Saturday, October 29, 2011

Quiet voice

Photo:  www.digitaljournal.com
If you're a regular visitor here at Healing Morning, then you're aware that I do my best to focus on positive topics. Occasionally, something happens that isn't necessarily a light, happy topic and I do discuss these things here.  My goal is to always find the positive in the midst of the whole story.

This week, I experienced something on a personal level that was alarming. I was followed home to my townhouse complex by someone who saw me at a gas station/convenient store.  When I say I was followed home, I mean this was someone I didn't know and I am convinced this person had very negative intentions in mind.

The whole situation played out in about 10 minutes' time, from start to finish, when I left the gas station and drove home.  This was after dark, and I was alone, which is exactly why this person chose to follow me.  A single woman, alone, unfortunately provides what most think will be an easy target and victim.

When the vehicle pulled into the lane of my complex, I was still inside my car.  I had a couple of things happen that I now believe saved me from harm, and very possibly saved my life.  Because it was dark, it's not always easy to see the numbers on the parking spaces allotted to each unit.  My next door neighbor's car is usually my marker to recognize my own parking spaces, but he wasn't home.  Because of this, I had parked two spaces over from my own numbered spaces and I was on the verge of backing out and pulling in again to the proper parking space when this vehicle appeared.  It was driving very slowly down our lane, and at first all I could see were the headlights.  Once it got level with my location, I recognized it to be an SUV that had been at the gas station when I was there.  That started the niggling feelings of doubt, because no one on my lane drives a vehicle like that particular SUV.  It drove on past me and I expected it to go down the hill to the last two units on this lane.  It didn't do that.  It pulled into the parking spaces allotted for the management office, then reversed, pulled back out and drove towards me, pulling into my neighbor's space.

At this point, alarms were going off in my head.  I waited to see if this person would get out and go into one of the town home units and they didn't.  The next time I glanced over, the SUV was empty.  Again, I waited, but couldn't see the driver standing anywhere near their vehicle.  I was far enough away that I should have been able to see their feet on the other side of the car, but it appeared no one was there.  Thinking they had walked back down the hill, I did something incredibly stupid.  I got out of my car and shut the door, but didn't lock it.  Immediately, this guy popped around the end of the SUV and headed straight for me, walking fast.  I, in turn, yanked my car door open, got in, slammed the door shut and locked it.  I made sure to look him dead straight in the eyes and he veered away, walking past my car and started talking on his cell phone. I started my car and left, driving up the hill into the subdivision that backs up to the property of my complex. I parked where I could see the entrance of my lane, shut my lights off and waited.  About three minutes later, that same SUV pulled out and left the neighborhood.

Several years ago, a book came out called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker.  I remember watching an Oprah show with him as the guest, and his comments stuck with me.  Trust that voice of fear.  What I can now clearly recall was that as soon as I saw the headlights of that vehicle turn into my lane, I was instantly on guard.  Something felt wrong.  As the rest of the story played out, I felt that sensation stronger and stronger. What I also experienced were whirling thoughts and a lot of self doubt.  Women are raised to be polite and that very habit has most likely caused many unfortunate deaths over the years.  The young man who followed me that night was clean cut, nicely dressed and appeared as pleasant as could be in the convenient store of that gas station.  He even smiled at me as I walked in.  I did the typical response of smiling back.  When I was sitting in my car watching this whole thing play out, I experienced moments of doubt where I was rationalizing everything.  "He's probably lost."  "He must be a relative of my neighbor."  "He's just parking here and walking down to those last units."  All of those thoughts could have caused a terrible outcome if I had acted differently.

Reflecting now, I realize that my "mistake" of parking in the wrong space is probably what saved me from harm.  If I had parked in the correct spot, I would have already been out of my car with arms full of bags, my purse, keys, etc., walking to my town house by the time that SUV drove down my lane.  This guy would have been able to drive right up to me, jump out and grab me or do whatever it was he had planned.  If I had been at my door, he could have run up and forced his way in behind me.  So, that "mistake" was the main thing that changed the outcome that night.  The other thing was my own instincts.  I am not exaggerating when I say I could literally feel a sense of urgency pressing in around me.  Perhaps it was my angels or Guides, or God/Universe surrounding me and attempting to communicate to me to not get out of my car, and to leave immediately.  Whatever it was that I was sensing, I paid attention to it and I'm alive and unharmed today as a result.

