March goes out like a Lion and April in like a Lamb…. as say they say.
When I think of April, I have good thoughts <3
April brings about beautiful landscapes. Flowering shrubs and trees, daffodils, lilies, tulips, a beautiful showcase of blooming Azaleas.
It seems the allure of springtime also creates an opportunity for bad things to happen.
April is sexual assault awareness month.
Perhaps it should be every month, but as many seniors are leaving the nest, it is a good time to focus on some simple tips to stay safe. Unfortunately, things can happen anywhere, to anyone, at anytime – day or night.
One in three females victims (of either) completed or attempted rape experienced it for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17. SOURCE
When looking or moving your child into school,
take note of where the campus security stations
Simple things like not walking alone, especially late at night.
Know the schedule of buses or trams and when they stop running.
If you’re studying late at night, make sure to communicate with a roommate or friend.
Let others know where you are going to be and with whom.
If you’re the parent of a graduating student (or friend), a great graduation gift would be some measure of self defense (for example pepper spray). Layering self defense tools is also a good idea. Having a flashlight, whistle or personal alarm can also be helpful.
Almost one in four undergraduate women experienced sexual assault or misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities. SOURCE
I’m personally speaking from experience and it’s one of the events that lead me to start Incognito Wear IX. I experienced frustration and a sense of helplessness.
My daughter didn’t want to talk about the event. So, how do you help your child process though a horrific event. I was shocked to find out that the campus police don’t seem to be too interested in solving, taking on the case, or investigating the event.
Nor do the schools want the publicity of such an event or events.
My daughter wanted to forget the event and want it to “just go away”. I can understand how and why victims are so reluctant to speak out against their attacker.
One reason is the shame. Secondly, the embarrassment of the event and self blame. I believe the biggest reason is the fear of not being believed and having to relieve the trauma over and over.
I hope you or your child Never experiences an assault. It’s a difficult topic to speak about.
I believe getting professional help is critical; even as your child insist “they are fine” – They are NOT!
Emotional trauma should be processed in order to move through the event and on to good mental health.
The best solution for prevention, of course, is to become situational aware of your surroundings. Keep your head on a swivel. Make Eye contact and make mental notes of what you observed.
Again, having a flashlight, whistle, personal alarm, pepper spray, tactical pen, or (if campus carry or of proper age to carry) a firearm.
Be observant. Does it look normal? Would someone wear a winter coat in summer?
I invite you to share with your child the increase usage of date rape drugs, especially common at universities. For this reason, Never leave a beverage unattended.
Awareness of methods of attack are helpful, but what if…. this happens to you or someone you know?
I invite you to check out a few fictional novels that deal with this topic by an author who has experience and training in dealing / processing deep trauma for emotional health.
I bet you are feeling like me – everything seems to be crazy and every thing is an emergency. Whether its financial, career, self protection, or food. We’re in a time of crisis but not all of it is of our own making.
Let’s talk about where we find common emergencies. How can we prepare for the unexpected and what are the solutions.
Sometimes the ER is about self defense
When its in the middle of the night, and something goes “bump”, that’s an emergency.
Maybe your husband is out of town on a business trip or you’re a single mom, how and what do you do to keep your family safe when you’re startled awake at 3:00 am.
This could be you… you wake up and see a stranger ascending your stairs toward the bedrooms. Are you prepared to protect your family?
Fortunately, for this particular woman, she’s a gun owner.
Training is vital and practice makes perfect right. With the country on lock down, it’s easy to slip out of routine…. and out of training.
With the recent surges in gun sales and much unrest, ammunition is in short supply. So, how do you practice with stay at home orders?
A great and very effective measure of training is called “dry-fire”. I”m giving myself a wake up call and need to schedule in at least 5 minutes to practice, ideally, every day. The main thing is just to start, right?!
Be prepared for self defense. A lot of people are being hurt. Do you have a way to protect yourself, your kids, or others?
Maybe firearms are a little intimidating right now; there are many non lethal tools available. You can check some of them out here.
A “Get Home bag” or a “Bug Out Bag”?
A Get Home Bag (GHB) is just that. You are out, away from home and need to get home. Maybe you’re unable to get home due to weather – I’ll never forget “Snow-Mageddon” in Atlanta.
