Hey boo hey,
A few weeks ago, I noticed something different about my mother.
Each time I left her home, her anxiety seemed to grow.
As a mother of all girls, she would call out reminders I’d heard a hundred times before—but now, they were laced with urgency:
"Bilquis, don’t go out walking by yourself."
"Bilquis, don’t go to the office alone."
"Make sure the boys see you get in the car when you’re leaving for work."
At first, I didn’t understand why.
I’ve always done everything on my own, and I pride myself on being independent.
But her repeated words began planting seeds of fear in both her mind and mine.
Seeing the World Through a New Lens
As a nurse, I tend to focus on the good in the world.
I believe there is far more good than bad, and I don’t usually allow fear to guide me.
But today, as I walked along the River Walk—a place I’ve gone to find peace countless times and to exercise —something shifted.
The sun was shining, and I stood directly in its rays so my face could soak up some of that good ol’ vitamin D. ☀️
The warmth was a comforting reminder of life’s beauty, even on a 25-degree morning.
But as I looked around, I noticed not just the beauty—the sunlight reflecting off the water, the stillness of the trees—but also the emptiness and seclusion.
I realized these spaces, so peaceful in one moment, could be opportunities for danger in another.
I passed other women joggers and walkers, and instead of admiring their strength and determination, I wondered:
Did they let someone know where they were going?
Do they have trackers on?
Are they as aware of their surroundings as they need to be?
For the first time, I asked someone to join me on my walk.
I couldn’t shake the unease, the heightened awareness of risks that I had ignored for so long.
Why This Matters
Life has a way of teaching us lessons, of raising our awareness when we least expect it.
As I walked today, I thought of Laken Riley—a young nursing student whose life was tragically cut short while jogging.
She had checked all the boxes: preparation, awareness, and safety measures. Yet, she still didn’t make it home.
Her story is heartbreaking, and it serves as a reminder that we must do more to protect ourselves and each other.
Practical Tips for Staying Safe
If you walk, jog, or run alone, please take these simple steps to stay safe:
1️⃣ Let Someone Know: Always tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
2️⃣ Use Technology: Turn on your phone’s location tracker or use an app that shares your location in real-time.
3️⃣ Stay Aware: Avoid distractions like loud music or texting while walking in secluded areas.
4️⃣ Bring Protection: Whether it’s pepper spray, a personal alarm, or another form of protection, have something accessible.
5️⃣ Buddy Up: Whenever possible, bring a partner with you. There’s strength in numbers.
A Call for Awareness
To all my runners, walkers, and those who venture out alone—be safe. Life is beautiful, but it also requires us to stay vigilant.
Awareness is not fear; it’s empowerment.
Today, I didn’t just take a walk—I saw the world through a new lens.
And I hope, by sharing this, I can help others do the same.
Lead with love. ❤️
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