Are You Prepared to Stand on Your Own?
As a woman at what point does it seem that you need to become self-reliant?
Maybe it occurs when you go to college, move out of home, or get a job. Suddenly, your support system is gone. You’re on your own. Sadly, for some women, that moment comes as a result of a bad experience that happens to you, to others in your circle, or to the world. Because of what is happening around you, you’ve developed a self-defense mindset. You’ve taken the first step.
No matter what sparked your need for self-reliance, you’ve decided to take responsibility for your personal safety. You’ve reached a new level of maturity.
Becoming responsible for your own self-defense can be daunting and confusing. Now that you’ve made a conscious choice to take charge of your personal protection, your next step is to figure out how best to do this.
One decision is to buy a gun. Yes, it is only one option. There are other alternatives. You might feel more comfortable taking a self-defense course or honing your skills in martial arts. You might even decide to do all three.
Often, women decide to conceal carry because they are small. In the face of mugging, carjacking, rape, and mass shootings that dominate the news with frightening frequency, owning a handgun seems like a strong self-defense option.
Even though I choose to conceal carry, I don’t advocate it for all women. You need to make this choice on your own. Don’t rule it out as an option.
It’s a reality. Bad people walk this world. A concealed carry weapon may well buy you peace of mind.
Let’s look at some other options you can take at the same time as you are deciding whether or not to get a concealed carry permit.
No matter what your age or gender, fine-tune your situational awareness. Stop looking at your phone while you walk. Be attuned to what is going on around you. Note things, people, sounds, situations that don’t seem right. This vigilant attitude in elevators, streets, subways, public places—even your own home—can save your life. Look for threatening situations and people and avoid them.
Next, let’s talk about nonlethal forms of self-defense. I’m talking about loud noises on your phone or key chain, flashlights, pepper spray, sharp-edged tools, night sticks, stun guns, Tasers. Thanks to technology and modern increased paranoia, there is no shortage of nonlethal protection items. Add one or more of these to your arsenal.
Take a self-defense class. These cover basics including how to use nonlethal tools as well as hand-to-hand self-defense skills. Investigate what is offered at the local Y and/or at martial arts studios in your area.
Consider boxing and kick boxing classes. They teach you how to throw a punch and how to use your body as a self-defense weapon.
If you’ve reached a point of firearm self-defense, then do your homework. One good pIace to start is with a firearm training course and/or a National Handgun Safety course. Check out the NRA website for courses.
