This is a kinda embrassing question to ask so pls don’t judge.
I did have moments where I like… went to the local library alone, or like an all day school trip or something…
But I never really like… explored outside alone… especially far from home…
So like… I feel scared about the idea of like… just going for a walk all by myself…
I realize I’ve always just asked parents to drive me somewhere so I never got a chance to just get in the habit of being by myself.
I don’t have a driver’s license so I don’t really have like a car to “retreat to”, if you know what I mean, like as in sort of “castle”.
How do I even “feel safe” just being outside on my own? For context I’m non-white so it’s… kinda intimidating… especially in the current context of US political atmosphere.
Try riding a bike?
You’re moving faster so people don’t expect you to stop and talk or anything. The bike ride is reason enough to be outside, so you don’t have to feel that awkwardness of being somewhere without a purpose.
This is a good idea; having a purpose really helps.
You could also try running short distances in running gear. The “uniform” helps as it becomes your mobile safe place, and the effort and endorphins the running generates keep away the feelings of depression.
And because you can’t get as far away from home as you can on a bike, you can easily get back home (and you’re already running).