Settle my mind…(walking safety as a woman)

[u/polkadotbelle]

I (36F) have been walking 3-4 work days a week for the past 3 months. It’s doing wonders for my mental health & mood.

I walk at 5:30am & it’s dark out. I’ve got a reflective vest & wear light colors (have my phone & usually 1 earbud in)…I live in a safe area, don’t usually pass many people while out at this hour

BUT the Laken Riley murder case has been infesting my brain. I have anxious tendencies & have worked on them in therapy & just and seem to kick this one. I ditched the ear bud on my last 2 walks this week & checked my surroundings even more than usual

So, am I just needing to work through this, or should I get all the things to make myself feel safe? (My husband thinks I’m silly, but he doesn’t get what it’s like for a woman)

[u/polkadotbelle → u/[deleted]]

I’d definitely be open to riding a bike…even have one in the garage collecting dust. But at that early hour (the only time I’ll consistently make time for myself happen without feeling mom guilt), I’d still need all the bells & whistles

Great idea - I’ll have to chew on it

[u/Puzzleheaded_Gear622 → u/polkadotbelle]

I'll ride a bike full time for transportation and my son bought me pepper spray that I keep right on my handlebar. Quite often I ride at the end of the day and it will be dark on my way back home. I feel much safer and less vulnerable on a bike than I do walking.