WOW!! I am a blog slacker :( Life has been moving at warp speed and there is no slowing down for the next few months!!
As you can read, I survived my trip in January. D, A and I spent a weekend in Florence. I did have a panic attack in the middle of a piazza, but I managed to get over it and come out alive (SHOCKER!!) <---Insert sarcasm.
I also started working full time in January. I love the job, but I also got caught up in getting out and getting involved, that I put my college education on the back burner. My goal while living in Italy was to finish my degree. The day I realized that I really knocked myself off track was a BIG disappointment for me. It was also a big stress relief for me. I was able to quickly re-prioritize my life. I want nothing more than to get my BA, so I set a new, very achievable goal, and changes are coming my way!!
My increased anxiety during the holidays was not just due to the amount of people I was always around, but also due to the fact that I just did not have my priorities in line. I also was not surrounded by good positive people (who I am no longer involved with).
Life is good, and I love to share that sentiment with others. I only wish that some that are close to me where my biggest fans. I often wonder if they even care that I am doing such good things in my life, or if they can just learn to be happy for others than themselves?? No matter to me really, because I will continue to do great things!
I have been traveling for the last week. I am so proud by the obstacles that I faced and how I overcame them. I have family visiting from Oregon and we took a trip to Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg is BEAUTIFUL!!
I am terrified of elevators (no joke!!) and we had to take this elevator/gondola/tram type of car up the side of the mountain to get to the castle. I stepped in and almost freaked out. I looked at D and said "I can't do this". At the same time, I thought to myself that I just paid money to ride in this and I am not sitting at the bottom of the mountain while everyone went to the castle. So I sat on a step inside the tram and calmed myself down. Once we quickly got to the top, I felt so good. I stayed on the tram and made it up the mountain...SUCCESS!!!
My anxiety was bothered again one night at dinner in a small town near Modena, Italy. For some reason, while having a glass of red wine, my face started to get red, hot, and flushed. I left the dinner table and went outside. I tried so hard not to freak out. I finally calmed down but my stomach was in knots and I barely ate that night. I felt defeated, but I survived.
I have times where I feel like I was set back, then I have times where I feel like a champion. I question if my life will always be this way, and if so, how much longer can I manage to suffer like this?
There is so much more to life. I would choose to feel this way if it meant that everyday I could see my sweet son grow into a man, if I could go to bed every night next to my husband, and if I could get just a small glimpse at this big world we live in. My anxiety is my sacrifice. It grounds me, reminds me of how precious life is at the moment. My husband says it is just who I am, but I try not to let it DEFINE me. It is who I am, but I am so much more than anxiety.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
New Changes
The new year has begun and so far it is looking good :) As with many other people, you know I created a resolution...to become stronger (muscle). So far I have been sticking to my workouts like planned and am feeling a small difference. I still get my cardio in, then I do 3 sets of: lunges, push ups, sit ups/crunches, squats, and dips. I am going to start adding in the plank. But I can feel a difference already.
I also made a big decision tonight regarding my future career. I am excited about the changes, but will wait to share the results.
Life is just as busy as it has been for the last few months. My anxiety was really getting to me in Dec. I was stressed trying to keep up with work, school, home and a social life. I have come to realize that in the process of earning my degree, I will most likely lose friends. I am okay with that concept. True friends understand the sacrifice, and they will stick it out and enjoy the moments that I do get free time.
I also have learned that when people told me to take time for me, that I really should do just that! Me time however, does not mean doing things for others in the community when I could be catching up on homework or finally getting a haircut. So this year, I am making more time for ME. I love to get out and make a difference and get involved in the community, however, I will not be taking on those roles this year. I have learned so much this year from getting involved and have seen sides of it that I did not know existed.
I have spent a lot of time at home the last two months, and I have really enjoyed sharing time with my husband and son. I look forward to the same kind of focus this year, but with warmer weather so we can hang out in the yard at least :)
We are taking a vacation soon, and my goal is to share with you how I survived the anxiety from this trip. I know it will happen. I have already prepared for that. Leaning how to deal with it and work through it is what changes every time. So stick around to make sure I made it home safely ;)
Hope your new year has started off just as well. Did you make resolutions that you have been able to keep?
I also made a big decision tonight regarding my future career. I am excited about the changes, but will wait to share the results.
