Fighter
Over the past few weeks I have done extensive self-reflection. I have been doing this for a myriad of reasons but I am glad I have done this. One major revelation came to me…I am a FIGHTER. I am not the stereo-typical woman who will ball up and let whatever is coming happen. I will fight back. I don’t know where this instinct has come from. I wasn’t like this when I was younger but something changed in me several years ago and I have been fighting ever since. I take on every challenge that comes my way and I don’t back down. I am not talking about challenges that require compromise. I mean big challenges, like life-threatening challenges. Will I let a man rape me? Will I let a stranger get my child? Will I cower in the corner while a store is being robbed? These are the kind of situations/challenges I am referring to. I have made a promise to myself and my family that I will NOT be afraid. I will NOT allow the “bad” people to win. If they come knocking at my door (wherever that is) they will have one serious fight on their hands. Hopefully my growl and scowl will be enough to have them think twice realizing I am NOT weak or afraid but if not, I have other means of protecting my family and I am NOT afraid to use them. Something else that adds to intimidation of a bad guy is eye contact. If they see that fighter in you, they will most likely look elsewhere for a less formidable opponent.
The reason I write about this tonight is that I saw the worst statistics of my life. We women have a nearly 100% chance of being victimized in some violent crime or another (85% sexual crimes). That is horrible. This needs to end. We must speak out and not sit in silence. We must make it known that we are NOT weak or unwilling to help ourselves. We WILL fight back! You must be prepared and you must make a commitment to yourself to fight. You don’t have to be some black belt karate master, but you must know your surroundings at all times and BE PREPARED. I carry a concealed weapon at all times. But that isn’t everything. My attitude will carry me MUCH further especially if I don’t appear to be weak. I also pick and choose my surroundings. I don’t put myself in “typical” danger situations. I stay away from certain parts of town; I avoid shopping alone after dark; I frequent familiar areas; I typically park with a cart corral blocking one side of my vehicle (especially with children); I survey EVERYTHING constantly; I make eye contact with anyone nearby to assure them that I know they are there; I have my cell phone in my pocket; I always lock the car doors when we are in the car and once we leave the car; I never answer the door (if we aren’t expecting company, I don’t answer the door but do look out a window to check out what is going on). These are just a few things that you can do to be prepared and to avoid a situation.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. For the few of you who read this, I hope you will have a conversation with someone else and mention this to them. I believe the only way to stop victimization of women is to get the word out that it is OKAY to protect yourself. Be a FIGHTER!