It can be argued that I misinterpreted the whole situation, that this young man had no ill intentions.  I do not believe that to be the case.  The fact that he left the neighborhood after I drove away is a pretty telling sign.  Now I am left with a very unpleasant sense of not feeling safe in my own home.  Although I didn't walk up to my unit and identify specifically where I live, common sense indicates that I live at one of the units of the building I was parked in front of.  I have taken steps to beef up the security of my town house and am looking into purchasing firearms for the house and possibly to carry with me.  Mace will become a regular tool in my purse and on my key ring.

I've often said that as we live our lives, endless layers are stripped from our rose colored glasses.  This incident definitely robbed me of a certain inalienable sense of safety that I used to carry around with me.  All that I did was stop to get gas and pick up a bottle of water and some snacks on an evening after dark had set in.  That's all.  I wasn't in an unsafe neighborhood.  I wasn't dressed provocatively.  I wasn't rude to the young man in question; to the contrary, I was my typical friendly, smiling self.  The harsh truth is that we live in a world that harbors people of dark nature.  Those people don't need a reason or a trigger to urge them to make dark choices.  Because of the choice that young man made, my life has changed forever.  I don't know that I'm going to feel safe in quite the same way that I used to.  That's not necessarily a bad thing.  Many would argue that a healthy sense of suspicion and fear is a good thing.  I don't disagree with that concept, but I do refuse to adopt a victim mentality or demeanor as a result of this experience.

The person that I spoke to at the local county Sheriff's Department told me that the fact that I stared at this guy, looked him directly in the eyes, was probably one reason he veered away from my car.  I was told that by doing this, I made it clear I was not a victim in a very primal manner.  I don't know if that is true, that that action made that much of a difference.  I'm more inclined to believe that being in a locked car made the biggest difference, but I'm sure my direct stare made it clear I wouldn't hesitate to use my car as a weapon if any threatening moves were initiated.

The outcome of all of this was a happy one.  I am safe and nothing happened that night other than me getting a big dose of fear.  I have done all the right things, following up with the Sheriff's Department and filing a report about the incident, informing the management people at my complex, and taking steps to increase my own personal security.  By doing all those things, you would think I would feel nice and secure, but I expect that will take a while.  I haven't slept well since this occurred; I've been jumpy at night every time I've heard a car drive down the lane I live on.  I suspect that's absolutely normal.

As for my rose colored glasses, they're still on my nose.  The rose color has been impacted, I admit that, and it may take time for the color to come back to a stronger tint.  I refuse to let this experience permanently damage my outlook on life.  As many have pointed out to me, I was able to think on my feet, even in the midst of panic....and believe me, I was as scared as it was possible to feel when this played out.  That answered a question for me - I had always wondered if I would be the type to crumble in the midst of true crisis and fear, or if I'd be one of the ones who is able to function and think clearly.  Now I know.  I'm capable of very clear, logical thought, even when I'm in a situation where I am feeling unsafe and threatened. Although I did make one colossally dumb mistake - getting out of my car - I acted quickly to turn that around and everything ended well.  The only regret that I have is that I wasn't in a position to get the license plate number of that SUV.  I would have had to get too close for that.  The gas station has surveillance cameras on site, and they have been made aware of what occurred, with dates and times.  The police report has been filed and is on record.  I am hopeful that this person won't harm anyone in the future, but something tells me it will happen.  I was fortunate to make the right choices in the midst of my own experience and didn't come to grief.  Some other woman in the future might not be that fortunate.

