Big Sister Safety Tips: Practical Self-Defense for Women
As women, we all want to feel safe and empowered, whether we’re out running errands, spending time with loved ones, or even just enjoying a peaceful walk. But with everything going on in the world, it can be hard to know where to start. How do we stay aware and prepared without feeling overwhelmed or fearful?
In this blog, I’m sharing some practical, big sister-style safety tips that I recently discussed in an episode of The Freely Feminine Podcast with two incredible women, Taalyr and Annah. We sat down together and dove deep into what it means to protect ourselves and our loved ones in a way that feels both empowering and aligned with our natural intuition. Think of this as a warm, sisterly chat where we share the wisdom we’ve gained to help you feel safer, stronger, and more confident every day.
Trusting Your Gut: The Heart of Situational Awareness
One of the first things we touched on in our conversation was the importance of situational awareness. At its core, this simply means being mindful of your surroundings and trusting that little voice inside that tells you when something isn’t right.
We all have a natural instinct for noticing danger, but too often, we ignore it or brush it off. Taalyr shared how important it is to listen to your gut and act on it, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Women are wired for this—we are naturally attuned to our environment, and that’s a strength we should lean into.
Here’s how to practice better situational awareness:
Keep your head up: Whether you’re walking to your car, entering a new space, or just out for a jog, stay present. Avoid getting lost in your phone or distractions.
Listen to your intuition: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore that feeling. It’s your body’s way of telling you to stay alert.
Take note of your environment: Get in the habit of scanning your surroundings when you enter a new space. Look for exits, take note of who is around you, and stay aware of any red flags.
Setting Boundaries: It’s Okay to Say No
One of the most powerful ways to protect yourself is by setting clear boundaries. Annah, Taalyr, and I talked about how important it is for women to feel comfortable speaking up and asserting their space, whether it’s in a crowded store, a parking lot, or even with someone who is making you feel uncomfortable.
So many of us hesitate to speak up because we don’t want to make a scene or be “rude,” but setting boundaries is essential to our safety. It’s not just about physical boundaries, either—it’s emotional and social boundaries, too.
Simple ways to set boundaries:
Make eye contact: Don’t be afraid to look someone in the eye. This simple act can communicate confidence and awareness, signaling that you’re not an easy target.
Use your voice: If someone is making you uncomfortable, say something. It doesn’t have to be confrontational—just a firm “no” or “please step back” can go a long way.
Walk with confidence: Even if you’re feeling nervous, walking tall with your shoulders back and your head held high sends a message that you are aware and in control.
Tools of Empowerment: Preparedness Brings Peace
In our conversation, we all agreed that preparedness doesn’t have to mean living in fear—it’s about feeling equipped and empowered. Whether it’s carrying a small tool for self-defense or simply knowing what to do in certain situations, having a plan can bring peace of mind.
Taalyr shared her journey of learning to carry a firearm for personal protection, and Annah spoke about the importance of having options—like pepper spray, a personal alarm, or even a good, sturdy knife—especially for women who might not be ready or comfortable with carrying a firearm.
Here are some everyday carry tools to consider:
Pepper Spray: It’s easy to carry and can be a quick way to create distance between you and a threat.
Personal Alarm: A loud, piercing sound can draw attention and scare off potential attackers.
A Concealed Carry Firearm: For those who feel comfortable and are trained, a firearm can be a great equalizer. But it’s important to get proper training to feel confident using it.
Knives or Multi-tools: These can be incredibly practical for everyday use and can also serve as a self-defense tool when needed.
It’s Okay to Feel Emotional About Safety
We also discussed how emotional personal safety can be for women. Whether you’ve experienced trauma or are simply new to thinking about self-defense, it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or even scared.
The good news is, those feelings don’t have to stop you from taking steps toward feeling more prepared. Just like building any new skill, learning how to protect yourself takes time and patience. And it’s okay if you cry or feel anxious at first. We’ve all been there.
Start small, and give yourself grace:
Begin with situational awareness: Just practicing being present and mindful of your surroundings can help you feel more in control.
Take a self-defense class: There’s no rush. Start with something that feels comfortable to you, like a beginner’s self-defense class or even a video tutorial.
Find what works for you: Whether it’s carrying a small tool like pepper spray or exploring firearm training, choose what makes you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
Boundaries, Tools, and Awareness Are About Empowerment—Not Fear
At the heart of it, all these tips and tools are about empowering you to live your life freely and confidently. They aren’t about being scared or paranoid—they’re about tapping into your natural intuition and protecting the sacredness of your life and those around you.
As we shared in the podcast, when you feel prepared, you feel at peace. And that peace allows you to move through the world with confidence, knowing you have the tools and knowledge to handle whatever comes your way.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
We’d love to hear from you—what safety tips do you live by? How do you stay prepared without letting fear take over? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to listen to our full conversation with Taalyr and Annah in the latest episode of The Freely Feminine Podcast.
To connect further with these wonderful women, check out;
Taalyr on Instagram @churchandstatedesigns or at www.churchandstatedesigns.com
Annah on Instagram @mrs.firearmhandling or at www.firearmhandling.com
At Rosewood Woman our mission is to empower you in ALL areas and to support the sacredness of life. Whether that's helping you design a business that finally honors your biology or bringing in experts to teach you how to maintain your peace and sovereignty, we've got you covered.
Until next time,
xx Beth
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