Self defense is a very complex idea. There are a great deal of facets to true preservation of one's self.
We started looking at the gun as the self defense tool, and found out that we needed to add pepper spray for ambiguous situations. Then we realized that we needed to be able to defeat hand to hand attacks, knowing that the pistol could be the object of contention.
So we started training combatives, maybe even carrying a "space making" knife for when the gun is not appropriate or available. Then we realized our verbal skills weren't as good as we thought, so we started working on our high stress conversational skills.
Then that mass shooting happened, and we were scared and sad and angry, so we took up medical skills.
We realized our home is not as secure as it could have been, so we got a dog, reassessed the locks and security, and started training with more effective long guns to protect the people in our home that we hold dear. We took specific classes on how to teach kids about danger and how to avoid and deal with it ourselves. We get pediatric CPR and first aid classes to ensure that our kids befall no harm.
None of these things are bad. As a matter of fact, they can all prolong your life and the lives of the ones you love.
But don't let it take away from properly loving those people. Don't be frenzied or worried. Can worry add a day to your life? It can only hasten your departure. Enjoy your life and the gifts within it. Make time for the people that matter most. Make your improvements and continue to be the best provider and protector you can become. But be present in your life.
Melody Lauer may have said it best: Don't let protecting your life keep your from living a life worth protecting.
Be well, friends.
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