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Security objects

DogwoodTree

Still here...
Do you have a security object that you carry with you most of the time? If so, what does it mean to you emotionally?

My object(s) change from time to time, but lately I've been carrying three rocks that I picked up at various places that are important to me. I don't know why I've always carried something like this, even as a kid, but I think it helps me feel more connected with myself when I'm out around people and tend to lose a sense of who I am. It's always been connected to my identity in some way, the way I see myself and who I am with myself when I'm alone in my mind.
 
I have a laser cut acrylic head of a buck (male deer) keychain. Out in the woods is my peaceful place and, that is there to remind me that it's never very far to my peaceful place.
 
The only things that I have on me at all times are my wallet and keys. I don't know if there is an emotional reason behind this, other than not wanting to get locked out, or be somewhere with no means of paying for something. I guess that is a sense of security.
 
The only things that I have on me at all times are my wallet and keys. I don't know if there is an emotional reason behind this, other than not wanting to get locked out, or be somewhere with no means of paying for something. I guess that is a sense of security.

Maybe. I usually have these things on me, too, in order to be prepared for the need for these things. But I think of a "security object" as something I carry not because I'll need it to perform a task, but because I just really want to have it with me and can't bear the thought of leaving it behind. It helps me feel safer and more grounded somehow, and I feel a little lost if I have to leave it at home (like if I don't have pockets that day).
 
Two wolf necklaces. They're about my wild side. They make me feel connected and free.

Plus I think my messenger bag counts. I keep my laptop in it, as well as school stuff. But I find myself taking it places I logically can't use it, and it feels kind of funny to not have it. I'm trying to carry it around less when I won't have free time to use it, since I don't want to risk damaging my laptop. Maybe that's just force of habit, though.
 
But I find myself taking it places I logically can't use it, and it feels kind of funny to not have it. I'm trying to carry it around less when I won't have free time to use it, since I don't want to risk damaging my laptop.

I do that with my kindle. I take it places sometimes just because I feel a little lost to leave it behind.
 
I take my phone wherever I go. And I take my autism alert card whenever I go outside somewhere. I've never had to use it or anything but I just take it anyway. No idea why. I never forget it.
 
My phone and my bag. Nobody else can hold my bag or look after it for me. Once I let someone do that, very reluctantly and a thief on a bike snatched my bag off them. Never again. My last phone died completely a few months ago and I felt very upset and anxious until I got a new one the next day.
 
I've normally have my pocket knife on my (except when its prohibited then it takes it a day off staying at home) it's a Benchmade 940 Osbourne folding knife, it has a green aluminum handle with a purple titanium spacer in the center. The blade shape is a reverse tanto that measures 3 3/4 inches long. The blade has no serrations, although it does have two thumb studs on either side to open it either handed. The pocket clip, blade,hardware holding it together are coated with a black oxide coating, finally the clip is attached on the opposite end of the handle of the blade. Another one of favorite items that travels with me is my pen, it's tiny, black with black ink. There is a clip on the cap, well it's nothing special really it's a pen what more could I say?
 
I have a blanket but I don't generally take it out of the house, don't want something to happen to it... that and people generally are assholes if I'd be taking it around with me...
 
That would be my trusty switchblades. I carry one on each my left and right sides in case either arm is grabbed, pinned, or otherwise immobilized, as well as one in the back of my belt in case my whole front is ever pressed against a surface such as a floor or wall.

My boss laughed at me and teased me for carrying security blankets, but that's exactly what they are. I have a chronic fear of being pinned down or put in armlocks or whatever stemming from being harshly restrained on a daily basis as a child, and it just brings me a feeling of safety to know that if anyone tries to hurt me ever again I could actually defend myself.
 
That would be my trusty switchblades. I carry one on each my left and right sides in case either arm is grabbed, pinned, or otherwise immobilized, as well as one in the back of my belt in case my whole front is ever pressed against a surface such as a floor or wall.

