I had my first out of three days of self-defense class today. I feel tired, jittery, and confident:). I took the class mainly because I run. I do my best to run where there is high visibility, with someone, and during daylight, but sometimes you can't have all that. Alternatively, I can run on a treadmill, but due to an injury and the fact it is a treadmill, treadmills are really my last resort. Even in the supposedly safe neighborhood, it's not always that safe. A fellow runner informed that a place I sometimes run at is not that safe. How annoying, unforunate, and disturbing!
One thing I learned well today was how to yell out "NO!" This is your first defense. I've always known that I could yell loudly, but I never had an opportunity to do it or really needed to do it. On second thought, one morning when I was walking to work, this guy shoved me against the wall. I was in shock and didn't know how to respond. It was broad daylight with cars driving by, but no one saw. Thankfully, he didn't do anything worse. Yelling "NO!" would have come in handy that morning. I'm glad I'm learning this now. It's never too late to learn how to protect yourself and to be prepared. I do have a headache from all the yelling today, but I feel more confident, which is a great thing!
It's an unforunate society we live in. Sometimes, I do feel exhausted feeling like I have to be on my guard when I'm walking to and from work. I don't think I'm overly cautious to the point of being paranoid, but more on the side of "better safe than sorry". I really don't like that saying. A few times, I've asked security guards to walk me out or in college having escorts back to my dorm. I was felt stupid and apologetic aftewards. The security guard or escort would say, "Well, it's better to be safe than sorry." I need to remember not to apologize for being cautious, but just thank the security guards. It's wise to be street smart and be prepared.
