Overcoming Anxiety: How I Conquered My Fear of Driving

Anxiety has a way of taking something as simple as driving and turning it into a terrifying, impossible task. For years, I struggled with a deep fear of getting behind the wheel. I wasn’t just nervous—I was paralyzed. My stomach would twist into knots at the thought of driving. My hands would shake at the idea of making a mistake on the road. My mind ran wild with worst-case scenarios: What if I crash? What if I go the wrong way? What if I can’t control the car?

But where did this fear come from?

Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, my family relied heavily on the train and bus system, so driving wasn’t a necessity. But my mother still had a car, and when she drove, I saw things that left a lasting impression. I remember sitting in the passenger seat, hearing her panic, “Oh my gosh, I’m driving on the wrong side of the street!” or seeing her narrowly avoid accidents. She wasn’t a bad driver—she was just under pressure, navigating a busy city while trying to get us where we needed to go. But as a child, I absorbed her fear and mistakes like a sponge.

When we moved to Alabama, everything changed. The public transportation system wasn’t as reliable, and driving was no longer optional—it was a necessity. My mother had to drive everywhere, and the more I watched, the more my anxiety grew. I saw her make risky turns, drive through red lights by mistake, and react in sheer panic. That fear settled deep into my bones, convincing me that driving was dangerous and overwhelming. To make matters worse, I witnessed several car accidents firsthand and was even involved in one before I ever got my license. That only solidified my belief that I was not meant to drive.

So, I avoided it. For years. I let anxiety win. I found excuses, relied on others, and convinced myself that I didn’t need to drive. But deep down, I knew I was holding myself back.

The Day I Decided to Face My Fear

At 27 years old, something clicked. I was tired of being dependent. I was tired of the fear dictating my life. And I was tired of feeling weak. So, I made the choice to heal.

That’s when I leaned into my own H.E.A.L. Method:

• H - Hold space for the fear. Instead of running from it, I acknowledged it. I sat with it. I journaled about why I was so afraid. I gave myself permission to feel anxious, but I refused to let it control me.

• E - Evaluate the truth. I asked myself: Is every driver in the world crashing all the time? No. Are people out here driving confidently every day? Yes. So why not me?

• A - Align with action. I signed up for driving lessons, practiced in empty parking lots, and slowly built up confidence on the road.

• L - Let go and move forward. The fear was still there, but I learned to push through it. The more I drove, the quieter the fear became. And now? I drive everywhere, confidently and freely.

You Can Overcome Your Anxiety Too

Whatever fear is holding you back—whether it’s driving, public speaking, starting a business, or making a life change—you have the power to heal. You are stronger than you think. Look back at all the obstacles you’ve already overcome in life. That’s proof that you can push through this too.

But here’s the key: You have to do the work.

Anxiety won’t magically disappear overnight. But step by step, choice by choice, you can reclaim your power. And when you do, freedom is waiting for you on the other side.

If anxiety is something you struggle with, I have a FREE HEAL Anxiety Worksheet that can help you navigate through it. Download it now at [your website link] and take the first step toward overcoming your fears.

And if you’re ready for a deeper transformation, join me at the Visualization, Release & Receive Retreat—a space where you can heal, grow, and step into the life you deserve.

You’ve got this. You are powerful. You are capable. And I’m rooting for you.

- Gwen