For whatever reason, my own experience ended well.  I paid attention to my own instincts and I'm okay.  My emotional state and sense of personal security took some blows, but those will rebuild in time.  I'm writing about this experience primarily to get it out of my system. That's what writing does for me.  I'm also writing about it here to remind everyone that dangerous people are out there, dangerous circumstances can surround you without a moment's notice, and how you react is going to impact the whole scenario.  If you haven't read "The Gift of Fear", I encourage you to purchase the book.  I'm including the Barnes and Noble website hyperlink to purchase it.  This is for the paperback edition and it is available in used copies for as little as $2.74.  If you're unable to purchase and read this book, then make an effort to be more aware of your surroundings.  I am speaking first to women, but this applies to both sexes.  If someone is intent on inflicting harm, they're very possibly not going to be picky about gender.

Finally, pay attention to your instincts!  If I had not done that very thing, I believe there might have been a very different outcome to my recent experience.  Happily, I'm fine.  Shaken, and changed as a result, but alive and well.  I'm also appreciative of the support of friends and family when I made this experience known.  Despite the fact that I knew this was not a good situation, I was falling back on "good girl" mentality and doubting myself, thinking I was unfairly judging the situation.  With the support and encouragement of friends, I became firm in my resolve to report this incident.  I am hopeful that by doing this, and by writing about it here, maybe other people will also avoid a negative outcome in their own lives.  Be safe, everyone, and pay attention to that still, quiet voice of intuition and instinct.  I believe it saved me.

42 comments:

  1. I am glad that you are safe and as I know you, you are a honest woman with a clear gutfeeling.You wouldn´t have felt this without a reason.We like you Dawn!

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  2. Mattias, I'm glad I'm safe too! I'm very appreciative of the fact that I was able to heed that voice of caution and avoid a negative outcome. Thank you so much for the kind words and for your friendship!

    - Dawn

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  3. Hi Dawn,
    I agree with Mattias's comment. I am glad too, that you are safe.

    "Finally, pay attention to your instincts!" This line means a lot, its true. Instincts are something that can never be wrong. Ain't it??
    Take care, God bless. :)

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  4. Shreya, I agree - our instincts are rarely wrong. It's when we second guess that we come to grief, usually. This wasn't a fun experience for me, but I thought if writing about it could possibly help others to be more mindful, it would be a good thing. Thank you for visiting! :)

    - Dawn

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  5. First of all, there are no coincidences...the fact that you ended up in the wrong parking spot was the beginning of an outcome different than what it could have been. You were right where you needed to be to make this a positive ending.

    Second, we have a built in "Warning System"...it has been there since the beginning of time...for all the animal kingdom...including people. Animals trust it...people question it and try to make the situation ok and something other than what your "Warning System" is telling you.

    The body will always respond...it will work tirelessy to keep you safe and healthy...all we have to do is listen...to " The Gift of Fear"...

    Never doubt your Warning System...or Intuition...it will always guide you to where you need to be to be safe. It is when you do not listen that you end up in an outcome that is not where you wanted to be. Only then can you look back and say...you know, I had a feeling about this and I ignored it...we have all been there...

    Dawn, this was an amazing post on 2 levels...you shared a very scary incident with us...and you reminded, not only yourself...but the rest of us to Trust that Warning System or Intuition to keep you out of harms way. I have learned to never doubt this built in protection...

    I am just happy you are safe and here to write about this. It has been very helpful...yes, your warning system is now on full alert...but it should be...and my dear...you are Not A Victim...you are a survivor and a champion example for the rest of us....Be Safe my friend...xx

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  6. Raven, I agree with everything you said here. If I hadn't decided to write this out of my system, per se, it would have bothered me for a lot longer. This was my way of processing it, firstly, and ultimately, I thought it couldn't hurt to post the experience as a gentle reminder to others to trust that voice of intuition, or instinct, or whatever anyone chooses to call it. That occasional reminder to listen to that inner voice is always of value, I think.

    Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts, my friend. I am well, happy and doing fine today. It is a gorgeous afternoon, sunny skies and puffy clouds dancing overhead and I plan to get outside to enjoy it! Much love to you. <3

    - Dawn

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  7. Wow! What a frightening ordeal, Dawn! So glad you were not hurt or worse and that you did stay calm in your time of crisis. I agree with the police about your staring down this perpetrator - looking someone right in the eye and not wavering is a sign of strength. If you do this with a dog, the animal will never outlast you! A very primal and proper move on your part!

