Safe Travels

be your own hero

By Christina Nguyen

September 16^th, 2017

Today, I am off to London to spend the rest of September transitioning to the digital nomad life. We all hear it from our friends and family before departure,"Have fun, be safe...Safe Travels!" It's a natural closure statement as we wish our loved ones well. Do you ever really stop to think about the meaning behind these words?

There is no doubt that the year ahead is going to be crazy, amazing, and fun. The reality is that I know it isn't going to be all rainbows, and butterflies. I've already accepted the fact that I am most likely going to get food poisoning (twice), my luggage is probably not going to turn up one day (or two), and that putting myself in completely foreign environments will naturally put me on edge.

Several of my family and friends expressed concerned as I was going to be bouncing around many foreign countries while all these crazy things are going on in the world. The brand perception of some countries is also poor which only adds to the general anxiety. I usually brush off the comments, and remind people that anything can happen anywhere. Before I left Boston, a friend suggested taking a self defense class and I really had no reason to decline... the more you know right? Wow, I was really happy I did!

I signed up for a Krav Maga self defense class that was specifically on managing fear & controlling adrenaline. Understanding the psychology of fear and how to control your mental state are some of the most pertinent tools when dealing with a an escalated situation. I participated in 1-on-1 Redman training which is going up against a fully padded instructor who simulates an experience that would cause you to be in an emotional, and adrenalized state. The goal is to create enough space using various techniques to disengage, and get to safety quickly. (Redman image from google lol) To my surprise, you don't need to have techniques or skills to defend yourself. It's all about controlling your emotional state, and knowing how to fight for yourself without a weapon. I certainly feel more empowered to take control of a situation if it arises. I recommend every woman take a self-defense class at some point.

I met a lovely woman who I could tell was a bit nervous about being in the class. She introduced herself, and we were partners during the aggression drills. We made some small talk. She told me she was getting married. I told her I was about to start traveling. Towards the end of the class she shared with me that she was a victim of an assault in Boston's North End. A man had attacked her with a box cutter, and attempted to slit her throat. She had several visible scars from the attack but was very fortunate to escape, and received excellent medical care that saved her life. I could tell how strong she was from the tone of her voice as she was sharing her story. As we parted ways I felt compelled to give her a hug, and thank her for sharing her story. She turned to me and said,

"That's why I'm here. I chose not to be the victim. I decided to be the hero. Don't ever let fear stop you. Be your own hero. Enjoy your trip and safe travels."

As I am en route to London, I'd be remiss if I didn't address the terror attacks that occurred on the London tube yesterday. I refuse to let the angry souls, who acted out of such hate, to have my fear. While I remain aware of what is around me, I am not afraid. I choose to be happy, and free. These unkind acts only encourage me to embrace our humanity through diligence and awareness.