The Importance of Knowing Your Surroundings: Lessons from She’s an Asset

I recently attended a real estate continuing education course led by Autumn Clifford with She’s an Asset, and let me tell you—it was an eye-opener. Autumn, a former police officer, brought a wealth of real-life experience and stories to back up her points.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of knowing your surroundings and always having a plan. As uncomfortable as it is to think about worst-case scenarios, it’s far better to be prepared than caught off guard. Whether it’s during a property showing, walking through a parking lot, or running errands, being aware of your environment can make all the difference.

We live in Maine, and many of us want to believe it’s a perfectly safe place where “things like that don’t happen here.” But the truth is, they do—more often than we realize—and most of these incidents don’t even make the news. Hearing Autumn’s stories from her time in law enforcement was a sobering reminder of why preparedness is essential, no matter where you live.

This isn’t about living in fear; it’s about being empowered. Autumn’s practical and actionable strategies gave me the confidence to prioritize safety for myself and my family without feeling overwhelmed.

When I was a kid—back before everyone had a phone glued to their hand—leaving the house wasn’t as simple as just walking out the door. Oh no. In my family, there was a process.

Before I went anywhere, I had to leave a note. Not just a scribble like “Be back later”—nope, that wouldn’t fly. It had to include: where I was going, who I was with, what time I left, and when I planned to be back. Basically, a 1980s version of “Share My Location.”

At the time, I thought it was overkill. I mean, what was the worst that could happen? But my parents were serious about it. They wanted me to be aware—of my surroundings, my plans, and most importantly, that someone always knew where I was just in case. And honestly? That lesson stuck with me.

Well… mostly.

Fast forward to today, and there are times I forget to do the simple things—like sending a quick text to say I’m running late or letting someone know when I’ve arrived. Not because I don’t care, but because I’m usually sprinting out the door like I’m in a one-man relay race.

Situational awareness isn’t about paranoia—it’s about empowerment. It’s about making sure the people who care about us know where we are. It’s about paying attention, not just assuming everything will be fine.

So, let’s commit to making it a daily habit. If my parents could get me to write a full itinerary on a scrap of paper before riding my bike down the street, I can probably take two seconds to let people know where I am today.

And hey, at least now I don’t have to find a pen.

Have you taken steps to increase your awareness or prepared a plan? Go to Shesanasset.com to learn more!