Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

Admiration, Safety, and the Call for Reflection

The early morning walker has discipline and resilience. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection admires the dedication of walkers and joggers while raising an important reminder about safety and visibility.

First, let me say that I admire you. You are up early, and that cannot be easy for all of you. My husband is an early riser, and I have never understood the concept. However, in the winter, I will say that I love the benefit. By the time I get up, the coffee is made, and on cold winter days, there is a fire in the fireplace. So, I love the early morning riser.

Except twice a week, I am up early to go to exercise class. That puts me on the road in the dark. The sun will not be up for more than an hour, so I need the headlights to make my way to the gym. Then there is the early-morning jogger or walker. As I said, I admire you out there in the cold.

I am in my warm car, sweat suit on, headed to a hot, steaming gym. But the jogger/walker is hoofing it down the blacktop in their black running suit with NO REFLECTIVE VEST. What are you thinking? You blend in with the blacktop. The headlights do not pick you up until it is almost too late. Really, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

I get it. Those reflective vests are for the guys and gals who work on road crews and hold those rotating STOP or YIELD signs. You are not a road worker. But please, it is dark. Headlights have only so much range. You are invisible until it is almost too late. I do not need the surprise to wake me up. You do not need to leap to the side of the road in fear. Wear a vest!

The best example of this was not an early morning encounter. My example is from a late-night adventure. On the way home from a friend’s house after dark, a woman in all black with a black hat on was out for a late-night stroll. As the headlights finally picked her up, she was halfway into the driving lane, waving her arms furiously and shouting something that could not be heard inside the car. REALLY?

She sees these headlights traveling toward her and decides to confront the beast rather than leap to the sidewalk. I do not get it. Of course, the necessary swerve saved her from becoming roadkill. But really? What is with these joggers and walkers? Do you like taking risks with your body? Are you really that dense? Are you harking back to your caveman ancestor and hoping to slay the powerful beast?

Wear a reflective vest or stay on the sidewalk! Even then, you are going to have to cross a street at some point, unless you want to cruise back and forth in front of your house. Seriously, waving your arms at an oncoming car in the dark while you are dressed to blend into the blacktop is not cool.

Want to explore more about pedestrian safety and visibility? Visit Psychology Today’s article on why we take risks with our safety and Greater Good’s guide to how small choices build safety and connection.

If you’re reflecting on health, safety, or lifestyle changes this season, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, resilience, and emotional growth.