Welcome to the #stylemecommunity Ashley. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Name: Ashley | Illinois | Connect: Instagram | Facebook | Website

I was anti- nearly a year ago and after being open to education, as well as spending time doing my own research I very quickly changed my opinion... Here’s why.

I refuse to be a victim. Period. I could stop right there and I think that would be sufficient.

I know what it’s like to live in fear, to feel vulnerable, and to be scared for my own safety. I know what it’s like to be thinking of what you could defend yourself with as someone is following you around a store or to your car. For a long time, I lived imprisoned to fear and anxiety of not being able to fight back... I know that at the end of the day, I’m at a disadvantage as a woman and I let myself feel smaller because of it.
I got fed up. I'm not smaller, and I was done allowing myself to feel that way. I've become proactive. I’m going to do what I can to fight back. I’m going to do what I need to do to stop living in fear. I’m going to exercise the right I’ve been given to protect myself and my family. I’m no longer allowing myself to be a victim to fear or any other threat.

To my women especially, please consider learning about firearms (including proper safety) and using one to protect yourself. The second amendment is the biggest equalizer for us. Everyone is the same height with a .

We are not smaller.

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