Recently, we flew through a massive lightening storm when landing in Sardinia. 

For me, this is not my first storm mid-air, or extreme turbulence I have experienced. I’ve shared the emergency landing I experienced at age 16 and the extent of the trauma it left me with. But luckily, this time was different. 

A few years ago, I learnt about positive affirmations; the practise of repeating positive words or phrases. They date back thousands of years and are practiced in cultures and religions all over the world. 

I never truly understood the power of positive affirmations until I began using them to cope with panic attacks, stress and anxiety; particularly when flying. 

Our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is our internal protective mechanism; if we perceive a thread, it initiates a reaction commonly understood as the fight, flight, or freeze response.

A situation that is perceived to be life threatening (it may, or may not actually be) sets off internal signals. We then create a “trauma response” to that situation. For situations in the future that trigger this same feeling, a memory or similar situation from a traumatic experience, our body sends off those internal signals that “this situation is not safe”. As individuals, we would react to the same situation differently based on our other neurological pathways and trauma response. 

But what if we were able to understand the pathways we have created and re-wire them so when we’re in high stress, or perceived life threatening situations, it doesn’t trigger a trauma response, or the response is not as negative as previously 🤯

I have done a lot of inner-work to understand and release trauma held in the body. One of the most beneficial and easiest tools I use is positive affirmations. 

About 2 years ago, when I felt anxious before and during flights, I began repeating

When there is turbulence, I repeat the affirmation “I am safe, I am happy, I am calm”. At times, I’ve been so scared I’ve cried, but still internally repeated these words. 

Now, months on, I truly believe I have re-wired my brain and it’s trauma response. I have re-wired old neurological pathways to create new ones. Now, when there is turbulence, without thinking about it my brain starts to repeat “I am safe, I am happy, I am calm”. The response is automatic and is much more enjoyable than the old pattern of “I’m about to die”. 

Don’t get me wrong, I still have moments of sweaty palms and a fast beating heart but with my internal dialogue repeating positive affirmations, I am able to easily self-regulate. 

Who else here uses positive affirmations? More commonly, looking in the mirror and telling yourself positive affirmations helps to empower you, increase your self worth and confidence!

Any questions about positive affirmations, or fear of flying, feel free to ask them in the comments below 🙏 

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Kefalonia is part of the Ionian islands in Greece and is filled with amazing beaches, food and people! You can drive around the whole island with amazing hidden beaches and towns.

Transport: There are infrequent local buses. Taxis are available but quite expensive. Your best mode of transport is to hire a car. 

Where to stay:

• The main town is in Argostoli. Filled with restaurants, shops, cafes and is by the water. If you don’t have a car this is a good central location to be. 
  
• Lassi is close to the airport and is popular for tourists. There are restaurants and beaches close by, also a good option if you don’t have a car. 
  
• If you have a car, Luxouri requires a small ferry from Argostoli to Luxouri but is a nice smaller and quieter area to stay. I have a friend here who manages houses if you would like to stay in this area. 
  
• Lourdas beach is about 20 minutes from the airport. It has a beautiful beach with restaurants along it. It’s ideal to have a car in this location. 

What to do:

• Kefalonia is known for it’s beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular include Mytros beach. You will need a car to access this. 
  
• We did a day drive around the west of the island stopping at Mytros, Assos (a cute town with colourful buildings, a beach and restaurants) Empasili beach and Fiskardo. I’d recommend all of these. 
  
• On the east side of the island is Sami which is another port. You can do day trips from here to other islands, there are also restaurants along the water. Close by is Antisamos beach which has a beach bar, crystal clear water and great vibes! 
  
• If you want to treat yourself, Alexandra is a mobile masseuse and she is amazing. She was very intuitive about areas of my body and able to give me some tips for my pain areas. She lives in Argostoli or can come to you. Will link her in the comments. 
  
• There is horse riding available 
  
• Mountain hikes (Mt Anios) and paragliding over Myrtos beach
  
• Boat trips to near by caves or islands. 
  
• Zakyanthos is a 1.5 hour boat ride from Kefalonia. 
  
• The ferry runs from Argostoli to Luxouri every half hour in high season. This is a really cute 20 minute ride to the other side of the island. You can drive a car on too and it’s very cheap. 

Where to eat:

• There are loads of amazing restaurants!
  
• Lorraine’s Magic Hill in Lourdas is my #1 pick for restaurants. It has an amazing view over the beach but the food is the real winner. Lorraine owns a farm and most of her produce is her own including the meat, feta and freshly baked bread. It’s a family run business with the best hospitality we have experienced in a long time.
  
• At Lourdas beach we go to Taverna Lovidis because they have free sun beds and reasonably priced food (and gyros 🥙)
  
• Luxouri has a really cute square right where you get off at the port. If you don’t have a car this would be cute for a date night. VS restaurant on the left of the square is good. There are a few shops, an ice cream store and a chocolate shop hidden at the back that you should check out. 
  
• Captain Nikolaos is near Luxouri, very secluded with a beautiful view. 
  
• Argostoli has heaps of restaurants along the water and in the square. K63 bar restaurant is good.