I was teaching a basic pistol class when one of the students asked me if I had heard of Damsel in Defense? I hadn’t. I went home and looked it up. I did some research and after a few months decided I’d take the plunge. It was a direct sales company, which I had never had much success with any I tried before, but I thought, this is right up my alley. Stun guns, pepper spray, oh yeah.

I ordered my kit and then sat on it. My confidence was pretty much obliterated by my car accident. So, why in the world would I decide to sell products? That means I actually have to talk to people. Ugh. I finally came to the realization that a person’s safety is more important than my comfort. I needed to get out there and just do it.

I began adding in a section on layering your protection in my concealed carry classes. Different tools for different situations. Right? Most people aren’t committed to being able to take a life even when theirs or their loved ones are threatened. So they need other options. I also knew the majority of my students wouldn’t carry a firearm even after taking the class. It’s either too much of a responsibility or they don’t feel comfortable with it. But you need something to level the playing field, so a stun gun or pepper spray is perfect.

I was loading my groceries one day, when a homeless man approached me. I saw him out of the corner of my eye and I turned around with my Sock it to Me in my hand and told him he needed to step back. I know he didn’t expect that. Guess what? You’re in my personal space and I don’t feel comfortable. I do not compromise my safety for the comfort of others. He said he wasn’t going to hurt me, that he just wanted some money. I told him to move along. I didn’t feel bad, and neither should you. You shouldn’t apologize to some creep that makes you feel uncomfortable. Your gut instincts are there and you should listen to them.

So how did I overcome my insecurities? By talking about safety. It’s something I am comfortable with and knowledgeable about. Besides, in the beginning I realized what I was doing was so much bigger than just me. I was not only empowering others to take charge of their safety but my talent for being empathetic to those that are hurting and offer comfort was really something I wasn’t in tune with. I would meet people at events, or gas stations or standing in line at the store and they would just share their story. I had no idea how to process it in the beginning, but now I have made new friends and met some of the bravest people. I also don’t have to talk. Sometimes people just need someone to listen. Stay Safe and Sassy!