Mine Tony did most of the driving for me due to health issues I have. I have been taking little short trips trying to get my sea legs again. I do have Anxiety Disorder so this is a big deal for me. I roll down the windows and turn on some happy music and sing ..... Loudly . I am still not venturing out as much as I would like but I too am in the baby steps phase. I also talk to myself and say you can do this . You can do this too!!!!!! Take care.

Thinking of you Jax and cheering you on. Hugs, Dolores

Sounds more like we'd need to charter a coach!

Jax, at some point, you just have to point yourself toward your front door and say, "Out the door, dinosaur!" I thought I had stripped my gears yesterday while driving. I did go to Wally World yesterday with a friend. I prefer going by myself, so I can get in and out of the store more quickly, but she wanted to tag along. I live fairly close to Portland, and we get some bleed over of "Keep Portland weird." If you don't find it at Walmart, you can find it at places like Goodwill, and we did! We have an annual Alien Festival, and some people wear their costumes year round LOL. Anyway, it makes me feel more normal having these "sightings." Hey, I will go with you to your appointments if you will go with me to the doctor on Friday. Adored: Some time I may try going on a run (drive) in my housecoat, but with my luck I would break down or something, like one woman I knew in OK. She didn't even have her dentures in, she said. (Tongue in cheek. I have my real teeth still.)

I think we all have a tendency to become agoraphobic. Is that the right word? Not wanting to leave the house or at least not wanting to make the effort. I used to have a PO Box, and that gave me a reason to drive into town each day. At that time I was gullible enough to think I might meet someone in there. It didn't happen, but I did get out and get some fresh air.

honestly, jax, i don't remember how i got to my first appointment after my andrew passed. I do remember crying a lot as i was driving. That's the hardest part, all the memories of familiar places you both used to go. I had the hardest time in the supermarket. But, i know you can do it. I know it will take all of your resolve, but you can do this. And, eventually, it will get easier. It's a big step but one you must take. Just know that we're all with you in spirit.

I found myself also not wanting to leave the house at the beginning. So short trips was all I did, refused to go to places that I always loved to. One day when coming home from a short trip to the post office something inside me made me face my friends at the local clothing store. I really wasn't up to it but I did it. Everyone was nice, said hi, but didn't ask.yet I knew they knew what had happened.then one of them said we all heard. If you want to talk about it you can. I did,,I cried. I've been back 2times since then. Haven't bought a thing,but they were still glad to see me. You will do things on your own time, start small.

Thanks for sharing, Sunrise. Your friends sound like the kind that all of us could use right now, non-intrusive but offering themselves as support should you want to talk.
Good for you for following your instincts and going into that clothing store.
Start small-will do.