If you live in fear of sexual assault, read on and learn how to step into your power and don those bullet-proof Bracelets of Submission. First, know that you are safer than a misleading study leads you to believe. The Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Survey reflects only 1.2 sexual assaults (as in rape, not cat calls) per 1,000 people (2016) and a dropping sexual violence rate – by more than half since 1993.

Do your own homework instead of simply believing repetitive messages so you will be empowered instead of manipulated. No matter how much Chicken Little ran around crying, “The sky is falling!” it really wasn’t. And Wonder Woman can’t save the world if she’s charging off in the wrong direction.

Next, avoid drinking, smoking, or taking anything that will affect your judgement. Superheroes cannot act if their senses are impaired.

Now you are ready.

Forge your Wonder Woman persona

We can’t control others but we can control our attitude, our skills, and our bodies.

Try something different and don’t give up. Take a class, join a club, start a group of like-minded newbie Wonder Women. I prefer co-ed groups but pick what makes you comfortable.

• Start running
• Join a team
• Try a new sport
• Rock climb
• Learn aikido (a good martial art for women)

It’s not about being athletic. It’s about being healthy and exploring your physical and mental potential. The superpower isn’t how fast you run, it’s that you keep running. Being athletic teaches you about failure and doing hard, uncomfortable things. Failure teaches you about yourself.

Endurance sports like running, swimming, biking, and rock climbing are well-suited to women because they rely on mental toughness and moving your own body weight. We’ve got loads of mental toughness!

Why should I change?

When you work on making your body stronger you are also making your mind stronger. Your whole attitude changes and you feel more capable. It doesn’t mean you are completely safe; men are still bigger and stronger. And you must always use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

But once you change the literal you, the emotional and spiritual you also change – bigger, brighter, bolder. You stand up straighter, hold your head higher, and are more likely to assert yourself in various situations. You will feel calmer and more in control. Your voice is a little louder and confidence spreads to your fingertips and toes.

Trends, selfies, and FOMO be damned.

Meet life on your terms

Our most powerful weapons are our will, our might, and our grit. Being active can unlock that power.

Your body is built to move and sweat – preferably while having fun with friends – not shrink in fear.

Stop acting fearful of an attack; it makes you a more attractive victim. Instead, be prepared, be smart, and be strong. Don’t let anyone trick you into believing you are a victim. You don’t need a mob, a march, a hashtag, or a pink hat. Take control of your personal power with calm, poise, and intensity.

Recall the original Wonder Woman tv series with Lynda Carter and new Wonder Woman Gal Gadot. The costume, golden lasso, and bracelets didn’t make them Wonder Woman. It was their attitude, the way they stood, and how they interacted with the men. They were strong women; you can be too.

Every one of us hides a superhero within. Get your sweat on and release your light.