Loud and Proud!

Your voice is your biggest ally and the first line of self-defense! Never allow yourself to be silenced!!!

Your voice is not only unique, but vital in so many things in life. From greeting a person for the first time, to interviewing and securing a job, to establishing a friendship and/or relationship, and yes, even defending yourself!

“Statistics have shown that the attackers who garner the greatest amount of success do so because their victims allow themselves to be silenced. Never silence yourself!!!”

"Don't scream and you won't get hurt". Essentially, aren't you already hurting me? I was minding my own business, and now i'm in THIS situation. I will not become complicit in my own victimization!

Hey Big Mouth!!!

As a baby, without knowing or even understanding how to form words, we are programmed to understand that when we need to be fed, changed, want to be held, or require ANY attention at all, we use our mouth and lungs to scream, shout, and let out a huge bellow to get someone's attention. I'm not sure how many of us have been around adolescents lately, but they certainly have no problems vocalizing their disgust, concern, or dismay when situations or problems arise. I have been out shopping at department stores, and even dining at restaurants where i have witnessed many individuals (ladies in particular) receive discourteous or less than favorable service and i may not have initially "seen" the situation transpire, however a great deal of attention was immediately brought to the situation as not only myself, but several other patrons and onlookers HEARD the level of disdain due to the elevated tone in the customers voice as they continued to bark, yell, and demand a manager with no concern, regard, or even care for the other people that are either shopping or dining. So why do we allow ourselves to be silenced in an attack?

Here is a news flash for those who may not be aware...attackers are liars! I know that it may surprise you to find out that a person who is seeking to victimize you may not be honest or forthcoming, however i assure you that they are not. If you are ever in a situation where you are being attacked, please understand that no matter how much you hope or wish that it wasn't happening...it is. No amount of cooperation with your assailant will change that. In fact, the more that you cooperate, the worse (for you) that it will be). So knowing and understanding this fact, why would i participate and help facilitate in my own victimization?

Statistics have shown that the attackers who garner the greatest amount of success do so because their victims allow themselves to be silenced. Never silence yourself!!! In the same manner that you screamed, hollered, and cried as a child when you needed attention, the same way that your adolescent son or daughter is extremely vocal when it comes to wanting (or not wanting) something, and in the same fashion that you will scream out in public with no conscious or regard for others "i need to speak to your manager" when you feel that you have been mistreated, slighted, or received poor customer service, we need that same big mouthed energy to fend off and fight off your attacker. Remember that your voice is your first line of defense! Silencing yourself won't make the situation go away, nor will it make your attacker leave you alone. I will NOT make this easy or comfortable for them by complying! I WILL be loud and draw as much attention to myself and the situation as possible! So if you are ever in a sticky situation, remember....be loud and be proud! #beloudandproud #loudandproud #beloudbeproud #selfdefense #helpyourself #bigmouth