Security objects?

[Aspergirl4hire]

I suppose my culinary uniform is also a comforting security device. It helps me to maintain the mask that I wear to work in which I am cunningly disguised as a chef instructor, the premise being that if you look the part, you will act the part, and BE the part.

It doesn't matter that I really AM a chef and that I hold three degrees and various licenses and certificates. To me it's all about attitude and perception.

The real me is rather timid and nervous. Given a choice he would never venture outside his home ... but chef me knows no fear. Chef me wears his pristine white uniform like a suit of armor. The uniform reminds him .... me ...us ... that we are a certified (if not certifiable) and that we are a qualified, experienced, and (reasonably) talented Culinary Arts instructor.

This sounds so much like me. My husband and I once worked at the same company for two years, close enough that he could see who I was at work. He remarked on my confident bearing and high energy. At home, a lot more sensitive, tired, and timid. Sometimes I wonder that I'm still married, but apparently it's all good...20 years later.

My security object used to be my camera, but since I go places where it's not appreciated, it's now my fountain pen. It's black, sleek--looks like a battle submarine, and because it has a clickable tip, it's as easy to use as a ballpoint pen. I love it irrationally. I used to have a leather case with a strap for it that I'd wear around my neck, until it was stolen one day. I was upset for months. I may have to handmake a replacement.

 

[Ellylldan]

There is a number of things I need to have with me whenever I leave home.
Naturally, my bag, full of useful and useless stuff (I have three favourite bags, that I can change depending on season and situation), without which I feel naked and don't know where to put my hands.

Also I have this little guy that must be attached to any bag I'm wearing at the moment:

He has a little bell and its sound makes me feel secure. When, for some reason, the bell is not accepted, I feel very uncomfortable and not complete. The only situation when I can leave him unattached without going crazy, is when I go hiking in the woods: I realise it may disturb the forest creatures so I don't mind. In that case I put him in the pocket, so he stays silent.

Other things that I can't leave home without, are two rings. I don't wear them at home and sometimes, when I'm going out in a hurry, I may forget to put them on. And it means the day is ruined: I keep thinking that without them everything will go wrong and it will. I'm pretty sure it's actually this mindset that ruins my day but still I can't help it. Fortunately, it happens very rarely!