Beyond the Self Defense Tweets:
Taken randomly from my self defense tweets on Twitter. I write super-short blog posts to go Beyond the Tweet, chosen from the archives.
Navy SEALs learn to overcome adversity
The Tweet:
Greatest tool in self defense–mindset. Never think “I’m a helpless victim.” Refuse to give them that kind of control.
Beyond the Tweet:
When a person in a self defense situations falls prey to thinking, “I can’t” or “I’m too weak” or “This is too much to take,” it only feeds the need of the criminal, abuser, user, terrorist, or bully. It feeds their need to control your heart and mind so they can do as they wish.
You have to grab hold of something powerful to get you through such situations: your dreams and goals yet fulfilled, your loved ones you want to see again, or a burning desire to not let this person walk all over you. You must think beyond the shock, summon courage from the heart of fear, and take action to be the victor, not the victim.
—
Lori Hoeck
I tweet here @LoriHoeck.
Photo: Rennett Stowe
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This is a point you can’t make often enough. In all aspects of life, not just in threatening situations, as soon as we stop blaming others and take responsibility for our own choices, happiness, health, language use and safety, as soon as we learn when to stay silent, when to be curious, when to ebb and flow or accept what we can’t change, that’s the miraculous moment we claim our power.
I often wish I’d learned judo as well as karate. There’s poetic justice in knowing you can use an attacker’s force and momentum against them, no matter what build you are.
Hi Janice,
Indeed! Personal choice and owning our choices once we’ve made them are very much how one Thinks Like A Black Belt.
The grappling arts are fun, but break-falling at age 50 is a bit rough on me. It is nice to know what to do when you lose footing or want to make the other person lose theirs.
Lori, this just made me think that a person could use the fact that this person has “chosen” them in a positive light. Twist it around to believe they think you a worthy opponent; you can meet them where they are at. Am I way off with this perception?
Hi Davina,
Unfortunately criminals don’t search for worthy opponents, and meeting them where they are at is a bad place. You want to see yourself turning the tables in your favor and tilting the battle field to your advantage.
Hi Lori … I love the idea of Beyond the Tweet – and your super short blog posts – brilliant idea .. & yes we need to prove our power over our agressor, but subtly – just by being in control, patient and quiet .. not rousing to the situation ..
Hi Hilary,
Thank you for the kind words!
Subtly sometimes; not so subtly other times. Aggression requires relationship. It’s important to make sure the relationship doesn’t go south. Whatever helps the situation is the way to go.
I guess anger could help too.
Hi Vered,
Yes, anger can motivate quite nicely but it can also decrease street smarts as the emotion rages. That’s why I like outrage — it’s more empowering.
A bit of well-intentioned outrage works wonders. I suppose that’s the difference between “Why do you pick on me?” and “You’ll wish you hadn’t picked on me”.
Hi Andrew,
Welcome and thank you for commenting.
Or … “I value my life and well-being too much to let someone attack me this way!”
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