Congrats on conquering your fears!!
It's not silly at all- in fact, it'll be such an empowering thing that you're facing it head on. Good for you!

+1 on looking away

I always also ask for 2 ice packs- one for the front of my chest/neck and one for the back of my neck. I have gotten light headed in the past from donating, and after blacking out once (many years ago), I always do this. I don't know that it's really necessary now (I think I was really dehydrated that day), but I think it's more mental than anything. If I know they're there, I never have a problem.
I also drink a gatorade while I'm donating to make sure I'm putting something in my belly during the process.

And the thing that grosses me out the most? The warm tube that lays on your arm leading down to the bag gathering the blood. That oooges me out more than anything (even more than the needle). I usually put a couple kleenexes under that spot so the warm tube o' blood isn't touching my skin. Man- that makes me sound like I have serious mental issuues, huh?