Be memorable

The bottom line is no two courses are the same. Because of the variety of instructors, techniques and styles, it's best to do your own research to find a course that's right for you. When you are researching classes, look for a class that offers a variety of options. A good class knows there are no absolutes in self-protection and won't give you a list of shoulds and should nots. A good class will teach you fighting techniques as well as how to analyze a situation. It gives suggestions as to what works in most situations and respects that sometimes the best option is not fighting back. Previously we spoke about guns and important things to consider before bringing one into your home as part of your home-security plan. Carrying a gun on your body or in your purse requires the same considerations and then some. And even if it does get published, most articles make very little money. The odds of it being a bestseller are millions to one. But at least if I write it, I stand a chance. If I don't write it, I stand no chance at all. And in the worst-case scenario, even if it never gets published, I have the satisfaction of knowing I gave it my best shot. Plus, I got to improve my creative writing skills. If we let them guide us, they'll take us in the direction we want to go. But if your mind is just broadcasting doom and gloom - `There's no point starting. It'll never get published. It's a waste of time. Cognitive Distortions All-or-nothing thinking

Example: If I'm not a total success, I'm a failure. Catastrophizing (fortune-telling) Example: I'll be so upset, I won't be able to function at all. Disqualifying or discounting the positive Example: I did that project well, but that doesn't mean I'm competent; I just got lucky. Emotional reasoning Example: I know I do a lot of things okay at work, but I still feel like I'm a failure. Chocolates containing 70% or more cocoa are the most effective for stress relief. Milk - Fortified milk contains vitamin D, which plays a big role in reducing depression and anxiety and is believed to boost levels of happiness. Foods like fortified cereal and egg yolks also contain high levels of vitamin D. Seeds - Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseed all contain magnesium, which helps alleviate irritability, depression, and fatigue. Magnesium also relieves water retention and cramps as well as Pre-Menstrual Stress (PMS) symptoms. Avocado - Because it's so nutritious and incredibly satiating, a few portions of avocado can fill the stomach and suppress stress levels. Feeling full makes people less inclined to crave unhealthy sugary snacks that will increase their stress and anxiety levels. Cashews - Cashews are rich in protein and omega-3s, but they're also a great source of zinc, which is an essential mineral that reduces stress and anxiety. Zinc supplements are effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, such as concentration problems and irritability. Oranges - Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, lowers stress levels, and boosts positive energy. You are making a serious decision when you decide to carry and it comes with some huge responsibilities. For example, in addition to the laws pertaining to gun ownership, there are strict laws regarding concealed carry and self-defense.

Are you ready to keep current with all of the state and federal laws and get the required permits? Also, regular training and practice is absolutely essential if you plan to carry. A firearm on your hip will make you feel safer but do you have the tactical skills to support that feeling? Can you access and draw your gun quickly? Now, let's imagine an attacker is close enough to grab you, are you still as confident? Are you sure enough of your skills that your gun won't be turned around and used on you? Or on an innocent bystander? Finally, carrying a gun requires a certain mindset. Notice, in each example above, the helpful thoughts did not involve `reason-giving' - coming up with all the reasons why we `can't do it'. Instead they provided constructive advice on what we can do. Now once again, pause for a few seconds, and notice what your mind has to say about `reason-giving'. Is your mind objecting? Is it saying, `But what if you really can't do it? What if you want to ride a bike but you have no legs? But fortunately, this is rarely the case. We can overcome most of our obstacles - even if our minds insist that we can't. To quote Nelson Mandela: `It always seems impossible until it's done. A VERY IMPORTANT WORD Examples: I'm a loser; He's no good.

Magnification/minimization Example: Getting a mediocre evaluation proves how inadequate I am. Getting high marks doesn't mean I'm smart. Mental filter Example: Because I got one low rating on my evaluation [which also contained several high ratings], it means I'm doing a lousy job. Mind reading Example: He's thinking that I don't know the first thing about this project. Overgeneralization Oranges are also commonly used as a preventative remedy against the common cold. Eggs - Eggs contain vitamin D, which plays a significant role in maintaining physical and mental health, such as supporting the immune system, regulating moods, reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, and acting as an anti-inflammatory. Seaweed - Seaweed contains iodine, a mineral that is effective at combating depression and fatigue. Beets - Beets contain a stress-relieving vitamin known as folate. A high supply of folate can help lessen stress symptoms, such as insomnia, mental fatigue, and confusion. Turmeric - Turmeric is known for stimulating feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin. It's very popular for its anti-inflammatory components, particularly curcumin. Oysters - Oysters contain zinc, which supports the immune system and functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It's also believed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Chamomile - Chamomile tea is a natural sleep enhancer that promotes relaxation and better-quality sleep. It's your responsibility to avoid conflict at all costs. Don't pick fights and always walk away instead of responding to aggressive comments or gestures.

If you have trouble keeping your temper in check, you shouldn't carry a gun. If guns aren't for you, consider pepper spray, a taser, stun guns, knives, tactical pens and key chain weapons. Before you purchase any weapon, always check your local laws to see if it's legal. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HEAR GUN SHOTS If you are caught in a shooting ramarticle, there's only one thing for certain. You won't have time to think. Research has shown the average active shooter incident lasts 12 minutes. In that time, law enforcement experts say your options are limited to run, hide or fight. At this point, I'd like to introduce one of the most important words in this article: `workability'. Please etch this word deep into your brain, as it underpins everything we do from this point onwards. The term `workability' arises from this simple question: `Is what you are doing working to help you create a richer, fuller, more meaningful life? If the answer is `no', then what you are doing is `unworkable'. The concept of workability can help us to unhook from our thoughts. If your aim is to empower yourself so you can take effective action and be who you really want to be, but your mind is generating all sorts of reasons as to why that just can't happen, then you can ask yourself this question: `If I allow this thought to guide my actions, will it help me create the life I want? It only takes a few seconds to do this: to pause, check in, notice what your mind is saying, and ask yourself the question above. Recognising a thought or belief as unhelpful often helps to reduce its influence over us; However, note that with this approach, we're not getting into debates about whether the thought is true or false; A MULTITUDE OF METHODS Example: Because I felt uncomfortable at the meeting, I don't have what it takes to make friends. Personalization