For over 20 years I could not drive on the FREEWAY. I would avoid the freeway at all costs. When I did absolutely HAVE to go on the freeway. I would be IN TERROR. In the far right lane. Gripping the steering wheel for my life…………………..

Ok with the freeway stuff being said, I am also the girl in the store that you look up and down, decide to ask me which one I think would be best or look best on you. I would also say I am normally smart, rational, etc…………

After a tumultuous childhood, I managed to patch myself together. Put myself through college, get a degree from Michigan State. I then had a fortuitous Fortune 500 sales career. I married the man of my dreams. And was supposed to live happily ever after.

The Freeway Anxiety spread to other parts of my life. It started to be difficult for me to be a passenger in a car. I would be so anxious I could not see straight. Certainly I was going to die, or at least me harmed in some way? Then, the anxiety started to creep into every part of my life. Well,

I had a solution! I always can rely on myself, right? Chardonnay. Oh yes, wine seems to take the anxiety away. So, as you can imagine this spiral of anxiety/self-medication continued until my life was a COMPLETE MESS. I was on the verge of my husband sleeping in the garage, a nervous breakdown, or something. I HATED everything. I WAS MISERABLE. So once again, I relied on myself. I Googled anxiety stuff. I found Dr. Pravel.

I made an appointment.

I was not too convinced Dr. Pravel could help me. After all, I had been to several anxiety cure kind of things, including U of M. They have a program that is supposed to be great, it did not work on me. Ughhh. I met with Dr. Pravel, he seemed nice enough. But could he help me?

I told him even U of M could not. I told him my life was a mess. I was SO SAD. At this point, I was completely avoiding the freeway. Irritable, depressed, anxious, etc…..

I tried all of the techniques that Dr. Pravel gave me. I was like, oh boy. Here we go. They worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was driving on the FREEWAY!!!!!!! At first, I still stayed in the right lane. Now, gosh I forget that I am driving on the FREEWAY?!!!!!!! A miracle, no doubt. The rest of the story is counseling with Dr. Pravel to work on the issues that made me anxious, depressed and irritable in the first place. It helped me a ton. I know it sounds weird, but you know how there are people in your life you have no idea how to thank, and are not quite sure you ever could thank them enough? Dr. Pravel is one of mine.

I can now say I live in serenity. For REAL! No, my life is not perfect, but I can deal with it WITHOUT anxiety. Also with the assertiveness skills Dr. Pravel taught me.  My marriage is back on track, relationships are on track, and my self-esteem is restored. People actually tell me what a pleasant person I am! I enjoy my life and appreciate every day for its beauty. Oh, and yes. The Chardonnay went away too, my choice. I now enjoy my espresso after dinner. My life is wonderful, no need for self medication. Amen.