Life is just as busy as it has been for the last few months. My anxiety was really getting to me in Dec. I was stressed trying to keep up with work, school, home and a social life. I have come to realize that in the process of earning my degree, I will most likely lose friends. I am okay with that concept. True friends understand the sacrifice, and they will stick it out and enjoy the moments that I do get free time.
I also have learned that when people told me to take time for me, that I really should do just that! Me time however, does not mean doing things for others in the community when I could be catching up on homework or finally getting a haircut. So this year, I am making more time for ME. I love to get out and make a difference and get involved in the community, however, I will not be taking on those roles this year. I have learned so much this year from getting involved and have seen sides of it that I did not know existed.
I have spent a lot of time at home the last two months, and I have really enjoyed sharing time with my husband and son. I look forward to the same kind of focus this year, but with warmer weather so we can hang out in the yard at least :)
We are taking a vacation soon, and my goal is to share with you how I survived the anxiety from this trip. I know it will happen. I have already prepared for that. Leaning how to deal with it and work through it is what changes every time. So stick around to make sure I made it home safely ;)
Hope your new year has started off just as well. Did you make resolutions that you have been able to keep?
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Year in Review
As I sit here tonight with my beloved Aperol Spritz, I can feel my stresses of the last 8 weeks wearing off. 1 of my 2 classes has finished today. Sometimes I wish I had been smart enough to attend college 10 years ago, but here I am, a mother, wife and college student, and no longer in my 20's ha!
The problem with my two classes, is that I am a "yes" person. On top of my classes, I work part time, volunteer at different organizations around base, take my son to all of his activities, cook dinner (sometimes), wash dishes, laundry, clean house, and find time for a social life.
But tonight I am drinking away my last two months, and saying goodbye to the anxiety that has taken over my life roughly 6 weeks ago. It feels so good to know it didn't beat me this time. Although, I am feeling sad about the things I gave up in the last month and a half. When I get more anxious, I hide. I stay home, I stop doing the things I love, and I distance myself from the people I care most about.
So for the new year, I have made some resolutions that I want to work on. #1-Make time for ME! No more "yes". Sometimes, I have to say no. So I can make time for those people that matter. So I can focus on school, because it is my biggest goal and this is my last full year of classes. #2- Work on my physical strength. I exercise regularly, but I mostly focus on cardio. My goal is to do at LEAST one pullup. D tells me that I have to do pushups to build my strength. UGH!!! I HATE PUSH-UPS! For 3 months, pushups were punishment, and I just hate them (thank you Marine Corps boot camp). But I am determined. I know as I get older I need the muscle, and I really just want a focus other than school. So stay tuned with me this year to track my progress.
Speaking of this year.....I feel like it has been a year full of great things, and I like to remind myself that despite my anxious thoughts, I did indeed live through another day and another attack. This has been my amazing year:
January- We rang in the New Year with some old friends. I say old in that I hate when you lose friends because they just can't be happy for you and the great changes in your life. I actually have lost 2 friends this year out of the blue for no apparent reason. I choose to believe they are missing out. We traveled to Milan the middle of January and saw some great sites. We also spent some quality time with our Italian landlords in their city. The Duomo, Last Supper, Sforza Castle...Milan was AMAZING!
February- D got a new job that brought much needed change to our lives. It meant that his schedule would allow us to see each other for 2 years. My fellow mil wives understand how much of a blessing this is. I am still in the clouds that my husband can be home and spend some time being a Daddy. Especially after his year long deployment in 2011. I am savoring this job because once his 2 years is up, I know it will be back to not seeing him much.
March- My Dad came to visit. It was a great trip and it melts my heart that we took him to see a place on his bucket list. Leipzig Germany. We saw the church where Bach played and is buried. Leipzig was a really nice city and we all had a great time. We also took my dad to Bavaria (Garmisch) for a few days. My son turned 6. We took him and my dad to Venezia for the day and Paw Paw treated him to multiple gelato! I really enjoyed the times my dad and I would walk to the cafe and enjoy a cappuccino together.
April- D and I teamed up and coached our son's T-Ball team. We were the White Sox (D is a HUGE Cardinals fan...ha!). It was a great time and soon became something we loved doing.
