- Spencer Coursen's Safety Made Simple – Daily Safety Tip
- Posts
- What an Umbrella Can Teach Us About Safety
What an Umbrella Can Teach Us About Safety
Why feeling safe isn’t the same as being secure — and how to protect yourself against false confidence.
Spencer Coursen
August 26, 2025
Why This Matters
Most people interchange the terms “safety” and “security” as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. And understanding the distinction could mean the difference between being protected and being exposed.
Safety is a feeling — the comfort, trust, and peace of mind we carry when we believe we are being protected.
Security is a state of being — the systems, strategies, and structures that actually shield us from harm.
Think of it like an Umbrella
Security is the canopy itself — strong, durable, built to withstand the storm.
Safety is how we feel underneath — warm, dry, and confident in its ability to protect us.
Here’s the truth: one without the other isn’t enough.
If you feel safe but aren’t secure, that’s false confidence.
If you’re secure but don’t feel safe, that’s anxiety.
Read more on fear vs anxiety <HERE>
Bottom Line
Feeling safe is not the same as being secure. And being secure doesn’t always mean you’ll feel safe. Only when safety and security are in alignment can we ever be truly protected. One without the other would be like carrying an umbrella when the forecast calls for rain, only to realize that it’s full of holes when you need it most.
Five Protective Strategies You Can Employ Today
Inspect Your “Umbrella” Regularly
Just like you’d check an umbrella for rips before a storm, inspect the systems you rely on — door locks, digital passwords, alarm systems, even your daily routines. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out something is broken.Differentiate Feeling Safe From Being Safe
Ask yourself: Am I comfortable because I want to be, or because I actually am? Don’t confuse peace of mind with real protection.Control Your Environment Where Possible
Choose seating with sightlines, park under lights, and position yourself near exits. These are small choices that layer security into ordinary environments.Have a Backup Plan
Carrying only one umbrella is risky. Likewise, don’t rely on a single layer of protection. Have redundancies — a phone charger, a trusted contact, a safe route home.Train Your Awareness, Not Just Your Tools
Tools provide security, but awareness ensures you know how and when to use them. Notice who’s around you, what feels off, and what’s changing in your environment.
Disagree with anything? Hit reply—I always read your responses.
Live Smart. Stay Safe.
Did you find this helpful? Why not share it with a friend? You never know when one small shift in awareness could help keep them safe, too.
Were you sent this from a friend? Consider subscribing to learn my tips and tricks to help you protect what matters most.
