Am I Giving Into My Fear Of Flying For The Wrong Reasons?

My dear Opal. As you know my husband works in Canada now and has for the past 3 years. What you may not know is he comes home, Flies every 5 to 6 weeks. Then 10 days later he flies back to Canada. We live in lower Tennessee. He goes different ways many times when he flies. I have flown there to and I will fly if all works out mid next week to go see him and spend 10 days there again. Opal, you make that flight to see your mom. Nothing is going to happen dear. I used to have a strong fear of flight. I got over that from flying different places. I've flown a lot. You want to see your mom, she wants to see you. Make that flight appointment and go!!! Get your schedule, just do it. You will see there was nothing to worry about. Okay? They said the same thing a year after 9/11 and again 5 years after. 9/11 has past us now. If they were going to do anything it would have been on 9/11, don't you agree? Now before you go to bed tonight or to sleep I want you to say over and over to yourself just before you fall asleep, "I will fly to see my mom!" Keep saying this softly and quietly or to yourself as you are laying down and going to sleep. This will help build your confidence. Then the next morning make your arrangements. I mean it now. Do this. And make your arrangements for your trip. Go out and get a new suit or dress, or top and get ready to go. I want to hear that you have made arrangements soon. Don't let these thugs dictate what you are able to do!!! Or what you will do!!! Don't live in fear!!! That is no way to live. You must think positively and do it.

Hiya Opal, I can see that it is really bugging you all this flying business. Can´t you go by Train now then? I would go by Train its far more relaxing takes much longer yes but if you can´t get around that "fear" yet and its hardly surprising at all with what is going on. All of us are afraid of something I have flown quite a few times and loved it but since they made Airports so stressful and anti human that is what puts me off flying more than anything their "plastic" environment it does nothing to calm my nerves at all if anything it makes me far worse. There are many Airline Pilots that get this phobia all of a sudden I would say its just due to stress and they probably will never fly again. What about the Coaches are they too stifling for you as well? That is why I prefer a Train. It´s nothing to feel bad about opal we all have something that is hard to get around sometimes and we should never ever feel bad about it and take no notice of what others say. Often the bravest person is the one who has the most fears. I personally would not fly I would take it much easier and go by other means of transport and enjoy myself much more get to see more of People and other places on the way there and back. This is what I would do myself personally.xxx

Hi Opal. I know that you could travel overland from New York to Florida by train. Amtrak has some very fast trains that could wiz you from New York to Orlando or Miami. It would take a day and a night but would be a very pleasant and relaxing way to travel. You only need to fly on a plane if you are traveling to another continent or far away. I hope that you decide to travel by train and really enjoy seeing your mom.

I have a fear of flying too, and I am very sorry that I have let it take over my life in the way that I think it has. I wish that I was able to go on holiday to nice places, but unfortunately I have to spend the time in my own country because I just know that I can't fly. You need to think about how unlikely it is that your plane will crash, or that it will be taken by terrorists. I know that a phobia isn't that easy to get rid of, because I can't get rid of mine, but I really wish that I could so I think that you should get rid of yours if you possibly can.

Hi Opal. Sometimes you have to take risk in your life to move forward. Just think of your mother and how you love her. I know that the US government is taking all precautionary measures to protect their people. Rest your fears to your government to do the right thing and rest your fate to God. Bon voyage!!!

hiya Opal! nice to see you dear hmmm....in response to your discussion topic, maybe you are having the wrong reasons for being afraid, or maybe you have the right reasons. but then, who is to know? i was kind of put off flying for a while when all this stuff started after that fateful day of 9/11...but then due to my work demands, i just had to do it and go through with it, and get on the plane and take the flight. i was kind of thinking to myself (yeah, i do that often nowadays ) that if something was meant to be, then it is meant to be. if something was meant to happen, then it is meant to happen. but i won't let some fear of some terrible creepazoid who maybe might do something bad, keep me from living my life. because if i do give in to that fear, then that creepazoid and all his cronies and fellow monsters would have won. and i am not going to be one to give up without a fight. all i can say is, just take that flight. as long as you have a clear conscience and good intentions, i believe that there is nothing for us to fear.

I do not fly, but that is because it is expensive and inconvenient. By the time I wait at airports and check in early I can be at my destination almost. If I needed to fly, and I was in your shoes, I would first tell myself that we are well past the anniversary now. Secondly, you will be flying AWAY from New York City, so it is not very likely that your flight would be a target. Third, when you come back it will be even further from the date. Fourth, you are much more likely to be killed in a car wreck or any other kind of transportation than in a flight. Focus on the good things Opal, and how glad you will be to see your mom and how nice it is to get from point A to point B quickly. If I was traveling without other family members I would be more likely to fly, as for one person flying can be economical.

very hard for you I know. as you have said before The only thing I can tell you as its the only way you can get there unless yougetsomeone to drive you. Just grit your teeth and go for it. Cant let what might never happen stand in your way nadn the annivarsy has passed and still nothing or get to another airport some how. GO by bus if ya have too Takes longer but you might not be so scared and what is it an hour ride onthe plane to Fla.?

I would not be worried about flying, but then I am in Canada. But I wouldn't hesitate to fly to the U.S. if the opportunity arose (and I had a passport). If you are more worried about flying out of New York, is it possible to fly out of another airport in a nearby state? Sometimes us Canadians will drive to Buffalo and fly from there because it is cheaper. I know you don't want to take a bus or a train because it would be long. But, lots of people drive from Ontario to Florida. If there is a train that might be an alternative. Could be fun, actually. Good luck.