    Again, I'm so glad you are okay; thanks for sharing this with us!

    Blessings!

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  8. What a scary experience..I'm glad it turned out ok..it pays to follow our gut.....As always....XOXOXOXO

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  9. I am so very grateful Dawnie for the outcome of what could have very well been a tragedy. Your angels were watching over you sweet girl. It also helps when someone is in touch with those "gut" feelings such as you are.
    xoxo Janie

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  10. That still gives me the shudders every time I think about it. I'm fine with deadly emergencies when I am confronting them, not so good at identifying them before they happen like you did. My rose colored glasses aren't very experienced and even less so what with no experience such as this under my belt. Give me a known adversary, such as a bear any day.

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  11. Martha, it was definitely not a fun experience, but it did turn out okay. I just finished filing the final report with the Sheriff's Dept about 30 minutes ago, and the deputy I spoke with agreed with you about staring this guy down. Thank you for visiting!

    - Dawn

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  12. Bonnie, it does pay to listen to that inner voice! I think it's when we second guess those instincts that bad things can happen. I've talked with so many friends since this occurred who have admitted to doing that same second guessing thing. I guess it's human nature, but it can lead to peril. I will definitely continue to trust my instincts. Thank you for visiting and thank you for the happy wishes! :)

    - Dawn

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  13. Janie, oh, I so agree with you that I was being watched over that night! I really could feel a tangible pressure all around me, almost as if something was surrounding me and pressing against my skin. I am certain I was not alone when it all occurred. That Divine Presence, along with listening to those gut instincts, I believe are what created a good outcome. Thank you for your loving presence, my dear one. I love you.

    - Dawnie

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  14. Anna, I had to revisit the whole story in detail today when the patrol officer came to take my report. Now that I have safe distance from it, it gives me chills to at how close a call it was. The odd thing our brain does after such a close call has been hitting me, where I've replayed it in my head as to what might have happened. I hope that thought process ends soon. And I agree with you - dealing with an angry bear is much easier than having to figure out warped human nature! As for not having experience, I didn't either - at least not to this scary a degree. I think you might be surprised at what you're capable of when you're actually in the moment. I learned that of myself and have to say I was pleased with what I learned. We're all much stronger than we imagine!

    - Dawn

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  15. I am glad that you listened to your inner intuition and that everything worked out ok and you were safe. I bought the book "The Gift of Fear" years ago, never ended up reading it, but it was suggested to me by an FBI professor who was teaching one of my criminal justice classes I was taking at the time. I'm going to have to see if I can track it down!

    Once again...I'm so glad you are safe and sound! That must have been a very unsettling experience.~blessings and love

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  16. Jessica, thank you for the blessings, love and happy thoughts! I am going to purchase a new copy of "The Gift of Fear" this week. I have a copy somewhere in the house, but can't put my hands on it. I'd like to read back through it. I've heard that book suggested as mandatory reading in many criminal classes and the author is to be commended for what he pulled together and published. I'm sure it's saved many lives over the years. Thank you for stopping by!

    - Dawn

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  17. Oh Dawn, I’m so thankful you’re okay, and that you were able to write about your experience. What a tough life lesson though :- ( Horrific!
    Indeed, eye contact with a potential victimizer is a definite deterrent, according to police. For one thing, the prospective villain knows you can identify him if you’ve looked him straight in the eye.
    One night my daughter and I were walking home and encountered a gang of young men. Having heard the police advice to stare hard and act calm, that’s what I did. In fact, I made it a point to say “hi” and smile and wave, like they were friendly neighbors I was glad to see (which they most certainly were not; they were gang members of MOE -money over everything). After we were well past them, Abi turned to me and say, “Mom, are you CRAZY?”
    A teaching moment. I explained what the police had put out on encountering potential threats to one’s safety. These types play on fear too. They get off on fearful victims. That’s why I acted so amiable. Maybe your smile saved the day, Dawn. But one thing is for sure. Always follow your gut. And yes, fear is a gift!

