Normally I am at least a little stressed out getting my own car to go anywhere outside of my normal routine. But I just realized I spent the past week going tp 7 different car dealers, test-driving multiple cars, choosing random routes to drive, all while holding a conversation with the salesman (impressive multi-tasking) who I just met, and I’ve not had any anxiety.
However, I am exhausted, and overwhelmed by all the screens and technology in newer cars. But it has been nice, NOT having to put the clutch in every time I stop and constantly thinking about what gear I’m in (that reduces anxiety and multi-tasking).
My conclusion is: I am capable of adapting to and tolerating anything. I’ve always just driven whatever is available- my parent’s mini-van, a car I was given, friend’s cars, 15 passenger van, beat-up pick-up truck. But for the past 12 years, I’ve only driven Duane’s Subaru. Now for the first time in my life, I get to chose! But I hate change, so just give me our old car back, 
life will return to normal, and I’ll resume complaining about how much I hate stick-shift. Basically I want my same car, but not stick-shift.
Some favorite quotes from various car salesmen:
“You can drive as fast as you want, as long as you pay the ticket.”
“You can’t scare me, I ride with people who test drive cars, the only thing worse is driving instructor.”
“That is not a center turning lane.” 😳
Yes, I noticed cars coming straight towards me. I responded quickly and calmly veered back into my lane. I let the cars pass before making my left-hand turn. Then we continued on our way, as if hadn’t almost driven a new Bronco into a head-on collision with on-coming traffic.
But it seems like the type of situation where adrenaline should kick in. Or maybe my perception of “normal” adrenaline is actually over-reactive? Or maybe I have such bad adrenal fatigue that my adrenaline doesn’t kick in at all anymore.
A friend asked what I’ve been doing to reduce anxiety – brain retraining therapy (Tomatis and Neurofeedback), and 3 years of inner healing work / counseling – Souls Like Stars, Reclaiming your Story with Wyndi Nelson, Soul Care with Allison Zimmerman, and Emerge Intensive at The Stirring… and probably some other things I’m not thinking of 🤷♀️
