A CHANGED ATTITUDE!

[DLBConductor]

Two incidents with BGs in the last year provided the impetus for my getting a CHL. The first was in December of 2010, when a young drug addict broke into my gym locker, took all my clothes, and stole my billfold with all my credit cards, money, and DL. The second incident occurred in early November of 2011, when I was accosted by a BG demanding money from me outside a restaurant in a decent area in broad daylight. While I was fortunate to have escaped injury, I never wanted to be in that position again. I was totally at the mercy of the BG.

I purchased a Springfield Armory XD 9 mm sub-compact, took shooting lessons, completed my CHL class, and received my plastic on January 14, 2012 and have carried 24/7 for the past week. Since last November, I have faithfully practiced 3-4 times a week at the range and have done extensive reading on TCHLForum, XDForum, No Nonsense Defense.com., and other self defense websites. I plan to take Situational Awareness and Self-Defense classes this spring.

I will say that I have never felt safer than I have during this past week. However, my safety comes not from my SA XD9 but rather from my changed attitude. Without realizing it, I had lived in a "white" state of situational awareness for 68 years. I have always been cognizant that there is true evil in the world but I naively thought "it could never happen to me." Now, anytime I am outside of my house, I am in "Condition Yellow." During the first week of concealed carry, I even had real justification to go into "Condition Orange." Because of the knowledge I gained on TCHLForum, I found I was able to face a possible bad situation with calmness and little fear. I was prepared to take immediate evasive action if needed or to go into "Condition Red" if there was no other option. My changed attitude had an immediate effect on the BG that was "interviewing" me as a possible victim. He changed his mind and I was able to go back into "Condition Yellow."

When I started this journey, I thought owning and learning to use a handgun would be the major component in providing me safety and peace of mind so I would never again feel as vulnerable as I did in that parking lot back in November of last year. I thought I could just "FLASH" my XD9 and the BGs would run away in fear - talk about naivety! But an interesting thing happened along the way; I realized that what has actually made me safer and more confident was a change in my attitude and awareness.  I no longer have the mindset of a "victim"! By concentrating on my situational awareness, I realize that I have real options to avoid putting myself in the position of being a victim and FOR THOSE TIMES WHEN I AM TRULY CHALLENGED BY A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION, I AM PREPARED TO DEFEND MYSELF AND MY LOVED ONES. 

Knowing that I am prepared to take responsibility for my own safety [whether that calls for de-escalation, flight, or fight] has given me much greater peace of mind. Whenever feasible, I will strive to life peaceably, avoid conflict, and flee danger. However, if it becomes necessary to protect myself or my family from deadly violence, I am at peace with my decision to use deadly force as a last resort to stop such deadly violence.

As I go about my daily life, I am no longer afraid of what might happen. Being PREPARED and being AWARE gives me the confidence that I can and will be able to face whatever challenges come my way. Because my eyes are now open, each day seems a little brighter, the air a little fresher, and life a little more precious. 

ONCE I WAS ASLEEP!     NOW I AM AWAKE!

[Seabear]

Excelent!

You have discovered what many people, including many who have their CHL, fail to realize. You are correct, it is not just the fact that you now have a weapon, that's just and added bonus and a tool available for you to use as you said "as a last resort". I know of many people that have a CHL that don't carry every day, obviously they have not learned what you have.

Congrats on a great mindset. Sounds like you had some great teachers along the way.

Be safe, and welcome aboard.

[speedsix]

...you are the desired result of this board...a well-informed, alert, and prepared citizen who no longer has to live in fear...thanks for so clearly articulating your transformation...

[C-dub]

Sorry that epiphany took so long, but glad you made it.

[longtooth]

I have never heard it stated better. Glad you are unharmed afte 2 accounts.

[kjolly]

The weight of the weapon you carry (and the responsiblity) serves as a constant reminder of what can go wrong and helps you to stay in the alert mindset.

[SRH78]

Great post and very well said.

[Texas10X]

Great post and very well said.

Welcome aboard!

[Oldgringo]

Mrs. Oldgringo and I had an epiphany of sorts when we were accosted on the steps of the FUMC by some east Texas crackhead about 4 years ago. I said "nevermore" and we both got our Texas CH licenses.