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  18. Debra, I think you're right. I did make it a point to smile and speak to this young man at the convenient store, and I also said something to him later that night when he was walking towards me. I can't remember what it was, because I was in a hyper state, but I know I made some general, friendly comment to him before I got in my car and locked the door.

    I am sorry that you and your daughter had the experience you did, but am so happy you were equally aware and able to think clearly and calmly to address the situation in such a positive manner. Having a clear head is such a blessing, and you have no idea if you'll be one of the lucky ones who CAN think clearly in the midst of danger until it happens. The deputy I spoke with today commended the level stare approach as well. I hope this message helps others to remember that action.

    Thank you, as always, sweetheart, for visiting and sharing your Light. You always lift me up!

    - Dawnie

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  19. I also think your intuition probably saved you from harm. It has taken me a lifetime to listen "to my gut" as my husband says...but I DO now.

    Jo

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  20. I'm so glad you paid attention to your feeling and that you are safe, Dawn.

    Marie
    xoxo

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  21. Hi Jo! Yep, intuition, instinct, that little voice in our head, whatever you want to call it, that's what I believe made the difference in the outcome as well. Perhaps the older we get, the more clear our intuition becomes. Perhaps it's just that we've lived more, experienced more and sadly, recognize dangerous situations and people more readily. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for that inner voice. Thank you for visiting! :)

    - Dawn

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  22. Oh my goodness Dawn! That's so scary honey. I'm so fricken proud of you for trusting your gut. It's amazing how many women end up victims because they doubt themselves. When I was young this happened to me. Now I'm ferocious! You just can't take any chances.
    I will be praying for your sense of safety to be restored. You have a mob of angels around you sweet heart. Nothing is going to harm you.
    I'm so grateful that you're okay.
    Love,
    Leah

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  23. Marie, I'm glad I'm safe as well. I did my best to write this out very truthfully so that it shows how easily this type of thing can happy to any of us. I hope that it might make a difference for someone who reads this post in the future. Thank you for the love and friendship, sweetie! <3

    - Dawn

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  24. Leah, you had me laughing and nodding my head in understanding and agreement. "When I was young this [doubt] happened to me. Now I'm ferocious!" Honey, you and me both! As so many friends and family members commented, when it's dark and someone has followed you home, it's not the time to be all sweetness and light. So yes, you can't take any chances, and I'll remember that from this point forward.

    "You have a mob of angels around you sweetheart." Leah, I sincerely appreciate that comment and your prayers. When I read it, I felt a sense of peace come over me that I haven't felt since this happened earlier in the week. Although I know this to be true, just reading the words settled my heart in a way that I can't quite express. Thank you, my dear friend, for that. Blessings to you in return. <3

    Love back to you,

    - Dawn

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  25. Dawn you are safe and sound...! Your experience was horrible and it was not by chance that you parked in the wrong spot...Your inner instincts took over and guided you to safety. You functioned on that voice and no other...

    Not easy to recover form something like this but am sure you will... what you discovered from this incident was your strength and courage that no one can hurt you..

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  26. Savira, I agree with you - I don't believe in "accidents/mistakes". That's why I cited the parking in the "wrong" parking space as being pivotal. I'm sure that my hands were guided in that choice and every other choice I made in the following minutes. I'm doing better each day, putting more of it behind me. The first step to getting there was to write it out of my heart and hope the message will be helpful for other people. You're right about the fact that I discovered strength and courage that I wasn't aware I possessed. It really did surprise me after the fact! Thank you for visiting, sweetie. I always enjoy seeing your name and thoughts here. <3

    - Dawn

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  27. Dawn “God be with you” is an old saying I don’t know the when or where of it. But on the evening of your encounter I believe it was true. I have been trained to be an observer to watch and report the findings. You did right. To, to many of those who find themselves in the same situation don’t report it, and the animal runs loose. When our mine replays’ the event we are looking for 1, what did I do wrong, 2 what could I have done better, 3 was it all my imagination running wild. If and I sincerely pray it never happens again, but if you find yourself in the same situation use the horn and flash the lights make lot of noise be notice. If you have a cell phone camera take pictures. Mace, fire arms, and knifes unless you have regular training in using them monthly, they are of more danger to you then a life saver. A stalker is looking for weapons and is prepared to deal with it; most people are not, normally in a predator mode. Take charge out the situation. If you are wrong well you are there to say I’m sorry. And with that I will say and mean it God be with you. god bless

