I saw this picture I took not too long ago when I was at a festival and it made me think about the fact that I really shouldn't have been taking that picture. Let me explain.

❌ I was in a crowded public place and when I stopped to take the photo I wasn't aware of my surroundings and I got separated from my group. ❌

Here's the deal, the more confident you act in public and the more aware you stay of your surroundings, the less likely you are to be a target of an attack.

I am usually pretty aware but I thought this was a really good example of the fact that we're all always learning, no matter how experienced you are with self-reliance and defense. I often see mothers especially making a lot of the common mistakes when it's comes to making yourself a prime target. This is nothing to be ashamed about, it's stuff we just don't really think about until we're made aware. So in case you haven't heard, I want to make you aware of three things that you can do to make yourself less of a target.

1. Stay alert and keep your head up high.

Look around you before you get in and out of your car or when you walk in or out of the store. Keep your phone in your purse or pocket and stay off of it. The more confident you stay, the better. This doesn't mean cocky, because if you get too confident you may think you're untouchable and that's almost as bad as ignoring any risk at all.

2. Keep your hands free.

This is hard with kids but there are options. If you have littles, try to go out with other people who can help you. Before you get out of your car, put all of your belongings into your bag (phone, keys) and secure it to your body in a way where you can easily access your EDC (Every Day Carry - defense tool). If you must carry a drink, practice dropping a cup and drawing your EDC. Otherwise, avoid carrying drinks around with you so that you don't freeze or fumble in your draw. *This applies to pepper gel and all of the things. Your self defense tools are useless if they're not readily accessible and if you're not practicing accessing them.*

3. Secure your kids.

If you have a baby hold them on the side of your body where you can access your EDC with your dominant hand and if you have multiples, put them in a stroller or have them walk directly in front of you. Keep your kids in your vehicle and park close to other cars, closest to the door of the building. Stay in well-lit areas. Turn your car off and lock it while you remove the stroller and set it up. Place it between you and another car and prop a door open to keep a barrier up so that your back is never to an entrance where someone could hop in your car and take off or attack you from behind while you are distracted. Buckle them in when you're in the vehicle with doors locked when you return. You can never be too careful when you're performing this incredibly distracting task.

There are so many other tips I could give you but instead I'm going to turn you to my friend and situational awareness expert: @caseylynnetactics. Check out her account and see how you can better prepare for your next outing.

Blessings,

Riley