While traveling up in the air, staring down the fear in the window cloud reflection
As a nervous flyer, I usually ask for an aisle seat. The thought of a window seat scares me for two reasons. First, I do not like feeling trapped. On long flights, especially, it is most difficult if seated at the window to get up, stretch one’s legs and head to the restroom. Second, by being seated at the window I am forced to see what could be wrong. Meaning, I have to face the thunderstorms and raging clouds and winds head on. This is all, of course, both literally and figuratively speaking.
I have been doing extensive business travel for the past ten years. Each flight instilled a higher level of fear. Once I gave birth, the fear within my chest swelled to even greater heights.
Lately, I have been seated in the window seat with greater frequency as I often get those last minute business/first class upgrades. As such, seat preferences fly out the window (sort of speak). They have been seating me at the window. Thus, the irony of being upgrading. By getting a so-called perk, I’m forced to confront my fears my readily.
I could easily leave the window shades down and occasionally I do so. However, I have been pushing myself to leave the shades up. I have been staring down the fear in my reflection.
Here is a photo that I took from my window seat as we were landing at Laguardia airport. I stared down at the beauty. The clouds in all their reflection look beautiful and whimsical. The soft rippling waters are calming and in we went for a soft landing.
Inspired by the weekly Photo Challenge: reflection
Other thoughts:
Categories: new york, Psychology, Travel, work
psychologistmimi 
I hate flying so this makes me shiver
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I know the feeling 🙂 thanks for sharing. have a great weekend
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I haven’t flown since I was 16 years old. I have to go on a flight this June and I’m freaking out. I’ve been told so many horror stories. My fear is getting on the wrong plane, having them check me and not know where to get my bags. LOL…
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Oh wow! thanks for sharing. well, if you enjoy drinking I recommend a cocktail before hand 🙂
I know everyone says flying is extremely safe and I get that cognitively. However the fear is still there. I take one of my son’s toys with me and always hold onto it as the plane takes off.
bets of luck with your flight this summer. My fingers will be crossed for you to have a safe uneventful flight 🙂
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I feel bad for you having to fly so much and having it bother you every time. 😦
janet
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Thanks. I know it’s crazy I keep doing this job. I see flying as a necessary evil that gets me to places I love. Sigh. Thanks for stopping by
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You’re very brave to have to face your fears so often. You wouldn’t want to know about the flight experiences that I’ve had. My ex’s family had a little Cessna and he had his pilot’s license. I’ve been through some really scary flights in bad weather. I never mind flying commercially, but I’m done with little planes!
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Oh my. those small planes drive me super batty. Lok
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Thanks for sharing. I’m scared of heights but do ok on planes.
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