Preparing for possibility.....

There are many sources of information out there on what steps women can take to make themselves less of a target.  I suggest that you read some articles and find what fits best with your personality.  There are few people comfortable with knowing how they would react in a situation with imminent danger.  We all like to think we know, but we really don't.  When threatened, we are adrenaline driven and act without thinking.  Will I freeze or fight?  Will I punch or cry?  These are questions, thankfully, for which most people never find answers.  I would like to think that I would find a way out..to not be a victim.  To this end, I give myself some tools to help me be the person I want to be.

Most women think that items used for personal defense are always "weapons" and this goes against the way that they see the world, so these women do nothing to prepare themselves.  This is not a true statement.  Many times, what is most needed is a "head start".  Potential attackers usually have the element of surprise, we need to take that back!  A very loud noise or a bright light directly into an attacker's eyes can return the edge to you.  Violence does not always have to be met with violence.  

I carry a flashlight (9 led super bright) in my car.  It stays in the center console, and I make a point to use it a few times a week.  I check under the seat for potentially missing items, in the corners of the trunk, just random tasks. I was surprised at how often I used it after making it easily available. Doing this creates muscle memory.  I need to remember that it is there when I am not able to process my thoughts.  It is quite bright and can temporarily impair vision when shone directly into the eyes, giving me a split second of surprise.  This is a very inexpensive way to boost my feeling of safety and self-reliance.  

I also have a Flat Kubaton keychain.  It adds some heft to my keys and gives me a feeling of empowerment when walking alone.  Fear can make you freeze instead of act.  A feeling of empowerment helps me overcome that fear with a touch of confidence.  One hard hit in the thigh, knee, or face can shock an attacker to release a hold long enough for me to escape.

My first instinct is not to cause damage.  My first instinct is to remove myself from the cause of danger, to get away.  The items that I carry are for that purpose.  I need just enough force to get away.  Attackers think that they have the advantage, I prepare myself to take it back, and level the field.