We already have so much on our minds before we leave the house, so I don’t want to add anything to your “to do” list. I would venture to guess that 5 minutes before you walk out the door, you have done the dishes, checked your make-up, confirmed the curling iron is off, let the dog go potty one more time and so much more. I am asking that you please consider “thinking ahead” of those last 5 minutes to make your life easier.
Have you ever walked through a store and seen a parent juggling a baby, stroller and what looks like 3 bags full of baby supplies? You probably thought to yourself, “Good Lord! Is all of that really necessary to carry around while grocery shopping?” You know what? Maybe it is for them. This parent is probably using experience (or lack thereof) to plan for every scenario involving a baby’s needs. They brought food, juice, a change of clothes, diapers (and all that entails), toys, medicine, pacifiers, blanky and so much more … just to make life easier and more comfortable for a baby.
Have YOU ever walked through a store wearing shoes that irritate the corn/bunion on the side of your foot? You probably thought to yourself, “Why did I decide last minute to go shopping in these shoes? I know better. Now I have to find a solution or go home. Ouch!”
We can do better, so let’s backtrack and pre-plan. I am not a professional “prepper”; I am just someone that likes to think ahead. I am going to assume you have your self-protection plan in order, so let’s focus on everyday items that can make your life better if they are near when you are not home.
First, grab a piece of paper and a pen. I want you to take a break from reading and write down 3-to-5 things that are a “constant” with you. Meaning, no matter where you are, this “constant” could raise its ugly head and become an issue that needs your attention. Let’s not add cell phone, iPad, computer or things like that to the list since most of us do not carry (or have) 2 of these items.
Shelley’s List
I will go first to set an example.
Now is the time for you to work on your list. Once completed, you can continue reading.
Now that I have my 5 answers, let’s look at the results of not knowing thy self. If I am out and about, at any time I could become uncomfortable and itchy due to dry skin, I may have to sit down and get off my feet due to pain or blisters, I could pass out because I needed some food in my system, or I could go into anaphylactic shock if stung.
Any of this could have been avoided.
Now let’s ask the right questions. Do I carry a small bottle of lotion, Motrin/Tylenol for foot pain, mole skin for blisters, power bar to keep me level, Chapstick for my lips and 2 Epi pens to keep me alive? Heck, yes, I do. All of these items take up next to no space and they are there when I need them when I am not at home.
Shelley’s Friend’s List
I asked a friend to do this with me and these were his 4 “constants”:
What is the answer for him? He always has an extra pair of sunglasses on hand, he carries an empty vitamin bottle with all the meds he would need to take if he was away from the house for 48 hours, has a small bottle of eye drops and carries his prescription for migraines. He knows thyself.
Let’s bring your attention back to your 5 “constants.” What are your answers and what is some pre-planning solutions that you could carry (or have near) to prevent your “constants” from become a big issue? Do YOU know thyself?
Obviously, you can be a minimalist, or you can fill a bag with supplies, either way, you are deciding ahead of time to carry what YOU need. Here is an oxymoron for you, pre-plan so you can be spontaneous again.
Shelley Hill wears a "bunch of hats." Her husband, Brian, named her the “Indispensable Organization Wizard” about 25 years ago and that has become her official title. Shelley is the CEO and instructor at The Complete Combatant. She is an HK Brand Ambassador, publishes regular articles in Women’s Outdoor News and Shooting Illustrated, teaches online classes, is an Active Self Protection Certified Instructor, an Instructor Graduate of Modern Samurai Project's Red Dot Instructor program, NRA Certified Instructor, Certified NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, Refuse to be a Victim Instructor and is a Certified OC (Pepper Spray) Instructor through Chuck Haggard's Agile Training & Consulting. She is the designer and mastermind behind Image Based Decisional Drills, Smart Choices , LockedIn Grip, The Complete Combatant's annual The Mingle for professional ladies in the "firearms/self defense" industry and The Quest for red dot shooters. She is also the President of a non-profit organization called Blue Line Ponies. This 501c3 focuses on providing a retirement range for our career service horses. Shelley is also a presenter at several national conferences is a public speaker and she actually loves people. View all posts by Shelley Hill
