1. I complain a lot
Out of the fear or frustration of crime, I complain to
everyone that is willing to listen to me. They eventually tell me to change
topics and this frustrates me even more so I go out and look for fresh ears to
complain to. I let this fear and frustration consume my every though, each and
every day. I actively contribute to other peoples' fears and frustrations and keep
telling them about how bad things are; how no one does anything about it; how
it used to be with the "other government"; that this country has gone
to a ball of shyte, e-tolls this, and corruption that, etc.... It doesn't stop!
As long as there is electricity (or not), it is an opportunity for me to
complain! I fail to recognise that this constant negative consciousness -
thinking, feeling, talking and doing of things negatively - will attract more
of these negative elements in my life!
["This makes it better for the rest of us! The more negativity
is attracted to you, the less will be attracted to me!"]
2. I don't take responsibility
Crime is not my problem! I pay my taxes (mostly) and I voted
at the last elections, so it’s the government’s problem! The police and
judicial system should handle it! I very rarely read, listen and comprehend the
potential hazards that are around me, whether it's via the media, other people’s
experienced, or through sources. I have more important things to do in my life,
like earning a living, raising a family, and trying to achieve that next big
house or car, or overseas trip! All these other aspirations are “more important”
than the one thing that these aspirations are built upon - my own personal
safety.
["With great power comes great responsibility. But I
have the greatest power yet...I LIVE, hence I have the greatest responsibility
to preserve it! Only once your own safety foundation is establish, can all other
aspirations be accomplished.”]
3. I have become apathetic
I don't care about the crime anymore. It is going to get us
all anyway so why bother doing anything about it! Alternatively, I am so cocky
enough to think, crime will never get me, I have become disconnected to the
reality of the situation. Perhaps I have to disconnect so I don’t feel the fear
or frustration anymore. I am like a machine
– cold and unemotional. Alternatively, I might have the "Ostrich syndrome"
- if I ignore it, it will never get me. If it does find me, I will just use my
natural skills to get me out of a situation (like using those ostrich wings to
fly off or fend myself). My attitude is one where I don’t care or give a damm
anymore.
["Evil will prevail unless good men and women stand up
and fight against it."]
4. I am lazy
I don't take the necessary steps to become aware and avoid the
potential criminal elements in my life. Furthermore, I don't believe in
preparing adequately enough so I don't invest in effective security at my home
or office, or personal security by training by body and mind for potentially
life threatening situations. Besides, I carry a weapon - both a knife that I
got as a gift at the last office party, which I occasionally whip out to cut
biltong with, and I have a licensed firearm that I have stashed away in the
safe for those just-in-case moments! I don't need to do any on-going training
because I am just that kind of guy- I seen it once, and I can repeat it multiple
times thereafter, word-for-word. Just don't ask me actually do it because its
winter now and I have slacked off from the gym, dojo and shooting range for a
bit because I'm cold, have a cold, or just warming up in front of the TV with a
bag of crisps.
["There are enough couch-warriors in the world, willing
to dish out their crisps of wisdom. We need REAL warriors!]
5. I already "know it all"
I have been to one 3-hour self defence course, a week-long of
hardcore training course, and even used to train in the martial arts when I was
younger! I have done it all before! As a matter of fact, I have done so much, I
have the belts, certificates and photos to prove how much I have done in the
past. I forgot to mention that I am a not as fit, young or handsome as I used
to be. I even forgot to realise that criminals are getting smarter and more
violent by the day and devising new ways to separate me from my hard-earned material
possessions or my life!
["The fool laughed so loudly, that all the town-folk
could not help but laugh at the fool who laughed so loudly!"]
6. I have an excuse (or two)
I don’t have the time to train. I can't even spare 30 mins a
day to training in proper self defence training because it does not fit into my
schedule. I am a busy person! Time is one of those things I have to reserve for
my job, my family and my many social activities and hobbies! Furthermore, the
venue is never ideal! It's too far and it takes time to travel to and from training
several times a week. I don't have the money either because I spent in on
physio fees from injuring myself the last time. Oh yes, and the injuries! I am
not as young as I used to be and it just hurts opening up a tin of Pringles,
which by the way, hurts my index finger. And now because I hurt my finger, I
won't be able to make training for the next month or three. Also, did I mention
it is winter? Winter is cold! I am sure the criminals will be keeping warm
rather than attack me!
["There are excuses and there are results - It's
mutually exclusive and can be applied in in all areas of life. Set your
priorities, commit to them and stop making excuses!"]
7. I train incorrectly
I train, but my mind and heart isn't in it. I am still
thinking of that last report I submitted to the manager and why the friggin
project manager just can't cut through the bullshyt and get my project
delivered on time! My body is doing the routine but really, I can multi-task
and let my mind focus on something else. When I need to, I will switch on and
train in some "activity" when I need to.
["When you train, train like you mean it!"]
8.I forgot to enjoy life
I complain, worry, fear and get frustrated with all this
crime around me. I take up training, not one or two various martial arts,
combative arts, military warfare training and now I have become hyper-vigilant
and extremely stressed out! I started off with the people around me, but have
become so immersed in all the training I have actually become a fanatic and
paranoid! I forgot what it feels like to relax and just spend time enjoying
being with loved ones or doing the things that relax me. I spend so much time
preparing for the worse in the future; I forgot to see the best that's
happening right now in the present.
["Prepare for the worse, but not at the expense of your
loved ones. After all, isn't that what we were prepared to protect in the first
place?"]
Till next time, get EDUCATED, become EMPOWERED, and ultimately, live a positive and ENGAGED life...
WH