If you always get sick when you get on a plane or start to panic no matter what is going on in the world, then you have a real fear of flying. However if the only reason you do not like to fly is because you are afraid of a terrorist attack or someone iOS going to blow up the plane with you on it , it is speculation. You also have to consider what would the enemy think. They are counting on Americans not flying because of fear of attack and also because of the pat downs and the x-rays that you may have to go through. And if they do put a massive attack ala 911, and more Americans are not flying, you will be sitting ducks. Also you have to remember that now that the authorities know of the terrorist intentions, they will be more ready.

rather then canceking all the flights etc. wouldnt it make better sense to get someone to go with you and drive there? i couldnt tell you how many times we have drove across country. i know its a big trip but it would be safer and get done better, see if anyone is wanting company or a second driver thats going.

I hate to fly also, but at times I have been forced to do so. When that happens, I just ask for help from my higher power and know that whatever happens is meant to happen. We really never have control over what happens to us, it's just a figment of our minds that makes us think we do.

Sweetie. I am scared sh$tless of heights. Now, imagine me flying. I can do it and i wll do it. Now, book your flight, get yourself an interesting book or music you love. Tell yourself you can do it. I know you can. Forget what happened a long time ago, it won't happen again. Now move, go book that flight so you can go see mom.

Hi Opal! I have been on countless plane rides in my lifetime prior to and after 9/11, none of which I can say are ever easier as I am always afraid to fly. I use to fly each weekend with some contracting work I use to do and although I was scared out of my wits I always got on the plane. I actually a few times would try and make excuses as to why not go, but ultimately always ended up going. Believe me I know that fear of not only the heights but we simply do not know if we are the unfortunates with any form of attacks. I basically plan the trip, not think about it too much prior to the day of flying then I sit on the plan and say a very sincere prayer, which includes, if this is my time to go dear God just make sure all my loved ones I leave behind do well in life. It is never easy as I sit in my seat scared out of my wits and forget about the turbulence's, OMG I freak out. I will understand if you simply can't do it and am sure your mother will also understand. If you can try somehow to make it think about someday not being able to see your mom anymore, perhaps this one trip will be all you need as I am sure she is understanding. If you decide to fly Opal, God Bless you with a pleasant plane ride and safe landing. My words may not change your feelings, I just wanted you to know that I am a firm believer of perhaps my time coming way too soon, then expected even in my peaceful sleep. Many blessings and do hope all goes well.

As a therapist, I have helped many people over the years with phobias about flying, but that was all before the 9/11 and other terrorist attacks. I feel that you fears are quite valid and many people have this problem these days. I read today about a guy who went swimming in a shark infested water even though there were signs up warning swimmers that there were Great Whites in the area. He was attacked and lost one leg and may lose the other. This guy had no fear at all, so I would say that it is good for you to have some fear, especially as there have been some threats. At the end of the day though, all things we do outside have an element of risk and assessing the risks are what we do. Best to always make a decision one way or the other and let go of it. Once we are taking a risk, that is so, and if we don't take the risk, that is also so. Be focused on the here and now, for that it all we have in reality. -Derek

I am not afraid of flying...I think while they have these alerts you are safer then ever as they are watching everything....so really this would be the safer time to travel...if it bothers you that much....how about going by train? Is there a connection you can get to florida from your place? I have a friend that is afraid of flying so she always takes a train...from Minnesota to Arizona....but really right now would be the time to go....when there is high alert and everyone is watching everything!

I've never flown, but not because of fear.. mostly because of cost. The only thing that would scare me about flying would be getting through security!! Remember that if they're planning another attack, then you probably have to watch out for planes flying INTO New York, not out of!

Me again, (La Pesada la Plasta) lol. Perhaps its the anticipation of all of this event is stopping you from going anywhere the what if all the time going round and round. I like what Moondancer says it could well work for you as you have a few weeks ahead of you to try it out. Everynight say the same thing to yourself and see it as already happened too its sort of like an extra affirmation. Come opal gal go go go.xxx

Personally it's been a while since I was aboard a plane, I don't even remember what type of experience I had. But I think you shouldn't let the incident 9/11 stop you from seeing your mother in Florida, trust me I know it's a scary thought of it alone, but I am sure that you will overcome this fear as soon as you get the courage to take your flight. My brother-in-law left to California a few months back and he was a bit apprehensive about taking the flight, but even though it took forever because it was a 10 hour flight, he actually enjoyed. He's planning to come this month to Florida to visit us. So it's not that bad. I really hope that you overcome your fear of flying... I wish you the best of luck!!!

Moondancer has given good advice. I have similar fears, but mostly because of the security procedures, the discomfort and health issues with sitting for long periods of time, and not being able to answer the call of nature as easily now on planes as before. My husband wants me to see the Adriatic Sea that he loves so much, and I don't want to go anywhere I have to fly. I don't really want to go by ship, either. I have no great desire to go anywhere I can't drive, even though I know driving is the most dangerous mode of transportaiton there is. I just feel I'm more control when I'm behind the wheel. I used to fly quite often when I was doing home school conventions, but I stopped that in 1996. I guess I'm just a homebody now.