In the past I have had panic attacks during flights and just about crushed my husbands hand because I have been so nervous.
Today I flew to Croatia. It did not get off to a good start as we were at the gate waiting to board the plane and they asked us to go back to the departure lounge. We were told there was a technical problem with the plane. I immediately thought "I am never going to get on that plane then!" I started to panic and cry. The air stewardess took me to a side and tried to reassure me telling me how safe it is and they wouldn't let it fly if it wasn't fixed.
We boarded just over an hour after the plane should have taken off. I had calmed down a bit by then. I sat by the window which I don't usually do as I am too scared to look out. I took some photos after we got up in the air. The worst part for me is landing and I usually get a bit tearful and crush my husbands hand but this time I didn't. I remembered my good NMP friend Tessar had taken videos when landing even though she too is a nervous flyer so I thought "Well if Tessar can do it so can I! and I did. I have to admit that I still grabbed my husbands hand just after the wheels hit the ground but I was really pleased with myself for not getting in the state I usually do To feel the fear and do it anyway really does work. We don't know what we can achieve unless we try. This is my second flight this year and 2 last year and the more I do the easier it gets. My initial reaction this morning when there was a problem with the plane was just to go back home but I didn't want to waste my money so I just felt that fear and did it! I am pleased I did