May- We seemed to be on a roll of traveling every 2 months, so we booked a weekend trip to San Marino. Unfortunately, my son brought home some sort of virus, and the week we were supposed to leave he passed it to me. It was the most PAINFUL muscle virus EVER!! I couldn't even move and D finally dragged me to the doctor. Since it was a virus, there was nothing they could do for me. My fever subsided on the last day we were to be on vacation (go figure) but my cough lasted for another week. 2 weeks later, D got it!
June- We were able to head to Lake Bled Slovenia for a weekend when school ended for our son. Our dog let us know he gets car sick on mountain roads..ugh! But Solvenia was beautiful and it was one of the best trips we have taken. We also hit up an awesome water park just an hour from our home. We had a lot of fun, minus the lovely Italian traffic headed to the beach in the summer.
July- July was HEAVEN. It was our 8 year anniversary and one of the very few we have been together for. The other was the 5th. Yep, we even missed the 1st. So we packed the car and kid and spent a week in the heart of Tuscany. We went to Siena, Cortona, Castellina in Chianti, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and stayed at a great agriturismo in Quercegrossa. I was the most calm I have ever been on vacation and I dream about that trip often!
August- Well, I turned a whole new decade. It was rough for me.....where did my 20's go? Our son played football and we layed low. August is a bad time to travel in Italy. But we did hit up the great water park again.
September- We took a 3 day weekend trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre. School started for both our son and myself and I got a job part time at the school.I hated Pisa and my anxiety did not help there. Arriving in Cinque Terre was just what I needed though. I can't say enough good things about this area. I should learn to start sharing pics on the blog more!
October- D's mom came to visit and we had a blast! We saw Sirmione and Bardolino (Lake Garda). Bardolina had a great wine fest. Glasses were only 1 Euro for refills! Both towns were beautiful and I am already planning our return. We also spent 2 days in Verona and touring a local olive oil production. Verona is now my favorite city in Italy. I loved every inch of Verona. When we arrived for our city tour in the morning, I was so sick with anxiety. But I was determined to see this city of love, and my anxiety stayed on the other side of Ponte Pietra. I have a love affair with Verona! I also coached youth soccer...it was a lot of fun.
November- We spent Thanksgiving with some new friends and had a great time. I love making new friends, and meeting new people in a small setting. I actually look forward to the new year with new friendships. However November was a rough month for me with school and other activities. I also had a friend in need that I gave my attention to. I wouldn't change a thing though. I believe in treating those you care about with the best care you would want. While it was tough, it taught me a lot about myself and what I am truly capable of. I hope I made a difference in this friends life.
December- This month is just a stressful month, Period! But I love that Italy is not consumed with the commercial side of Christmas. We didn't start seeing decorations until the first week after December. It was refreshing and renewed my love of Italy in December. December 2004 is when I first arrived in Italy. I will always have fond memories of Italy in December.
That's my year...whew!! This year I hope to continue to share with you the ups and downs (and surviving) life with anxiety. It comes in all forms, and hopefully me talking about it more will help me to see that it is a normal experience for the moment I am in. I also hope to highlight more of our travel this year. I am envious of the other expats that I read about with their great travel stories and pictures. What are your goals this year?
The problem with my two classes, is that I am a "yes" person. On top of my classes, I work part time, volunteer at different organizations around base, take my son to all of his activities, cook dinner (sometimes), wash dishes, laundry, clean house, and find time for a social life.
But tonight I am drinking away my last two months, and saying goodbye to the anxiety that has taken over my life roughly 6 weeks ago. It feels so good to know it didn't beat me this time. Although, I am feeling sad about the things I gave up in the last month and a half. When I get more anxious, I hide. I stay home, I stop doing the things I love, and I distance myself from the people I care most about.
So for the new year, I have made some resolutions that I want to work on. #1-Make time for ME! No more "yes". Sometimes, I have to say no. So I can make time for those people that matter. So I can focus on school, because it is my biggest goal and this is my last full year of classes. #2- Work on my physical strength. I exercise regularly, but I mostly focus on cardio. My goal is to do at LEAST one pullup. D tells me that I have to do pushups to build my strength. UGH!!! I HATE PUSH-UPS! For 3 months, pushups were punishment, and I just hate them (thank you Marine Corps boot camp). But I am determined. I know as I get older I need the muscle, and I really just want a focus other than school. So stay tuned with me this year to track my progress.
