A CHANGED ATTITUDE!
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 2:52 am
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!
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!
