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It is now official that I will fly over to Walsall for the season finale against Swindon Town. This trip will be my second visit to England but my first visit to Walsall and Bescot Stadium. My first visit to England was when we played the EFL Trophy final at Wembley in 2015.
I’ve been a supporter of this club since 1996/97 and have wanted to go over every season since, but it took over 20 seasons before I finally found the courage to do it.
Anxiety reason I haven’t visited
The reason why I haven’t come over earlier is that I am suffering from social anxiety. I know how much attention this will bring to me. I dislike being the centre of attention. That is one reason I hesitated. Last year I decided to take help from a psychologist to try and find ways to handle my anxiety problem. The therapy has helped, but it will never go away totally. Today I feel much more secure in myself, and my self-confidence has increased big time.
Therapy has helped me
The help I got from the therapy sessions is the main reason why I feel comfortable enough to get over to Walsall alone, but at the same time, it is scary as hell, and I am very nervous with a touch of anxiety.
I keep telling myself other people do this all the time, why shouldn’t I be able to do it? I pump myself with positive energy and thoughts. I have just over a month to prepare myself mentally for this trip, and it is a big step outside my comfort zone. In the end, it will be a positive experience.
I’ve got a lot of encouragement since I announced my plans to come over in May. That is one of the reasons I love this club so much because the fans create a familiar and welcoming atmosphere. I’m sure I will be taken care of and looked after in the best possible way.
No plans other than watching the match
I have no made-up plans for my trip other than the match on Saturday. I arrive at Birmingham Airport around 8 am on Friday, May 6th. I will have to find out what to do in Birmingham. All I know right now is I can’t check in at the hotel until 3 pm. I have plenty of time to do CBT sessions for my social anxiety. There are more opportunities for this on Sunday since my flight back to Sweden is early Monday morning.
Ever since I decided to confirm the purchase of the flight tickets yesterday, I felt this was the right decision. I should have made it 10-15 years ago!
Comment on my Facebook page or my Twitter (@perstener) if you have any suggestions on what to visit while in Birmingham.
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