Speaking of this year.....I feel like it has been a year full of great things, and I like to remind myself that despite my anxious thoughts, I did indeed live through another day and another attack. This has been my amazing year:
January- We rang in the New Year with some old friends. I say old in that I hate when you lose friends because they just can't be happy for you and the great changes in your life. I actually have lost 2 friends this year out of the blue for no apparent reason. I choose to believe they are missing out. We traveled to Milan the middle of January and saw some great sites. We also spent some quality time with our Italian landlords in their city. The Duomo, Last Supper, Sforza Castle...Milan was AMAZING!
February- D got a new job that brought much needed change to our lives. It meant that his schedule would allow us to see each other for 2 years. My fellow mil wives understand how much of a blessing this is. I am still in the clouds that my husband can be home and spend some time being a Daddy. Especially after his year long deployment in 2011. I am savoring this job because once his 2 years is up, I know it will be back to not seeing him much.
March- My Dad came to visit. It was a great trip and it melts my heart that we took him to see a place on his bucket list. Leipzig Germany. We saw the church where Bach played and is buried. Leipzig was a really nice city and we all had a great time. We also took my dad to Bavaria (Garmisch) for a few days. My son turned 6. We took him and my dad to Venezia for the day and Paw Paw treated him to multiple gelato! I really enjoyed the times my dad and I would walk to the cafe and enjoy a cappuccino together.
April- D and I teamed up and coached our son's T-Ball team. We were the White Sox (D is a HUGE Cardinals fan...ha!). It was a great time and soon became something we loved doing.
May- We seemed to be on a roll of traveling every 2 months, so we booked a weekend trip to San Marino. Unfortunately, my son brought home some sort of virus, and the week we were supposed to leave he passed it to me. It was the most PAINFUL muscle virus EVER!! I couldn't even move and D finally dragged me to the doctor. Since it was a virus, there was nothing they could do for me. My fever subsided on the last day we were to be on vacation (go figure) but my cough lasted for another week. 2 weeks later, D got it!
June- We were able to head to Lake Bled Slovenia for a weekend when school ended for our son. Our dog let us know he gets car sick on mountain roads..ugh! But Solvenia was beautiful and it was one of the best trips we have taken. We also hit up an awesome water park just an hour from our home. We had a lot of fun, minus the lovely Italian traffic headed to the beach in the summer.
July- July was HEAVEN. It was our 8 year anniversary and one of the very few we have been together for. The other was the 5th. Yep, we even missed the 1st. So we packed the car and kid and spent a week in the heart of Tuscany. We went to Siena, Cortona, Castellina in Chianti, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and stayed at a great agriturismo in Quercegrossa. I was the most calm I have ever been on vacation and I dream about that trip often!
August- Well, I turned a whole new decade. It was rough for me.....where did my 20's go? Our son played football and we layed low. August is a bad time to travel in Italy. But we did hit up the great water park again.
September- We took a 3 day weekend trip to Pisa and Cinque Terre. School started for both our son and myself and I got a job part time at the school.I hated Pisa and my anxiety did not help there. Arriving in Cinque Terre was just what I needed though. I can't say enough good things about this area. I should learn to start sharing pics on the blog more!
October- D's mom came to visit and we had a blast! We saw Sirmione and Bardolino (Lake Garda). Bardolina had a great wine fest. Glasses were only 1 Euro for refills! Both towns were beautiful and I am already planning our return. We also spent 2 days in Verona and touring a local olive oil production. Verona is now my favorite city in Italy. I loved every inch of Verona. When we arrived for our city tour in the morning, I was so sick with anxiety. But I was determined to see this city of love, and my anxiety stayed on the other side of Ponte Pietra. I have a love affair with Verona! I also coached youth soccer...it was a lot of fun.
November- We spent Thanksgiving with some new friends and had a great time. I love making new friends, and meeting new people in a small setting. I actually look forward to the new year with new friendships. However November was a rough month for me with school and other activities. I also had a friend in need that I gave my attention to. I wouldn't change a thing though. I believe in treating those you care about with the best care you would want. While it was tough, it taught me a lot about myself and what I am truly capable of. I hope I made a difference in this friends life.