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  28. Well, contrary to some of the comments above, I do believe in coincidences. Maybe cos I am a Psychology student ha ha. Anyway, sometimes, we do do end up at the wrong places at the wrong time. Sometimes its a circle that completes itself. Happens all the time I guess. And intuition, *nods head vigorously*-Guess that said it all regarding what I have in mind about intuition. Though science suggests our intuition and common sense often misleads us, I beg to differ. It goes with people too, sometime we just look at a person and know it inside that "No, he/she ain't the right person." And I'm glad this time your intuition saved you. Maybe God was watching over you. :)

    Other than that, I think your blog is mesmerizing. Everything from the exemplary header and soothing background- mesmerizing!
    I shall drop by oftener. :)

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  29. Dawnie...This is comment number two from me, the first one doesn't seem to have gone through.

    first of all, the martial arts training I took told me exactly what that chap told you about making eye contact with creeps. Predators are hunters, and hunters usually go after weak prey. Thank God Darl'n you listened to your inner voice. The lesson isn't lost...praying for your safety and your peace I love you sister! alien!

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  30. Roy, thank you for all your thoughts and suggestions. I've felt the same thing about firearms for years, that unless you're proficient at handling them, they're going to become a hindrance and very possibly will be used against you. This recent experience has changed my mind, to a degree. I have definitely taken steps to protect myself, both at home and when I'm out and about by myself. I'm actively dealing with the level of proficiency as well.

    I didn't have time to fish in my purse for my cell phone to take a picture of this guy or the vehicle he was driving, but many people have suggested I should have done that. There were many things I should have done, I agree, but it all happened within about a 6 minute span of time. I was focused more on the immediate moments and some seemingly logical thoughts just didn't occur to me. Hitting my car horn is one that is so obvious now that I sit here and shake my head. Although I was able to think clearly enough to react well and avert a crisis, some very simple solutions just didn't occur to me. I appreciate you taking time to write everything you did here. I hope that people visiting this blog will read every single comment in this thread and remember all the wonderful and very valuable advice everyone has offered. Thank you so much, Roy. I especially appreciate the blessing. God be with you, also, my friend.

    - Dawn

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  31. Crystal, I appreciate your thoughts and comments. It's always interesting to read a different perspective from the prevailing theme. Coincidence or "no accidents", scientific thought process, or going with gut feelings....they're all valid perspectives and opinions and I love see both sides here in the Comment thread! The important thing is that the right decisions were made at the right time, and the story ended well. I do agree with you that it is a rare thing for intuition/common sense to lead us astray. It's that primal reaction hitting, after all, and we're sensing exactly what you mentioned - that the person or the circumstance is just "not right".

    Finally, thank you for your comments about the style/design of my blog! The beautiful header was designed for me by a FB friend in Louisiana - her name is Leah Mitzi Rice and she's very talented. If you or anyone else would like to get in touch with her for header or blog design, you can find her on my FB personal page in my friends list. I've worked hard to create just the right impression with the style and design here, so it made me smile to read your words and learn that I'm hitting the right note with it all.

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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  32. Tinker, thank you for putting effort and time into a second reply here! The looking this guy straight in the eye thing - I was taught that at a very early age by family members, and thankfully, it was one of the instinctive responses I was able to access instantly in that moment. The combination of everything proved to save the day, and me, from what felt to be very clear danger. I'm happy for that outcome too! Thank you, sister-mine, for the love, prayers and most especially for the Alien! You know that made my day! Loving you, sweetheart. <3

    - Dawnie

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  33. So very happy that your outcome was a good one. I was scared just reading this. I think this should be shared with your community. All women should be reminded of these warning signs.

