe you could order a Domino's in front of your colleagues, you know, to keep some of those happy junk-food vibe?
Well done Ben! awesome news and progress.
Inspirational! I have a huge challenge on Monday - I'm so scared.
Way to go Ben!
Why'd you have to bring up spiders? ick!
Ben that is so cool! You sounded great on the radio too.
Thanks for sharing Ben, and well done.
I love this blog. I don't think I look forward to any other blog like I do this one. Keep it up.
Thanks so much everyone for your encouragement.
Geoff, that is a very nice thing to hear, thanks champ!
I have popped over here from Simone's blog.
Hearing your struggle helps me keep focused when my 4YOs therapy seems too hard.
Wow. Is this the Ben I know???
I remember being kicked out of Mr Mccafferys class as I defended my boyfriend been picked on for having a stutter!!
I dyed my hair black 4u..lol.
You got me into THE CURE.
You made me a mixed tape (which I still have).
And I broke up with you cause you wanted to hold my hand...which I was so scared would lead to my first kiss- which at the time- WAS MY BIGGEST FEAR!
We didn't talk through the rest of high school.
Hi......its Nat.h.
Melissa- Thanks for stopping by. I hope all goes well with your child. It's really great that you're on to it nice and early-- the chances of success are really high.
Nat! Wow, what a blast from the past! Yes I remember those days well-- can you believe that's 20 years ago?!It's really good to hear from you. What are you up to these days?
Hi.... I have two gorgeous girls (Samantha & Anistacya) I live in Penrith- , haven't moved too far. So do u display ur art at Vanishing point gallery??
That's great Nat. I live down in the inner west with my wife and two little daughters.
No, I don't display any of my stuff. Maybe one day.
oh, that sounds really great!!
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