Fear Not

Well, it's official. I've definitely changed. 

Somewhere between my younger self and pushing 30 I became so afraid of things. I always had little quirky fears like lizards and man sandals, but today while heading to Baltimore for the day on a work trip I started to break into a complete panic attack as I approached the Fort McHenry tunnel. It's inevitable that you have to go through this mile and a half or so if you want to continue into Maryland toward DC from Interstate 95. The last time I did this my foot shook on the gas pedal but I sang at the top of my lungs to distract myself. This time I was paralyzed. I go through it often with John driving to visit his brother in VA and am OK but by myself it's different. I just wish I understood why all the sudden this is something I think I can't do.

So today I pulled off at an exit to use the bathroom about two miles from the tunnel and actually figured out a way I could get to downtown Baltimore without having to pass through the dumb thing. I was so proud of myself and it really only tacked an extra 10 minutes onto my drive. I did the same thing going home. Embarrassing, yes, but tonight I'm relaxed and some days that's all I can ask for.