Travelling further than local

I find that a journey that is further than local to home especially if I am making it on my own causes a great deal of Anxiety.

This has been noticable particularly when it has come to visiting my children. The struggle of leaving behind my daily norm, knowing everything will continue without me, and going to a different situatiin, which is unknown but I know will be fine and lovely. 

I havent been now for several years, partly because of some health issues which gave me the perfect excuse.  But its one of those things its often easier to avoid. But at the same time be sad about.  They are unable to come to me, so not going means I dont see my children and their children.  I have a niece I've only seen once etc.

I have definately missed out because of this.  But dont know how I could ever get over this or the avoidance.  I wondered if others experience this.

Parents
  • To make planning easier and less anxiety-triggering, remember to give yourself time and space to plan at your pace.

    It is already brave of you to be considering to travel.

    I can suggest some options that may reduce anxiety and increase confidence and control. Please ignore them if they look too hard, or useless. 

    Splitting the complex problem into simpler ones

    Plan your trip using a block diagram like the one below:

    Those red blocks can store any text you like. The planning may be done with the help of your children or others as well.

    A similar strategy is listing needs, essentials, and so forth. Essentials such as backpack, charged-phone, debit card (or some cash),  water bottle, book, headphones, toilet roll, pillow. Health-related needs such as medication, which seat to choose and so forth.

    Travel buddy

    You may have the chance to travel with someone else? In this case, you may still want to make decisions and then discuss them with that person.

    Emergency or help numbers

    Unexpected events: You may want to have an emergency number or two you can call, if something goes wrong, or just to check in as you travel.

  • Thanks. Unexpected events is always a thing. I am likely to drive, which I would prefer with someone in a way, but this will be alone. The journey is probably about 3 hours or so. I need to avoid the worry in the days/weeks before, and not back out either.

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