Violent Attacks only Happen to Other People !
Do you think you’re safe from violence? Do you think that you can keep yourself from being attacked simply by refusing to acknowledge its existence? Do you think that you don’t need to know how to defend yourself because the police will be able to protect you?
If you do, you’re living in a place called Denial and it is a dangerous place to live.
Many people choose to believe that they will never be violently attacked. They have convinced themselves that they are perfectly safe..
Sure, it isn’t easy thinking about what to do should we find ourselves in a dangerous situation. It’s much nicer to imagine that we’ll always be safe and protected.
Case in Point
“I grew up in Southwest Baltimore. I’ve been in some bad places in my life and nothing had ever happened to me. And I took that for granted thinking that it would continue to go that way.” ~ Tim Young in an interview after having been robbed at gunpoint.
“I’m not too paranoid about people coming out to get me ’cause I’m a nice person.” ~ Unknown person in an interview about current violence in America
- I’ve never been attacked and I don’t believe I ever will be.
- I’d rather not think about it.
- Being attacked only happens to other people.
- Crime only happens in bad neighborhoods.
- If I don’t go looking for trouble I’ll be fine.
What a wonderful world it would be if we could all truly be safe. And we would never be attacked. And our lives would remain forever safe and sheltered.
But the reality is, it only takes one time, one predator, one attack, and your life could be altered forever.
Even if someone did attack me, which will never happen, I’ll just call the police.
Police handle the aftermath of a crime. Unless the attack happens right in front of them, they can’t help you. They cannot be everywhere. It just isn’t possible.
So if a criminal is attacking you… the police can’t help you. If a thug has just kicked in your front door… the police can’t help you. If a predator is trying to force you into his car… the police can’t help you.
Related Post: 6 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Predator's Target
I couldn’t believe it was happening!
“This can’t be happening! Not to me!” That is the typical response from most people who are thrown into a violent encounter. They had convinced themselves that they were and would always be safe, that violence happens to someone else.
So they were paralyzed with fear. They had to rely on blind luck or on someone else to save them. But you may not be so lucky. You may have to rely on your own self.
When you believe that violence can happen to you, you can prepare for it.
It takes courage to let go of the illusion of safety and to admit that violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. And once you accept the reality and learn how to defend yourself, you will be safer.
Take self defense lessons. Learn some awareness and defensive skills. Develop a defensive mindset. Stop living in denial and start living in the real world. The real world may not be safe, but neither is the land of Denial.
And in the real world, you’ll be ready to defend yourself. Remember, you are the first line of your own defense.
No one is immune from being attacked. No matter where you live. Be aware. Be prepared.
“Denial and inactivity prepare people well for the roles of victim and corpse.” ~Dr. Leach
Related Post: Self Defense Techniques and Tactics
Related Post: 8 Mindsets about Self Defense (and why they’re wrong)
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