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An Open Letter To The Anxiety Consumed New Driver

It's okay to feel anxious, you are not alone.

Meaghan Lawlor

Jul 15, 2017

Lehigh Valley, PA

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An Open Letter To The Anxiety Consumed New Driver

Vogue

Dear Beginner Drivers,

Regardless if you are 15, 16, starting off with a driver's permit, or 20 like me, driving is difficult, but a lot of fun & even rewarding. There's nothing like the unique freedom of being behind the wheel in the driver's seat. Being able to drive is thrilling and liberating.

Even though I decided to start a little later than the typical "16 year-old-stage," (due to my anxieties & fears of crashing), I don't regret it. I'm happy I waited so I could appreciate it more. Waiting also helped me be a more cautious & aware beginning driver.

Depending on your comfort level, it may be easier to start slow, by finding an empty parking lot, or even perhaps going on some back roads. Experiment with whatever is easiest for you. If you have anxiety with driving, start small. It's okay to take it slow. Taking small steps to become comfortable being behind the steering wheel will only set you up for success.

Once you are comfortable and past the fear of simply sitting in the driver's seat for the first time, make sure you can see around you. This means adjust your rear view & side mirrors. This helps so you can see if there is traffic at your sides and behind you. It helps give you more of an awareness on the road, especially if you're not used to looking around you while you're driving. This is a a skill that will take time to master.

When you start driving on the road, staying alert and being attentive to what is going around you is very important. It may seem like a lot at first, but you will get used to it as you continue to practice driving, wherever it may be.

I don't know if this advice will quell your worries, but I want you to know that it may seem scary and anxiety-ridden, but try to ease into it. Take it step by step. Have a good friend, parent, or even your boyfriend/girlfriend/S.O. be there to help & guide you the best way they can. I know you can do it. Remember, it is not about how long or how short it takes you to get to your destination, but the journey.

Sincerely,

A Fellow Beginner Driver - slowly getting over her fears.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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An Open Letter To The Anxiety Consumed New Driver

It's okay to feel anxious, you are not alone.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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