December- This month is just a stressful month, Period! But I love that Italy is not consumed with the commercial side of Christmas. We didn't start seeing decorations until the first week after December. It was refreshing and renewed my love of Italy in December. December 2004 is when I first arrived in Italy. I will always have fond memories of Italy in December.
That's my year...whew!! This year I hope to continue to share with you the ups and downs (and surviving) life with anxiety. It comes in all forms, and hopefully me talking about it more will help me to see that it is a normal experience for the moment I am in. I also hope to highlight more of our travel this year. I am envious of the other expats that I read about with their great travel stories and pictures. What are your goals this year?
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Normal Me....
All these posts about living anxiety, and you must think there is no way this girl is normal. She must be miserable, right? WRONG!
I live with anxiety, it does not control me, define me or ruin me (anymore)!
I am slowly finishing my degree in logistics management. I recently realized I like being around the little people, meaning kids, and now I am subbing at the local elementary school. I volunteer to coach youth sports. I also volunteer my time with a local philanthropic organization that gives back to the base in so many ways. I try to spend time in my sons classroom. I am a key spouse for D's squadron (because I remember that feeling of what it was like to not have anyone tell me where I could go to get out while my husband was away... I hope no military spouse EVER has to go through that).
I enjoy spending time with my boys, from hanging out at home to seeing the world. I love to read and nothing puts me in a good sleep like a book at bedtime. Except a few glasses of red wine ;)
I like good food, but I want someone else to cook it, I have no patience to stand over the stove for more than 30 minutes. I like to get a good workout in....makes me feel energized and accomplished. I love when I finish my home work by Wednesday. Lately the latter has been getting harder with my schedule.
I support my son and all his activities. I take him quite a few places that he enjoys or wants to be involved in. Most of the year that involves sports.
I like to get my hair did, paint my nails, dance, laugh, rearrange my house, pull weeds in the yard (weird I know, but it eases my obsessive compulsiveness! I like having a dog at home, but will never own a small dog again....mine is a mess!!!
I like the holidays and August. I was born to be a beach bum. Born in So Cal and raised on the coast of NC, there is no other place in the world I would rather be than at a beach.
I love getting away with just my husband. We learned the importance of taking time for us early enough in our marriage that we make it a high priority in our marriage. Of course I have convinced him the greatness of the ocean, so our grownup vacations usually take place right on the beach. A man who keeps his wife happy.....did I ever tell you how lucky I was ;)
Life is good....really good actually. I'm normal though and sometimes I am reminded of the struggles I have gone through to get to where I am today. There is no way I would enjoy this life without realizing how far away from the good I once was. It doesn't take much to make me happy. My anxiety doesn't knock me back down....it's simply an extra step I take some days.
What makes you happy? What do you enjoy most in your life?
I live with anxiety, it does not control me, define me or ruin me (anymore)!
I am slowly finishing my degree in logistics management. I recently realized I like being around the little people, meaning kids, and now I am subbing at the local elementary school. I volunteer to coach youth sports. I also volunteer my time with a local philanthropic organization that gives back to the base in so many ways. I try to spend time in my sons classroom. I am a key spouse for D's squadron (because I remember that feeling of what it was like to not have anyone tell me where I could go to get out while my husband was away... I hope no military spouse EVER has to go through that).
I enjoy spending time with my boys, from hanging out at home to seeing the world. I love to read and nothing puts me in a good sleep like a book at bedtime. Except a few glasses of red wine ;)
I like good food, but I want someone else to cook it, I have no patience to stand over the stove for more than 30 minutes. I like to get a good workout in....makes me feel energized and accomplished. I love when I finish my home work by Wednesday. Lately the latter has been getting harder with my schedule.
I support my son and all his activities. I take him quite a few places that he enjoys or wants to be involved in. Most of the year that involves sports.
I like to get my hair did, paint my nails, dance, laugh, rearrange my house, pull weeds in the yard (weird I know, but it eases my obsessive compulsiveness! I like having a dog at home, but will never own a small dog again....mine is a mess!!!
 |
| D calls him my Karma....he is an anxious mess and drives me crazy. But he is just too cute not to love! |
I love getting away with just my husband. We learned the importance of taking time for us early enough in our marriage that we make it a high priority in our marriage. Of course I have convinced him the greatness of the ocean, so our grownup vacations usually take place right on the beach. A man who keeps his wife happy.....did I ever tell you how lucky I was ;)
Life is good....really good actually. I'm normal though and sometimes I am reminded of the struggles I have gone through to get to where I am today. There is no way I would enjoy this life without realizing how far away from the good I once was. It doesn't take much to make me happy. My anxiety doesn't knock me back down....it's simply an extra step I take some days.
