I think a lot about mental health. Many years ago I was diagnosed with combat related PTSD. Many people with this problem turn to substance abuse, experience depression, and sometimes violence either to others or self-inflicted. I am very blessed that either my experience didn’t affect me that severely, or I was able to handle it. I think it’s a little bit of both. I still have moments of anxiety in crowds. I still have hyper-vigilance in security and defense, but I think these have been mitigated. I’ve had some great friends and brothers, and a great family. I only saw a mental professional because I was ordered to. Others have not been so blessed. I only bring this up to emphasize the importance of mental health, and the proper mindset when carrying a gun.
We must be honest with ourselves. We all know if we’re a jerk or not. We all know if we’re a hot head or not. Hopefully, we are trying to improve ourselves with each day. If that is so, then we can tell if we’re making progress or not. If you’ve had anger issues don’t carry a gun. Learn to control your emotions and then you can consider it. If you’re not sure of your attitude then ask your spouse or your children. They will probably be brutally honest. Once you realize you have the right temperament or control then you need to find the right mindset.
What the heck am I talking about? Mindset is everything. Your mindset sets you apart from the average. It doesn’t mean you’re special or anything, it only means that you have thought long and hard about the implications of carrying a gun. The things you must contemplate is what you are really preparing to do. You are preparing to defend yourself or your loved ones with lethal force. By using a firearm in this way you may kill someone or leave them maimed for the rest of their lives. It’s easy to think about in the abstract, but in reality, it is much different. Talk to someone who has taken another human beings life. Usually that would be in a combat situation unless you know someone who has defended themselves. It’s not an easy thing to live with and you must be prepared well in advance.
Another thing that is not talked about a lot is our personalities. We should be the best version of ourselves. With the responsibility of carrying a gun comes acknowledging our personal short comings and working to improve with each day. There’s not room for pride or arrogance. There’s no room for anger and impatience. If you end up with a drawn gun you need to understand the implications of shooting as well as not shooting. This where training and discipline come in. If everything annoys you or you have anger issues, don’t carry. We have to be worthy of the gun. We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. Regardless of the upheaval of COVID and protesters, we’re not in the wild west. Having strong moral values will help us with carrying a gun and in many other aspects of our lives.
Being able to physically fit is just as important as being mentally fit. I understand that we all have lives and that time is at a premium, but like going to the range we should set aside time for fitness. I’m speaking to you as one who needs to take my own advice. I’m not talking about going to the gym every day and becoming a body builder, but just taking the stairs instead of the escalator. Taking a walk after dinner in the cool of the evening. Eating a little more healthy and keeping away from the junkfood. Being able to leave an area quickly to avoid or de-escalate a situation may be more difficult if you are 380 pounds and can hardly climb a flight of stairs.
Every time you strap that gun onto your side, your mindset should change to be the very best version of yourself. I’ve heard people comparing it to being a peace officer or taking the role of a good guy just looking to help people. Having a set of standards when conceal carrying is a great way to automatically get into a certain mindset to respect your rights and responsibilities. Being physically, as well as mentally healthy, when deciding to conceal carry will take you a long way. Not only will it make for a safer community but it will also give you personal satisfaction knowing you did the right thing.
Whether it’s passing up going to the bar or going for a walk after dinner to get a little more exercise, every little thing helps to make you more prepared for what life throws at you. It doesn’t take a guy looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger to conceal carry a firearm daily. It just takes someone who values their safety and wants to protect themselves.
Make sure you have the temperament and mindset of carrying a gun.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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