My boss laughed at me and teased me for carrying security blankets, but that's exactly what they are. I have a chronic fear of being pinned down or put in armlocks or whatever stemming from being harshly restrained on a daily basis as a child, and it just brings me a feeling of safety to know that if anyone tries to hurt me ever again I could actually defend myself.

What kind of switchblades do you have. I have a switchblade that was my dads I carry sometime.
 
What kind of switchblades do you have. I have a switchblade that was my dads I carry sometime.

Sharp ones. But seriously, M-Tech MT-A825 spring assisted tactical. China knives, I know, but they're almost completely rectangular which I like.
 
Sharp ones. But seriously, M-Tech MT-A825 spring assisted tactical. China knives, I know, but they're almost completely rectangular which I like.
I've got a switch blade made by sog it that I have for defense. Also a box cutter is great for defense, especially the retractable ones.
 
I use two coins from the ones that are used in playing poker. I flip them over and over and without them I feel empty.

I also feel very empty when I sleep without my sheep pillow hugged to myself. I don't feel any good without these objects in range.
 
My stuffed dolphin and my plushie of Oh from "Home." I got Oh about a year ago and he's very soft. He helps me sleep and I just feel calmer overall when I hug or hold him. He calms my anger, self-destructive thoughts and depression. He also has these curly "nose ears" on the sides of his head that I stim with.

I also really like Disney Tsum Tsums and Itty Bittys (the little plushies from Hallmark stores). My favorite Tsum Tsums are two Dumbo ones, Baymax, Sadness and Gideon from the Japan "Cat" Tsum Tsum set. Dumbo helps me sleep when I hold him in my hand, and the other Dumbo is named "Zizz" b/c he has his eyes closed as if he is asleep. My Sadness Tsum is just really comforting to me....she's been to several Dr's appts with me where they've had to give me blood draws and helped me feel calm while that was happening. I also gave her a pink Hello Kitty hairclip. :)

My current two favorite Itty Bittys are Dory from Finding Nemo and BB-8 from Star Wars. When I get up in the morning and get ready for work, I usually stuff Sadness, Dory, Gideon, BB-8 and a stim toy or two (usually my pink and purple Tangle) into my pockets. A diecast of Susie the Coupe (the little car in my icon) and a Calico Critters cat sometimes come along, too.

I also have a purple hair scrunchie and a lime green University of Minnesota hoodie that I love....I wear the purple scrunchie around my wrist b/c I like the feeling of something soft wrapped around my wrist, and the hoodie has sentimental value b/c my aunt gave it to me years ago. It's full of holes and tears now, but I refuse to get rid of it or to stop wearing it. I also have a Cars blanket I've had since 2008 that I love and always take on vacations or overnight stays in unfamiliar places.

My scrunchie/hoodie/Tangle toy/Cars blanket are all there for sensory/sentimental reasons, but I think the reason why so many of my security objects are small stuffed animals are because...well, they're my friends. They have all the essential attributes of good friends (as I see them): they smile, they're soft and warm, they love hugs, they listen, they don't make unnecessary noise, they don't try to change who I am, they're always there and always have time for me, they keep me from hurting myself, and they are comforting. They also give me something to focus on/center myself with when I'm in chaotic situations I can't easily get out of. For instance, when I'm in a room full of people and starting to zone out in order to escape the noise, the questions, the feeling of being crowded, reaching into my pocket and squeezing or petting one of my Tsum Tsums helps to bring me back.
 
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At the moment, a small Fluttershy pony figure. Sometimes it's a different pony but Fluttershy is my favourite and I feel like she is a good friend to have with me in my pocket, she makes me feel calm and sort of as if we are doing things together (if I have to go out and do something anxious, eg appointment) so I'm not alone and we are sharing the anxiety. She is small enough to have in my hand without anyone noticing.
Another one is my Lambie (Doc McStuffins) plushie who is so soft and I like to rub her soft head on my face which calms me down and I know she loves hugs and loves comforting people so I know she is good friend to have with me. I don't take her outside as often with me though.
 

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