What makes you happy? What do you enjoy most in your life?
Success of the week!
When learning to live with anxiety and not allowing it to take over your life, I recommend celebrating any success. To some, your success many seem small, but you know how big it is to you.
I however, will celebrate at least one success with you every week!! This makes me excited. I hope in turn, you will share your success with me, and together we can create a positive environment for each other.
Last week, my success was conquering crowds. TWICE! The first crowd I encountered was taking my son to the local Christmas Tree lightning. Easy enough, and a place I am familiar with and comfortable at, the base.
The second was a volunteer conference I attended again at the base.
I always feel judged by people. GASP!!! I share a secret insecurity. Is this a common issue for women? I also just got my hair dyed darker, and I hate it. So there goes my confidence levels. I love to chat and meet new people. But lately, my social levels have dropped drastically.
Take my depleted confidence, diminishing social skills and anxiety levels through the roof, and you have a bad combo with crowds. But I told myself that I would not die, I was ok, and it would pass.
Both times, I enjoyed the event, for different reasons. But sticking with it and not running back to the car to go home was a major success this week!
What was YOUR success?
I however, will celebrate at least one success with you every week!! This makes me excited. I hope in turn, you will share your success with me, and together we can create a positive environment for each other.
Last week, my success was conquering crowds. TWICE! The first crowd I encountered was taking my son to the local Christmas Tree lightning. Easy enough, and a place I am familiar with and comfortable at, the base.
The second was a volunteer conference I attended again at the base.
I always feel judged by people. GASP!!! I share a secret insecurity. Is this a common issue for women? I also just got my hair dyed darker, and I hate it. So there goes my confidence levels. I love to chat and meet new people. But lately, my social levels have dropped drastically.
Take my depleted confidence, diminishing social skills and anxiety levels through the roof, and you have a bad combo with crowds. But I told myself that I would not die, I was ok, and it would pass.
Both times, I enjoyed the event, for different reasons. But sticking with it and not running back to the car to go home was a major success this week!
 |
| At times, this feels like..... |
 |
| THIS! |
Anxious Traveler
I recently told you about being an anxious traveler. I have tried to google tips to ease anxiety while traveling, but I come up empty handed. Through our travels, I have learned I do not care for large cities as much as I enjoy the slower countryside.
While in Milan back in January 2012, I felt pretty anxious about being in the city. There were cars, buses, trams, people, horns, sirens, people, sirens, people.......it was overwhelming. But I look back, and I survived. My most favorite structure in Italy is the Milano Duomo. There are no words to describe this place. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, you MUST! We also saw The Last Supper. A MAZE ING......really. One of the coolest experiences I had ever had in my life. It is something I will always remember.
Pisa was another anxiety trigger for me. I felt like I just couldn't enjoy the leaning tower. There were people, souvenir stands, and an ambulance arriving for an injured person. It was so much to take in. I feel like a two year old who is overstimulated. Yet on that same trip, I loved every minute of Cinque Terre. Being outdoors is very calming. But also having space to walk and enjoy the area makes all the difference.
We also traveled to places that I have felt so calm and comfortable in. Siena and the Chianti Region, Lake Bled Slovenia, Leipzig Germany, and Bavaria. There is just something about middle Tuscany that makes you feel at piece. It is hands down my favorite vacation we have ever taken. We do travel a lot. I have had to learn to tell myself that I will be ok when I become anxious. It also helps to have an understanding travel buddy.
Most importantly, I feel much stronger and more brave. It sounds very cliche, but it is so true. When I have defeated my anxiety, I know I am in control. I have a cloud nine feeling and at that very moment I want to conquer the world. It's a great feeling that lasts for awhile.
I would love to share the few pictures I have of our vacations. I don't like to see the world through a camera lens, but rather my own eyes. I have tons of pictures in my mind. I will share them with you soon though...so stay tuned! You will be able to travel through me vicariously.
Meanwhile, what do you do when you feel overwhelmed while traveling? Do you get nervous at the thought of traveling?
Trust me when I say it is 100% worth your worry. The things you will see and do can never be done online or on your couch. After a year and a half, I have swallowed my fears and traveled to these great places:
Germany:
Bavaria, Leipzig
Italy:
Milan, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Venice, Nove, Marostica, Pordenone, Verona, Siena, San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Monteriggioni, and many other small towns and villages. Last time we lived in Italy, D and I saw Florence, Rome and numerous trips to Venice.
Slovenia:
Lake Bled
2013 will take us back to Rome, Salzburg Austria, Amalfi Coast and most likely back to Bavaria as well. Bavaria is one of our favorite places to visit. Must be in thebeer blood.
While in Milan back in January 2012, I felt pretty anxious about being in the city. There were cars, buses, trams, people, horns, sirens, people, sirens, people.......it was overwhelming. But I look back, and I survived. My most favorite structure in Italy is the Milano Duomo. There are no words to describe this place. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, you MUST! We also saw The Last Supper. A MAZE ING......really. One of the coolest experiences I had ever had in my life. It is something I will always remember.
Pisa was another anxiety trigger for me. I felt like I just couldn't enjoy the leaning tower. There were people, souvenir stands, and an ambulance arriving for an injured person. It was so much to take in. I feel like a two year old who is overstimulated. Yet on that same trip, I loved every minute of Cinque Terre. Being outdoors is very calming. But also having space to walk and enjoy the area makes all the difference.
We also traveled to places that I have felt so calm and comfortable in. Siena and the Chianti Region, Lake Bled Slovenia, Leipzig Germany, and Bavaria. There is just something about middle Tuscany that makes you feel at piece. It is hands down my favorite vacation we have ever taken. We do travel a lot. I have had to learn to tell myself that I will be ok when I become anxious. It also helps to have an understanding travel buddy.
Most importantly, I feel much stronger and more brave. It sounds very cliche, but it is so true. When I have defeated my anxiety, I know I am in control. I have a cloud nine feeling and at that very moment I want to conquer the world. It's a great feeling that lasts for awhile.
I would love to share the few pictures I have of our vacations. I don't like to see the world through a camera lens, but rather my own eyes. I have tons of pictures in my mind. I will share them with you soon though...so stay tuned! You will be able to travel through me vicariously.
Meanwhile, what do you do when you feel overwhelmed while traveling? Do you get nervous at the thought of traveling?
Trust me when I say it is 100% worth your worry. The things you will see and do can never be done online or on your couch. After a year and a half, I have swallowed my fears and traveled to these great places:
Germany:
Bavaria, Leipzig
Italy:
Milan, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Venice, Nove, Marostica, Pordenone, Verona, Siena, San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti, Monteriggioni, and many other small towns and villages. Last time we lived in Italy, D and I saw Florence, Rome and numerous trips to Venice.
 |
| Cinque Terre-Riomaggiore |
 |
| Holding Pisa- How else are you supposed to pose?! |
 |
| Verona |
 |
| Siena Duomo |
 |
| San Gimignano-Looking out over Tuscany |
 |
| Chinati Classico & Olive Oil tasting |
Slovenia:
Lake Bled
 |
| Lake Bled Slovenia |
2013 will take us back to Rome, Salzburg Austria, Amalfi Coast and most likely back to Bavaria as well. Bavaria is one of our favorite places to visit. Must be in the
My cup runneth over....
I used to "follow" a page on social media. It was an anxiety page. It sounded great; a place where those with anxiety could connect and share stories. Roughly one week later, I "unliked" the page. I just couldn't do it. Every story was: poor me, I CAN'T, I just know it won't work....or the best one, you just don't know what I'm going through. People with anxiety should NOT be around Negative Nancy's!! The side effects of anxiety can easily bring on depression. There is nothing worse for depression than negative statements. I had gotten the help I needed, and try to live a positive life regularly. These people just wanted to dwell in their own sorrow. It was not only sad, but sickening.
These same observations I made on this particular anxiety page also exists on many social groups around our base. I was blown away by the lack of morale when we came back for our second tour in Italy.
