With over 7.1 billion people in the world, we are just “little fish in the sea.” A microscopic dot on the map. Anything could happen at any moment-good or bad. Be watchful and aware of your surroundings. At all times.

A few weeks ago, I was doing my weekly (okay well like my third trip) grocery shopping at a local store. I go there all of the time and have never felt unsafe, and I go early in the morning when it isn’t too busy or at night. The staff is always so helpful and friendly (sometimes too much at times, but it is appreciated). While I was walking to my car to put away my groceries and other purchases, this man approached me. He was missing a few teeth and looked rather rugged and distressed. The man asked me a few questions like “How are you beautiful?”, “Where is the best place to get breakfast around here?”, “Do you have any money?”. I did not respond to any of these questions. I told the stranger to please leave me alone multiple times. He then began to grab my bags and put them in his hands. At this time, an employee at the store saw what was happening. They ran over to the scene and told the man to stop talking to me and leave me alone. The man refused. The employee threatened to call the police; the man then threw the bags on the ground and went into a sprint across the parking lot. The employee made sure I was okay and asked if he should call the police or if I needed anything else. I declined and said I was fine. Needless to say, I was a bit shaken up and still in shock what had happened. A few days later, I went back to the store and the employee recognized me. They walked me to my vehicle to make sure I was safe this time, which was incredibly thoughtful, great customer service, as well as reassuring.

I had never been put in such a frightening situation like this alone before. Even when closing down the beach in the dark this past summer, nothing like this happened before, well besides a few people under the influence yelling at me, but that is very manageable and a different situation (that is a whole other article itself).

In reflecting on this, I keep wondering why there are so many scary people in the world. Why would they do such a thing? Aren’t we trying to find world peace and satisfaction? It made me realize that I need to always be alert and aware of my surroundings. Even when one thinks they are safe and in a protected environment, anything can happen. Sadly, it is the world we live in. As humans though we have the power and ability to (help) change that by making differences, standing up for others and ourselves and being mindful of the world around us.