meet my fear of sharks, face to face

I have this insane fear of sharks. I think it could possibly be a phobia, if there is even one. I dream about them ( more like nightmares), I think about them during the day. When I see one on tv I automatically change the channel. I must admit though that there is a minuscule part of me that is fascinated by them. I often find myself switching the channel back over it a few times, just to see if I can catch a glimpse of one. I dont know if it is the fear itself that attracts me, and also yet pushes me away. My friends and family are all also aware of this phobia of mine, and have come accumtomed to know not to watch Jaws around me. The music itself sets me off into a panic attack. My heart beats faster and I actually get into a cold sweat. I know this is not healthy…. but I truly want to face my fear. I want to get in there and be inches away from a huge shark. Weather or not I will ever actually do this is really up in the air. I think I am going to start this summer. I think I am going to take a trip to Ripley’s aquarium. We will see how well that goes.