I was worried about getting lost

(Chapter 11 Stress and Anxiety in my book)

Tonight, I attended a walk fundraiser for an association. I started the evening by driving to my friend’s home, so that I could ride with her to the event. This was held at a veteran’s park and I do remember being there while attending a previous walk.

Because I live with a memory impairment, there are things that are more challenging for me than for most people. We got there very early so we walked around to see all the vendors. Sometime before the walk, I needed to use the porta potty. I was sitting with five friends and I asked them where the porta potties were. I had seen them when we first arrived, but I had no idea where they were now. One of my friends pointed in the direction of where they were. I said, “thanks, but I sure hope that I can get there and then find my way back here.” He told me to just follow the path. As I walked towards the porta potties, I took note of things around me. I noticed two bouncy houses, so I tried to remember that I needed to pass them again on the way back.

I was able to find my way to the porta potties and as I was walking back to my friends, I counted one bouncy house on my left, then the second one. A short time later, I saw my friends and I was able to make my way there. I wish that something this simple wasn't so stressful for me to do.

In thinking about this, I think the next time this happens, I will ask a friend to go with me. It will lesson my anxiety about finding my way back and that will be less stressful for me.