Dooley Noted: 1/30/2015
As I write this, I’m en route to London.
We were in the middle of a snowstorm that was tossing the plane about in uncomfortable directions.
I felt adrenaline surge through my veins.
It’s involuntary. My body sensed danger.
Adrenaline is sympathetic – the ironic nickname for this is a “fight or flight” response.
Your pulse races.
Your breath quickens.
Your eyes dilate.
The plane tossed. Passengers gasped and made sounds of fear.
All I could think about was my airway.
I left my thoughts of possible danger and simply counted.
Inhale for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Exhale for 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
As people became unraveled around me, I felt a strange calm.
I tried to make eye contact with any of them to let them know with a smile that it’s okay – that we’re okay.
But no one met my gaze.
So I breathed for everyone that couldn’t breathe on that plane.
It was a long eleven minutes of turbulence.
But I learned from it.
I learned that in a bind, you’re on your own to keep yourself calm. No one can do that for you.
And when the incredibly powerful adrenaline you store releases on its own, it’s your job to break it down.
You’re in charge.
You’ve always been in charge.
So, take charge.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley