McElle’s Emetophobia Journey

“My Emetophobia-Free Journey”

“Coach Lauren and the Thrive Programme changed my life.

The old me was scared of everyone, worried about what others thought of me constantly. Everything felt like a threat and that I needed to protect myself and everyone close to me from getting sick all the time.

I consistently looked for evidence to support my safety. Things like big family events were so scary to me and I would spend days after checking the littlest signs confirming I didn’t’ get sick from being around people.

Recently we traveled to a family wedding. It was everything old me was petrified of-flying, traveling, eating out, being around lots of people, loss of control…and it was my first trip with my baby who was 8 months old.

It took about 5 minutes on that plane ride when I looked over at her and saw her- seatbelt in mouth- to realize any control I thought I had was out the window. Relinquishing that control and letting her explore, having others hold her, play with her, let her swim in the ocean and pool and experience new things felt so hard. But I realized that I could tolerate the discomfort of it all. I only desired that control because I felt like I couldn’t handle the what ifs. But I let myself try something new- what if I could handle it?

It wasn’t “easy” but I learned so much about myself on this trip and how much I let emetophobia run my life previously.

And now everything is bigger, brighter and beautiful. Even the littlest things. And my daughter gets to have such a beautiful and big life because emetephobia doesn’t dictate every little thing I do, and how I interact with her. Doesn’t stop me from letting others hold her, from taking her out in public, from learning and growing myself to be the best version of myself I can be.

I have watched my inner voice change and how proud I am of myself. Before, I thought loving myself and self confidence was either self centered and egotistical or completely unobtainable. Now, I think to myself constantly how proud of myself I am and how far I’ve come. As great as it is for others to recognize the growth- I recognize and appreciate it all on my own.

I cannot wait to see the growth that is to come. I cannot recommend working with Lauren enough. Coach Lauren gave me (and my family) my life back. Thank you is not a strong enough sentiment!”