My (secret) Love

I have a secret love.
Sleek and sophisticated. Dark. Handsome.
Mostly the strong silent type; powerful enough to kill, yet protective, keeping me safe.... ohhhhh so safe.
Teaching me wisdom, though not with words. Wisdom demanding action - and while the standards are high, patiently allowing me to fail time after time, always encouraging me to try again.

In the beginning I became obsessed. I laid awake at night, I wanted to be perfect in all things.

The self awareness required was more than I had ever experienced before. Demanding without malice. Firm. Steely. Yet, it fit well. Lent itself to ALL of my awe and respect, lent itself to mystery.

I do not seek this love out as often as other times in my life. And,  truth be told, I miss this constant presence in my life.

 A mark was left on my soul; trained me, guided me, gave me confidence and fostered an inner strength that continues to grow.

A 40 caliber Sig Sauer hand gun changed my life.

I feel the need to note that this is NOT a pro gun post. I am not a gun activist. Where I fall on the gun topic is not for this post... or for any post for that matter. I do not publicly state how I feel about guns in America. This post is not POLITICAL in any way.
m'kay?


When I learned to shoot Mr. S.S I learned several things before I ever even pulled the trigger. Those initial formational elements proved integral to my success. As I learned new and increasingly complex skills I was reminded, over and over, to return to the original lessons. Often, if I was missing the bulls-eye it came down to the fact that I was neglecting the essentials.

1. Shooting Stance; body position, foot and leg position, balance (center of gravity)
2. Grip; arm position and grip on the gun
3. Sight Alignment 
4. Breathe
5. Trigger pull

It has been a few years since we have crossed paths, though I reflect often on lessons learned. 

I find that I use these guidelines to set and hit my target goals. I remind myself over and over that if I am going to hit that center circle, no matter its size or color, I have to be firm on the basics.

1. Shooting Stance - We must be poised and ready. Our position must be able to respond to our surrounding. Our balance always spot on. We need to define our stance, confident in our capacity to absorb shock. 
2. Grip -  Our grip should be firm, but not tight, our arms steady, always ready to respond. 
3. Sight Alignment - We need to set our sights. Know where we are, where we are headed, and aim for the center. If our sights are off we need to rapidly instantaneously readjust. 
4. Breathe - Its a long exhale. Before we respond. A pause. A deliberately calming motion. A time to double check our stance and grip, our sights. 
5. Trigger pull - Its all in the decisions. Can we execute? Execute well? Is our motion smooth and with out hesitation? Do we resist the urge to flinch? 

Tomorrow I start a new chapter. I will be honoring the basics; practicing and reminding myself over and over. I will give myself grace to fail and encouragement to get back up. I will have high expectations and be firm, maybe even steely with myself. I am strong. I am ready. 

FIRE!