Fearless But Not Foolish: Situational Awareness from a Woman’s Perspective

I’m often asked, “Dr. Joy, do you ever get scared when walking alone at night, traveling to a strange city, or even looking for your car in a vacant lot?” My answer is simple: I’m not scared. I’m prepared.

As a woman of faith, I don’t walk through life gripped by fear, and I don’t live in denial either. Women face a unique set of realities that cannot be ignored. Being bold, brave, and confident doesn’t make us immune to the evil intentions of some. We must be fearless, yes, but never foolish.

That’s why situational awareness is one of the most powerful tools we can develop. It doesn’t require a black belt or a badge. And while I prefer having one as a part of my personal defense system, it doesn't even require a firearm. The foundation of effective situational awareness includes presence, practice, and purpose.

What Situational Awareness Really Means

At its core, situational awareness is simply being aware of what’s going on around you. For most victims, the factors used against them by the "bad guy" include time and space. The goal of situational awareness is to reduce both opportunities to do you harm. Consistent awareness removes the element of surprise. This factor, in and of itself, will deter most crimes. Just be present. Know who and what are in your space. Pay attention and stay away from any inclination of danger. Reduce the opportunity for surprise.

Let’s Talk About the Woman Factor

As women, our experiences are different. Period. In almost every culture or society, men and women are simply raised differently. Expectations differ, and actions follow suit. Young ladies are traditionally taught to smile even when we’re uncomfortable, to stay quiet so we’re not “rude,” and to second-guess our gut if it “might hurt someone’s feelings.” We are programmed to accept that needing someone to protect us is somehow attractive. Meanwhile, predators rely on that very conditioning to catch us off guard. I’ve trained countless women who admitted that their biggest safety regret was not trusting that inner voice when something felt “off.” They also regret waiting for someone else to take action to validate those feelings. I’ve been there, which is why I am so passionate about driving change in this area.

5 Principles of Situational Awareness Every Woman Should Practice

We've established the challenge. So, let's explore the solution. Here are five strategies I use and teach because being aware is about being both intentional and proactive in your everyday life.

1. Know What “Normal” Looks Like

Awareness begins with baseline behavior. What’s normal for this space? Who should be here? Once you know that, anything outside of it becomes easier to spot—and faster to respond to.

2. Trust Your Gut—and Then Act

Feeling uneasy about a place or person? That’s not random. That’s your God-given discernment. Don’t talk yourself out of it. If something tells you to walk a different way, leave the store, or delay getting out of your car, listen.

3. Don’t Get Too Comfortable in Familiar Spaces

Most incidents don’t happen in “dangerous neighborhoods”. They happen where you live, work, and shop. Awareness is a lifestyle, not something we turn on only in “bad areas.” Never get too comfortable to pay attention.

4. Limit Distractions

Scrolling your phone while walking to your car? Zoned out with earbuds in while jogging? That’s not awareness. It's an invitation for surprise and shock. Take your safety seriously enough to stay present.

5. Plan Your Exit Before You Enter

Everywhere you go, whether it’s a restaurant, store, parking deck, or otherwise, requires a plan. So take note of:

• Where the exits are.

• Who’s around you.

• What you’ll do if things go wrong.

Outthink the potential threat before it becomes a real one.

Situational Awareness in Real Life: A Few Examples

🔹 Evening Walk: You decided to get some exercise after dinner. As you're taking a walk, you see some strangers walking up on you. You're not necessarily uncomfortable, but you've never seen these people in the area. Ensure you don't have music blasting into your ears. Listen to your intuition. Change routes, and needed. And if you pass the others, look them in the eyes. Say "hello" if it feels natural. Make sure they know, "I see you." Continue to pay attention to where they are going and adjust your route accordingly. When possible, utilize GPS tracking and/or SOS apps to alert family in the event of an emergency.

🔹 Parking Lot at Night: You’ve just left a department store. You’re juggling bags and looking for your keys. Instead, take a breath. Scan the parking lot. Walk with purpose. Look others in the eye as you pass them by. Look under and around your car before getting in. Once inside, lock your doors immediately.

🔹 The Gas Station: Someone’s been standing outside for a while with no clear reason. If it doesn’t feel right, drive to another station. Don’t let convenience override caution.

🔹 Your Personal Driveway: You pull in, but instead of getting out, you sit in your car scrolling. Don’t. This is prime time for someone to approach unnoticed. Don't spend excessive time in an uncontrolled environment. Finish scrolling inside. Be still. Be smart.

It’s Not About Fear—It’s About Freedom

Ladies, you don’t need to walk around afraid of the world. But you do need to walk through it aware of how to respond. That’s not being paranoid. That’s being powerful. Keep your head up, your mind sharp, and your spirit open. You were never created to shrink back. You were created to stand firm, walk wisely, and stay ready.

Let’s Grow Together

If you’re ready to heighten your awareness and boost your confidence, consider joining E3 Personal Defense for upcoming classes or webinars. Or meet other like-minded women at the next InHER Piece range event.