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  34. Sea Green Naturals, I have definitely shared this experience on my Facebook and Twitter walls, tagging people locally so that word gets out about it. Many local friends have re-posted this blog on their walls, and I'm sure word of mouth is spreading also. When I read back through the telling of this, I admit that it scares me too. I can see every moment in my mind's eye, particularly the choices I made that could've erupted into a very bad outcome.

    I wrote this here at Healing Morning for the very reason you mentioned - so that other people will be reminded to pay attention their surroundings when they're out in public alone. Just taking a few extra precautions might make that strong difference and save lives. Thank you for visiting. :)

    - Dawn

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  35. That was scary Dawn. I had goose bumps reading about it. You are so right that we so often tend to ignore that voice inside us, warning us because we tend to be so complacent about our lives, our safety, believing nothing bad can happen to us. But I am glad you are fine and I can imagine your unease about the whole thing. What if that guy attempts to seek you again? It is not a very good feeling. But I am sure you will be more alert now. God bless you.

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/10/as-veil-lifted.html

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  36. Dawn, I'm so glad that you're okay, and that you still have your rose-colored glasses on your nose! As you said at the beginning of your post, you believe in always looking for the positive aspects in situations...and you are doing just that. It is so important to trust our inner voice (which often whispers, rather than shouts)...and I join with you in celebrating the fact that you did listen to yours. Like Leah, I see you completely safe and protected by angels and positive energy...and I know that you know this to also be true.

    Blessings and many warm hugs dearest one ❤

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  37. Thank God,that you are fine,at times like this,its your natural instinct that works...I really don't know as to what I would have done in a situation like that..You are a strong woman,and God bless u always.
    Alpana

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  38. Rimly, thank you so much for the kind words and especially for the blessing! Having had several days since the incident to kind of process through the emotions, I'm doing much better now. I've begun to vary my routine so that I'm not as predictable with my coming and going at my townhouse. My security there, and my personal security is much stronger as well. It may take a while for me to feel completely at ease here in the evenings, but I think that will fade over time as well. All the good wishes and love here have helped immensely, so once again, thank you! :)

    - Dawn

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  39. Bec, yep, those rose-colored glasses remain firmly perched on my nose! The rose color is getting back to a pretty shade, too. I'm not one to let negative experiences drag me down for too awfully long. I believe that writing this out and sharing it has had a positive effect, reminded others to be more aware and mindful, and that was the whole point with this one. Thank you, sweet girl, for the beautiful image and blessing of surrounding me with angels. I sincerely did feel a sense....something palpable...pressing in all around me that night. It was as real as someone touching me, but felt very intense, surrounding me from head to toe. I firmly believe I was not alone that night. We never are, during any moment in time, after all. You know I love it when you visit, because that means I get to zip over and play with you in return! Loving you, chickadee!

    - Dawn

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  40. Alpana, I didn't know, until it happened to me, how I would react either. What I learned is that I was stronger and much more resourceful and able to think in the midst of panic than I would have imagined. I had always wondered about that, so this taught me a strong lesson. I think we're all much stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Thank you so much for the loving wishes and the beautiful blessing. Blessings to you in return, dear one. I appreciate you stopping by. :)

    - Dawn

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  41. Thank you for sharing this with us. It's easy to disregard those inner voices and it's so easy to think the good looking smiling types aren't dangerous. Anyone can be dangerous! Glad all ended well and I hope you are now sleeping better at night.

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  42. Mari, you're right - it is way too easy to second guess ourselves when the outward trappings are attractive. I can clearly remember having that dual voice in my head, with one voicing the "good girl" thoughts, and the other screaming at me to get away as fast as I could. That dichotomy really did a number on my mind, both during and after the incident. We go through this really self-destructive guilt thing afterwards that takes a while to process. Or at least I felt that way. I'm doing much better now, and yes, I'm sleeping better. My home security has been increased in every way imaginable, as has my personal security for when I am out and about. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words. I am still glad I chose to share this story. It has made a very strong impact since I posted it, and that's a good thing. :)

    - Dawn

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