Originally Posted on June 20, 2011 by Karri
So, I recently had the passenger side taillight go out on my car. You don’t realize how much of a difference a light bulb can make in your life. But, just try merging into the right-hand lane without signalling, or making a turn when someone is tailgating you while driving uphill and you don’t have a lot of time with the brake lights on. It’s nerve-wracking. I felt like every time I moved the car to the right, someone was going to crash into me. I felt powerless to keep the crazies at bay.
I can’t imagine feeling like this every day, but there are people out there who experience this kind of fear of being assaulted or worse just crossing a parking lot, or even in their own homes at night. Worst of all is the message that this sends to predators. The body language of a person trying to hide in public is like blood in the water. It attracts dangerous people, because they feel they can get away with doing as they please without risk of injury or being caught.
The solution to my problem was simple. I changed a light bulb, and I was back on the road as confident as ever (still wary of the crazies though).
The solution to the other problem is a little tougher, but not any less possible. It involves practicing being confident, practicing projecting body language that dissuades attackers and practicing being aware of your surroundings, so you can tell the difference between imagined fears and actual risks.
If this sounds like you, I can help. Another great place to start is reading Gavin De Beckers The Gift of Fear.