Thank goodness, neither of us have ever had to pull a gun but doesn't it feel good knowing that you could?

[74novaman]

You're so right about awareness. Those who seek to victimize others are true predators...and can sense when their prey isn't going to go down easy. Making eye contact with people around you and being aware really is 80% of what carrying is all about.

Congrats on your decision yo be responsible for your own safety!

Now that you're doing so, please consider joining groups like the NRA and TSRA, and help ensure your kids and grandkids have the same freedoms you're learning to enjoy.

[johncanfield]

I too have followed a similar path.

One major factor for me in getting a CHL is that as I age, I give up physical capability to run/resist and older folks are seen as an easier target for a one-on-one situation with a BG. A concealed handgun and appropriate training are the great equalizers. I used to be somewhat concerned since we live on acreage with our closest neighbors hundreds of feet away, but not any longer.

[DLBConductor]

...Now that you're doing so, please consider joining groups like the NRA and TSRA, and help ensure your kids and grandkids have the same freedoms you're learning to enjoy.

Thanks! After I purchased my XD9 sc, I joined the CTRP (Central Texas Rifle & Pistol Club) and the NRA.

[Texas10X]

...Now that you're doing so, please consider joining groups like the NRA and TSRA, and help ensure your kids and grandkids have the same freedoms you're learning to enjoy.

Thanks! After I purchased my XD9 sc, I joined the CTRP (Central Texas Rifle & Pistol Club) and the NRA.

+1 Novaman!

DLBConductor - Glad you joined the NRA!

[n5wd]

... Since last November, I have faithfully practiced 3-4 times a week at the range and have done extensive reading on TCHLForum, XDForum, No Nonsense Defense.com., and other self defense websites. I plan to take Situational Awareness and Self-Defense classes this spring.

A caution: depending on how much "fun" you're having at the range, you might find that many trips to the range not only gets costly, but also might help you on the way to a bit of burn-out. Someone suggested it to me, and so I suggest it to you that you might look at one of the competitive shooting events (USPSA, IDPSA, Steel Challenge, NRA Bullseye, Ruger Rimfire, etc.) out there to give you a bit of additional engagement while you're training. I shoot my first Steel Challenge match in a couple of weeks, and during my twice-weekly range trips, I'm now doing something besides punching holes in paper. May make it a bit more fun for you, as well.

Wayne

[DLBConductor]

... Since last November, I have faithfully practiced 3-4 times a week at the range and have done extensive reading on TCHLForum, XDForum, No Nonsense Defense.com., and other self defense websites. I plan to take Situational Awareness and Self-Defense classes this spring.

A caution: depending on how much "fun" you're having at the range, you might find that many trips to the range not only gets costly, but also might help you on the way to a bit of burn-out. Someone suggested it to me, and so I suggest it to you that you might look at one of the competitive shooting events (USPSA, IDPSA, Steel Challenge, NRA Bullseye, Ruger Rimfire, etc.) out there to give you a bit of additional engagement while you're training. I shoot my first Steel Challenge match in a couple of weeks, and during my twice-weekly range trips, I'm now doing something besides punching holes in paper. May make it a bit more fun for you, as well.

Wayne

Wayne, thanks for the good advice. Although I grew up shooting a .22 rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun, my first experience with a handgun was only three months ago. I felt like I needed to become proficient in handling and shooting a handgun. I now have reached the stage where I can put 9 out of 10 shots in a bulls-eye at 20 feet and can do a 8-10 inch grouping at 50 feet. More importantly, I can keep my finger off the trigger until I am ready to shoot. It is amazing how difficult that is for a beginner.

I love the whole process of target shooting. The CTRP Club is in a beautiful area and it is refreshing to be out in the open air with the smell of gunpowder and cedar wafting on the breeze. Now that I am becoming more proficient, I will feel a little less intimidated to try some type of competitive shooting. Three months ago, I would have been a danger to myself and others to try shooting anything other than paper targets. As Dirty Harry said, "A man's got to know his limitations!" LOL