This discussion is probably one of the most important topics affecting how we all live our lives. Without this most important principle, we have nothing as a society. This principle is, safety while being self-sufficient.

I would like to talk to you a little bit about what it means to me, a retired police officer. Before I delve into the topic, I’d like to give you a little background, which I think will give important context to the conversation.

I think most Police Officers generally feel safe because, they have adopted into their personal and professional life a “Sheep Dog” mentality.  See, most people with this mentality think there are three kinds of people, sheep (most people), wolves (criminals and thugs), and sheep dogs.  This last group is who, I want to talk about.  If you’ve ever watched a sheep dog work, you can plainly see, they love their sheep dearly.  A sheep dog isn’t overly aggressive, generally they have a quiet, steady demeanor.  They stay awake to guard them, they will give their life for their sheep, they run TO danger, not away from it.

I imagine that if you are reading this, you have sheep dog in you. If you have the tendency to be more self-sufficient, you have this in your blood.  All you need to do is realize it, nurture it, and then, use it for good.  Once you’ve adopted this in your very core, something changes in your eyes and your body language.  See, wolves don’t generally attack sheep dogs because they’ll get hurt; they’ll only attack the sheep.

Simple things,

1.) Be aware of your surroundings.   We all have an innate ability to FEEL when something isn’t right.   I encourage you to look up. When you are at a restaurant, a bar, or airport, I encourage you to just be aware, occasionally look around for things that don’t seem right. If you find yourself in this situation, the first thing to do is leave it. The second thing to do is tell someone who can do something about it.

2.) So, many people believe that safety is at the business end of a gun. I was a police officer for better than eight years and in those eight years, I shot nobody.   Now, this is not to say that you should not buy or own a gun (or several if that’s what you’re into).   I believe very strongly in our Constitution, I swore to and did defend it. Its framers created the second amendment for a reason… My personal experience is that a Taser, or something like it is probably more use-able in more situations you may encounter.

3.) Adopt the sheep dog mentality. This one ideal alone is incredibly powerful. I encourage you to find the fire within you as, it is certainly there.   People who are wolves will see this in your eyes and choose a softer “target”.

This single idea is probably the most powerful thing that I can give you. Choosing to adopt the mindset I spoke about above is the holy grail of self-sufficiency.   Once you know that YOU (not someone else) have secured your safety and the safety of those you care about, you will find an empowerment you have never before felt.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey to self-sufficient. I take the privilege very seriously and appreciate your willingness let me share with you.