The first thing we noticed when we arrived were the many great changes the base has made. Of course, if you are living in the current 3 years of your tour, you wouldn't notice these changes. However, if you stopped to "smell the roses", you might just be surprised.
The number one thing that someone must remember when arriving to a foreign country....it is NOT America. PERIOD! On the plus side, Italy is also not a third world country. Just because life is slower and not on your schedule, does not mean it "sucks" or the Italian people are incompetent. They enjoy life, there is nothing that has to get done right this second. Americans should try that concept out sometimes ;)
I hear the "there is nothing to do here" comment a lot. Sure, we do not live in a big city, but we are only 1 hour away from some of the most popular and important places in the WORLD! 1 HOUR......how can you be bored with nothing to do?
Not up for an hour away, how about exploring the local area. You can drive right behind base and check out a local vineyard. An English speaking person is there, and he would gladly give you a lesson in wine while you enjoy a glass or two.
Have you ever gone to a restaurant outside of a 5 mile radius of the base? What about skipping the food court for a traditional Italian pizza pie......shopping in a nearby town or even better, checking out YOUR local market.
I am an anxious traveler. I will not go many places alone here, for a few reasons. Being an American in a foreign country can be freighting at times, and the language barrier can be intimidating. I have tried to learn as much I could about the basic Italian language to help ease this concern. I will go to the local markets alone. They are safe, and you are sure to see a familiar face. It is also a great way to establish local relationships. Not to mention you can find the best produce around at a local market.
I also enjoy going to the markets and shopping with friends here. I make time for the ladies in my life to enjoy a cappuccino at a local cafe. Most people, including myself, stay pretty busy with work, volunteering, and other obligations. Finding time to enjoy your tour is so important. They provide memories that can never be replaced.
Life is different here, but definitely not worth complaining about. I'm sure it exists at a lot of bases. Maybe because this base is so small it is more prevalent?
No matter where you live, what do enjoy most about your town? My point is....get out, experience your local area wherever you are. Find something that is worth enjoying. Get off social media and get out! Let the Debbie Downers stay in their negative world and don't let them suck you in!
These same observations I made on this particular anxiety page also exists on many social groups around our base. I was blown away by the lack of morale when we came back for our second tour in Italy.
The first thing we noticed when we arrived were the many great changes the base has made. Of course, if you are living in the current 3 years of your tour, you wouldn't notice these changes. However, if you stopped to "smell the roses", you might just be surprised.
The number one thing that someone must remember when arriving to a foreign country....it is NOT America. PERIOD! On the plus side, Italy is also not a third world country. Just because life is slower and not on your schedule, does not mean it "sucks" or the Italian people are incompetent. They enjoy life, there is nothing that has to get done right this second. Americans should try that concept out sometimes ;)
I hear the "there is nothing to do here" comment a lot. Sure, we do not live in a big city, but we are only 1 hour away from some of the most popular and important places in the WORLD! 1 HOUR......how can you be bored with nothing to do?
Not up for an hour away, how about exploring the local area. You can drive right behind base and check out a local vineyard. An English speaking person is there, and he would gladly give you a lesson in wine while you enjoy a glass or two.
Have you ever gone to a restaurant outside of a 5 mile radius of the base? What about skipping the food court for a traditional Italian pizza pie......shopping in a nearby town or even better, checking out YOUR local market.
I am an anxious traveler. I will not go many places alone here, for a few reasons. Being an American in a foreign country can be freighting at times, and the language barrier can be intimidating. I have tried to learn as much I could about the basic Italian language to help ease this concern. I will go to the local markets alone. They are safe, and you are sure to see a familiar face. It is also a great way to establish local relationships. Not to mention you can find the best produce around at a local market.
I also enjoy going to the markets and shopping with friends here. I make time for the ladies in my life to enjoy a cappuccino at a local cafe. Most people, including myself, stay pretty busy with work, volunteering, and other obligations. Finding time to enjoy your tour is so important. They provide memories that can never be replaced.
Life is different here, but definitely not worth complaining about. I'm sure it exists at a lot of bases. Maybe because this base is so small it is more prevalent?
No matter where you live, what do enjoy most about your town? My point is....get out, experience your local area wherever you are. Find something that is worth enjoying. Get off social media and get out! Let the Debbie Downers stay in their negative world and don't let them suck you in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)