*Preparedness Growing Pains*
By: Trommler
29 October 2016

I felt it would be helpful for some to write this article not as a how to, but as a guide and a reassurance as you find certain changes occurring. These changes are basically what I would refer to as 'growth' as a prepared person.

So, my wife and I attended the Jason Aldean/Florida Georgia Line concert on a Sunday last Fall. The venue is the local professional soccer stadium here in Columbus, OH. There were some major traffic snafus going in, but we got there and enjoyed the floor seats and had a pretty decent time all in all......at least my wife did. (I actually did too, but...)

I found myself in a situation that I've never really felt before. I'm wondering if this is a normal conditioning that is a result of being up on the 'real life' world condition as we are in this group, or if I'm wearing my tinfoil a bit too tight.

My wife kept asking if I was having a good time. She was dancing with the songs, hugging on me and we held each other just enjoying being with each other through the show. But in my mind, although I was THERE with my wife, hearing the music, etc. I found myself evaluating everyone that walked towards us, by us or even were within sight. Noted where the exits were, safe locations if needed, etc.

By evaluating, I mean more like situational evaluation, beyond situational awareness. What's this guy going to do, where is he going, if he tries anything what are my options to keep my wife safe and to take him down until security arrives. That sort of thing.

I've waited to post this, because I've been rehashing it over in my mind. What I'm wondering is; is this a normal progression in an 'ever-ready' mindset ? I've found the answer to be YES. As this was the first, noticeable, incident, it certainly hasn't been the last.

An analogy that best describes the steps above is the game of baseball. Anyone who has played for any length of time knows, things happen very fast at first. The pitches are fast, the hits are fast, the bats are fast. But after playing for a length of time, the game slows down. It all becomes the 'norm'. Fast pitches are easily seen and tracked all the way to the plate. line drives are seen the whole way from the bat to the glove, etc.

I've never had that feeling of 'what would I do, and how would I react' in SUCH a strong form before this.

I guess it was obvious as my wife kept asking if I was having a good time. I would reply of course, and she would give me that look like, 'yeah, sure you are?!' LOL !

I explained what was going on after we got back to the car and she thanked me for wanting to keep her safe. But for me, it was like, hmmmmmm, that's new. :-)

I've found, that for me, preparedness started at home by 'stocking up' on certain things. Covering holes in our pantry supply. Buying cases of bottled water, which progressed to water filtration.

I started to question things in my growth as a prepared person. It went kinda like this:

These are a few of the things I've experienced as my family started to prepare and what it's evolved into. There are several books on the subject, but like anything, it's going to evolve differently for each person. Things that I think are easy to get a handle on are difficult for others. Things others may think are important to their preps, are pretty inconsequential to us and vice-versa. There are a few basics that we ALL need; Food, water and shelter and a way to protect these things and your family.

I've found, for me, preparedness started at home by 'stocking up' on certain things. Covering holes in our pantry supply, buying cases of bottled water, which progressed to water filtration. I've always loved to can (I have Amish heritage so this was always normal) things and preserve foods. This was an easy ramp up for this area of preparedness.

What I've decided is; this is a normal progression in an 'ever-ready' mindset. Once you make the decision to truly prepare and commit to it, things will change as it becomes part of your lifestyle.

The more you do it, the easier it becomes. If one decides to truly embrace this life style and striving to be self-sufficient, don't fear the things you start noticing. Accept it as part of your growth and abilities of being ready for whatever may come. Being prepared in general isn't a narrow minded path, but more of a wide blanketing knowledge that no matter the situation, natural or man-made disaster, you've done what you can to be able to get through it and come out the other side successfully. That's the goal. It may not be comfortable, but you'll do it and you should be proud of the accomplishment and learn from the areas you were light and maybe scale back the areas you were heavy. It's a balance, but what's important is that you have peace of mind you're ready.

Trommler


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