Regularly posts appear relating people’s sorties out into the wide world and these are usually accompanied by replies saying, “I wish I could find the courage”. This got me thinking about things I’d done that took away or at least diminished the anxiety of being out and about. Things that once done made me realise that it was all in my head.
So here’s my three.
1. Getting a foundation match. I went from rabbit in headlights to totally relaxed in minutes. The SA didn’t bat an eyelid in dealing with me in the same way she’d have dealt with any GG asking for the same. Moreover, Joe public went about their day, no-one paying me any attention, at least not that I saw.
2. Traveling on public transport both trains and buses. Sat on a busy bus or train you’re there cheek by jowl, nowhere to hide, in plain view. What happened? I ended up talking to a GG about just how poor the service was, later moving on to holidays.
3. Using the female changing room. A little rider here. I will only use those which are individual cubicles which thankfully most are these days, the fad for “Open plan” having been consigned to the history books under, “Whose daft idea was that?” I’ve been asked by the attendant the usual did you like it, how was it for size but that’s as far as it’s gone.
So I’ll say to save anyone else. I don’t pass certainly close inspection. I can pass folks by in a crowd as I feel I do a fairly good job of blending. That said that comes from gaining the confidence to act naturally from events such as those I’ve listed.
I realised that what members here were writing about unfounded fear, it’s more in our heads than actually present was such wisdom. So the more you banish the fear, the better it becomes, the more you banish the fear. But, and I accept this to be the reality of life, taking those first steps is a stressful thing to do. All I and others can do is tell it like it is and hope that empowers others who long to go out.
So, here’s the question. Those who have ventured out, what events gave you the greatest boost of confidence or diminished even banished your fears?