My husband and I embarked on a long-awaited vacation to visit family amid the pandemic. After more than a year of isolation, we finally felt safe with our full vaccinations. Lucky for us, our lodging not only had family but also boasted a hot tub. As we indulged in this luxury, we were welcomed by a clear, star-studded night sky (a rare treat for city dwellers like us) with a distant lightning storm sporadically illuminating the mountains.
The lockdown took a toll on both of us, and to finally be somewhere besides our apartment, surrounded by the beauty of nature, we felt the most peaceful and relaxed we had in a long time. It was amazing, until it wasn’t. Amidst this tranquility, there was a sudden shift. Without any apparent trigger, my senses heightened, my stomach knotted with unease, and I found myself scanning our surroundings in alarm– I felt in danger.
When Your Instincts Tell You Something is Wrong
Questions flooded my mind. Was there a genuine threat? Had I heard something? Was my anxiousness a byproduct of the darkness paired with an unfamiliar place? Despite my attempts to rationalize, the unease persisted and intensified. I found myself questioning my personal safety. Fortunately, my husband and I have talked a lot about how we plan to keep ourselves safe in the world, and we established a precedent to trust in each other’s instincts– prioritizing caution over complacency. Uncertain if this feeling stemmed from anxiety or legitimate danger, I voiced my concerns.
To my relief, my husband echoed my sentiments with relief, hinting that he too had been wrestling with what to do with this feeling. Without hesitation, we abandoned the hot tub, quickly moving inside. After regaining composure, we reflected on the incident while we settled our nervous systems. Both of us had sensed the shift moments before I verbalized it. Did we avert a potential threat, or had we succumbed to overreaction? We spent time speculating on what it could have been and came up with reasons that spanned everything from the next true crime series to a bunny who made too much noise.
Preparedness Made It Easier to Act
While uncertainty shrouded the event’s true nature, our response underscored the importance of preparedness and mutual trust. Every day, we navigate moments where safeguarding our well-being demands what could be seen as mundane action. This incident served as a reminder that prioritizing personal safety often relies on swift, instinctual responses, even in the absence of clarity. My husband and I’s conversations prior to this event led us to be able to act when needed, and the methods that we use to protect ourselves span all areas of our lives. They are just as applicable when we are at home as when we are traveling. We protect ourselves and those around us through committing to open communication and honoring the instincts of others, backed by thought through preparations and planning.
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