Luck Won’t Save You, But Training can - We were DUMB college girls
Back in college, my friends and I went to Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day. This was when vodka and Red Bull had JUST come out, and we did what every young, dumb college kid does—we drank. A lot. Twenty-three hours straight. I’ve never been as sick as I was the next day and to this day won’t touch Red Bull.
At some point, we ended up at a guy’s apartment—someone we had met on spring break in Florida. We barely knew him. We were highly intoxicated, in a strange city, surrounded by strangers. Looking back, we were beyond lucky nothing tragic happened. This wasn’t the last time I would make a bad decision as a young and dumb person (well let’s say oblivious or one of the “it won’t happen to me” people) But here’s the thing: you can’t always count on luck to keep you safe.
If my mom knew half the stupid stuff I did in my 20s, 30s—hell, even my 40s—she would have absolutely lost it. And honestly? She should have. Because the truth is, I should have been trained to defend myself. My dad is a black belt in karate. Why my parents never thought to put ME in a self-defense class is beyond my comprehension. They were great parents, but they didn’t think about investing in empowering me to be able to defend myself when or if I needed to. Shortly after this trip to Chicago I needed to....that’s a story for another time.
Bad Situations Happen—To Everyone
Violent attacks don’t just happen to "other people." They happen every day, in every city, to men and women alike:
Every 68 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted. (RAINN)
More than 1.2 million violent crimes were reported last year. (FBI)
350+ accidental shootings occur annually because firearms weren’t properly secured. (Brady)
Training Beats Luck—Every Time
Looking back, I wish someone had drilled it into my head that safety isn’t about being scared—it’s about being prepared. No one ever thinks they’ll be the victim of a violent attack. But if that moment comes, will you know what to do?
If you own a firearm, are you trained to use it? No like REALLY trained to use it? Meaning you do some sort of training with it several times a WEEK?
If someone grabs you, do you know how to break free?
If your kid is walking home alone, do they know EXACTLY what to watch for?
Self-defense isn’t just for women. Attacks happen to men, too. The world isn’t always safe, but you can be ready for it. Do yourself a favor—get trained. Make sure your kids are trained.
Don’t rely on luck. Be your own weapon.
