Many of you might have thought that my first panic attack would have come on Tuesday, when the longest day of the year was also the worst, most horrific weather since my arrival. While it was a tough 20-so hours of "daylight," I bought a "proper" waterproof raincoat and forged ahead!
It wasn't until today that the initial moment of panic - racing thoughts, shortness of breath, flushed face - overcame me like a flood... The worst part was the surprise; it was unexpected. First, I was shopping, not a naturally, freak-out inducing activity for me! However, my dad and the Lad have been wanting me to look at "not cute boots" (my term, aka: hiking boots). While I'm sure they are practical in rain, mud, etc., and while the particular pair I'd just tried on did have nice coral accents... In my opinion, they are hideous!! I left promising to think about it, and then we headed to the food court. There, I was not presented with a gyro stand or auntie ann's or chick-fil-a, but a 4 British pound toasted sandwich with one piece of ham and no mustard (not even in packets), accompanied by tortilla chips and mayonnaise (which the associate called "nachos"). I lost it. I told my parents we had to leave, picked up my bags, and high-tailed it fresh air before I went completely postal. Luckily, it is a gorgeous day here, which seemed to make the recovery much simpler.
I think it is healthy to have these moments of fright and angst. Once you get through them, you can end up actually calmer and less anxious about things.
For instance: if you have had a moment and gathered yourself, then return home, sit down to enjoy some tennis, and see a mouse scurry across your living room floor, you might not freak out. You might not scream bloody murder and simply think sensibly about the problem. Phhhhhhhhhhhhhew... Deeeeeeeep breaths...
Geez, hopefully this means that tonight's dinner, with my parents meeting the Lad's parents, will be an absolute cake-walk... :/
No comments:
Post a Comment