Driving Again?

[Bedbug]

@Britt.f7, have you driven at all yet? I'm building myself up to just sitting in the driver's seat while parked outside my house, first with my husband in the passenger seat and then on my own. It seems pathetic to need to take such small steps but I am coming to accept that it is what it is and to stop beating myself up over it.

 

[Britt.f7]

Yes, I have. I feel like I, at least mentally, take a deep breath before I get behind the wheel. Don't beat yourself up over it. I feel silly sometimes too, but it happens. You have to do was is right and safe for you. Sometimes my husband encourages me to take the wheel, but I usually bow out. I'm going to try not to do that anymore. It really doesn't help me mentally. I have a sister that lives about 45 minutes away that I would like to visit. I am making it my goal to be able to do so by summer. Baby steps. What you are doing sounds reasonable.

 

[Bedbug]

I did it!

I only intended to sit in the driving seat with my husband beside me. Next thing I'm driving round the block. Then I'm away out on the main road. It's a very quiet road (we only saw 3 other cars) but I managed about 8 miles before getting too shaky to carry on. I went very slowly, but the point was that I went!

So proud of myself!

 

[Britt.f7]

Great job Bedbug! A little at a time is good. Doesn't it feel wonderful. That's how I feel when I finally get myself out of my house and actually get errands done. It is a wonderful feeling!

 

[Notsowild]

Congrats @Bedbug Way to go!

 

[Bedbug]

I've been out driving a few times since that last post, getting a little further and a little more confident each time. Last Thursday I drove the 25 miles to work (with my husband in the passenger seat) and stayed for a cup of tea with my colleagues before driving 25 miles back again. I was so nervous!

Today I did the journey on my own and stayed for two hours chatting with my colleagues. Luckily it was a quiet day and they each took turns to chat with me. I can hardly remember anything about the journey and only half of the conversation because I was so nervous. But I did it!

I'm hoping to start back at work on a part time basis next week so this was a really important step. It's been really frustrating having to take baby steps and I find it really hard to let myself feel proud for achieving each one. I tend to put myself down for needing to take such tiny steps. But they do build up and today they amounted to a big step that I can feel a real sense of accomplishment for.

I am so proud of myself today! :-)

 

[cherryblossom]

Congratulations @Bedbug . Well done. That's fantastic. I'm sure the more you do it, the easier it will get. Hopefully it was good to see your colleagues again too, so you don't feel like the new kid, when you return.

Good for you! I'm really pleased for you :D

 

[Britt.f7]

Awesome job! Who cares how big the steps were, steps were taken! That is all that matters and that you are okay. I'm very happy for you.