A Bug Out Bag (BOB) needs different gear as you are leaving the safety of home and will be among outside elements for survival (for awhile).
Basically, gear for survival – food, shelter, water. A means of self defense (knife, firearm are ideal because they can also be used for hunting). Don’t forget about a first aid kit. Things happen! Keep in mind you want items that are portable and lightweight.
As far as self defense tools, it’s ideal to have some layers of protection. A firearm isn’t always the best option. I’m a rep for Damsel in Defense and all our gear is non lethal.
Non lethal tools range from pepper sprays,Tactical pens, car care kits, striking tools, stun guns, concealed carry purses and more.
What about your finances? Yes, we even need to have an emergency fund.
Honestly, in thinking about emergencies, finances weren’t at top of the list, nor was thinking about insurance. Not everything you think should be covered is actually covered. You certainly don’t want to find out after a natural disaster, you didn’t have the coverage your thought. Remember Hurricane Katrina?
This is a good time to double checking with your insurance carrier. You don’t want to be surprisd!
After all, We are in hurricane season and you may be surprised to find out that most policies don’t cover flood damages. Are you prepared for natural disasters?
With the world upside down, I hope I have shared some things that can help you to feel more prepared and protected.
Remember, your life is worth fighting for. I design clothing to make it easy to dress around your defense tool. As American Express said; “Never leave home without it” – a self-defense tool.
I think we’re all ready for life to return to normal as we head into spring and look forward to summertime fun. I know you missed your loved ones and heartbroken to have missed out on the many family events or celebrations over the past month or so, me too!
As our country begins to open up, Let’s get back to normal or perhaps a better you. Did you get the down time; the “rest and relaxation” you needed?
Family seems more important these days as “absence makes the heart grow fonder” rings true. Perhaps, you’re finding the silver lining of this quarantine to really spend quality time with your kids and family.
I know it’s been a rough few weeks, okay, maybe it feels like forever!
What did you do to get the most out of being at home? Are you still adjusting to working from home with your children underfoot….and being teacher, Principal and a Chef!
Do you feel like you’re running your own restaurant! There have been so many super hero stories of people helping people, neighbors helping neighbors.
As we move closure to May and Mother’s Day, I hope it will be extra special this year!
You need a big hug! You have done an amazing job getting through… and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Kinda symbolic, don’t you think? Right after Easter, the Spring Season and all?
Is it too early to think about Mother’s Day? It will be the first national holiday we can (of course, carefully following guidelines) get together – with friends, loved ones and party!
Mother’s Day 5/10/20
If you think Mom has everything and you have no idea how to make this day special, I’ve gotcha some help!
Nothing saves “I love you” like pictures! So, if you can’t think of a single thing, and we’ve got ideas in the photo below, remember Mom loves photographs of her children. (ok, I certainly do! – hint hint!)
So this list might have first been thought of forChristmas, but these are great ideas for Mom – for any occasion! I would also add our clothes, and accessories. Of course, teaching your mother how to save and defend her life is “priceless”. Our clothes will have Mom in style whether she carries a firearm or pepper spray, she’ll never be a victim.
101 Gift Giving Ideas for Mom
I’m guessing these past few weeks have really made you more aware of how you can best protect your family Take comfort in that you’re not alone. If you one of the many new gun owners since this virus invaded us, you appreciate the 2nd Amendment more and the sense of empowerment this new found skill gives you. Now that you’ve realized that you are the “First Responder” to your situation, I urge you to keep up with the practice and the training.
I’m a founding member of The Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance; all things women and concealed carry. In today’s world, women desire options for everyday concealed carry. To meet the need, these entrepreneurial women have stepped up to solve the need for real options. That’s where the WCCA comes in, to provide one reliable source to find all those carry options, and meet the women behind the designs. About WCCA
Here’s a graphic of other valuable resources to check out.
If this isn’t you, I urge you to think about this reality and to empower others. Learning to drive a car at 16, gave you a great sense of freedom, independence and empowerment. Being able to defend your life can give you so much more. There are a lot of options from guns / firearms to pepper spray, stun gun, striking tools and more.
This Mother’s Day, honor MOM by teaching her situational awareness and the ability to defend her life. After all, you wouldn’t be here without Mom.
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