I have anxiety. My anxiety is all over the place. Sometimes it is crippling and I feel like I'm losing control. Sometimes my anxiety makes me turn around when I'm already in another town just to make sure my animals are safe and windows are closed. Sometimes my anxiety forces me to have a plan, a back up plan, and a back up back up plan just in case.
My traveling anxiety is mostly about my pets. My pets are my babies especially my puppies. They aren't really puppies. Malcom is 120 lbs of pure dog muscle and Chewbacca is a whopping 170 lbs. Their size actually increases my anxiety. I worry they will get out and someone will feel threatened even though they are the sweetest and gentlest beasts around. I worry they won't have enough to eat or they won't get enough love. My worry has literally kept me grounded at home. My family has not traveled on vacation since before we had Malcom.
Photo by Mary Greer
My anxiety does not just play games with things that will not happen but it takes possible scenarios and runs wild. My mind automatically jumps to worst case scenarios and I almost feel crippled by the feelings of loss. I know I am not alone in this and I know some people think it is silly to get so worked up about pets. I love my dogs and they are a part of our life.
During our upcoming trip my brother will be taking care of my babies. He knows what to do. He is strong enough to keep them in line and we both have phones so I can video chat my puppies to make sure they are doing okay. If you think of me say an extra prayer that my anxiety will not cripple my vacation.
Photo by unknown
Gratitude Practice
1) I am grateful for my brother taking care of my home and pets.
2) I am grateful for Malcom
3) I am grateful for Chewbaca
4) I am grateful for Gray Stripe
5) I am grateful for automatic feeders
6) I am grateful for pictures and video chat
7) I am grateful for fans to cool my pets
8) I am grateful for leashes
9) I am grateful for dog yards
10) I am grateful for litter trained animals
Things I have Accomplished:
1) Trained my pets.
2) Taken my dogs on regular walks
3) Taught my dogs tricks
Goal (Written as if it has already been achieved):
I have an awesome morning and evening schedule!
Do you struggle with traveling anxiety? What are some tips you have for handling your anxiety while on the road?
Do you struggle with traveling anxiety? What are some tips you have for handling your anxiety while on the road?
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