But, what I realized sitting in class with a couple of my sisters, other women of various ages, and law enforcement, is that we live in a world where we each must take responsibility of our own safety. Lurking right here, in my own neighborhood... are very real threats, that I have not, thankfully, personally experienced. Yet.
I am reminded in my business daily that " facts tell and stories sell". The stories our instructors told, of recent crimes in my immediate vicinity, in places that I shop, exercise and send my children to on a daily basis, proved to me that safety is no longer a given - in any community.
As drug abuse and financial difficulties are a harsh reality in today's society, crime finds a prime source of money and that is in "nice" neighborhoods, shopping districts, and homes. Jim and Jace begged us to take off our blinders.
Husbands cannot protect wives in the grocery parking lot. Have a regular routine? Guess who might be watching for just the right time to catch you off guard with hands full and talking on the cell phone?
While walking to the firing range, I asked the instructors why they started these classes ... and, why had they retired from the police force at such an early age? "Because we saw a huge need to teach good people how to protect themselves ...and, I was never home for my wife and kids'" was one response. Jim said," and I just couldn't get ahead! Too much month at the end of my money!" To which Michael added. "Yeah! that too!"
Which got me thinking about so many things... All revolving around Responsibility.
These men shared story after story of good people who were just doing their daily activities, who were victims of random crimes that effected lives forever. In other words, it is their passion to illustrate the harsh reality of why we should and how we each must protect ourselves and our family. "Ladies, own your power!"
As Oprah would say, that was my "Ahha!" moment.
Duh!
Don't I do that in my business? I help people get flexibility and time freedom while building a residual income around their current career to insulate them from real world situations beyond their control...pink slips, layoffs, downsizing, recessions,and burn-out. I help people rest easy knowing that their monthly obligations are met, retirement savings is fully funded, and they have time for the things that make life worthwhile.
I want so much to have my friends to consider that, with a bit of work (stolen from tv hours, and daily life activities) they can have a life they love - and that they own! I daily share stories of how my business is changing the financial futures of my partners:
Lawyers who are sick of the "billable hour" grind;
Stay-at- home moms who want to add to the family budget but not give up their heart to be home
with their kids;
Teachers burning out or who lack the income to stay in the classroom and get ahead;
Pharmaceutical reps afraid of/ or effected by massive layoffs as healthcare changes hurt the industry;
Social workers whose heart is to give back to their community but face the reality that they must take care of their family of their family first;
Baby boomers hoping to retire someday soon but don't have enough savings....
I see it!
I know these people!
Those willing to take responsibility are enjoying and making amazing strides to their personal goals.
My passion is for people to have the courage to take a look at where they are headed, where they want to be in five years...and honestly assess "do the two line up"? I ask each to assess their current situation:
Are you happy?
Is your work meaningful?
Would you want this life for your children?
Are you not financially safe in the bubble of someone else dream?
If no to any of those questions, own your power to own your life and do something about it!!....
See where it hit me?
"Thank you, ladies, for taking charge of your life. Thank you for having the nerve to put your hand up and be responsible. We applaud your courage. Your family depends on you."
With a 92 on the range and a 97 on the written test, it is up to me to complete the task... research the proper handgun for me, my children, and my Mother's protection. I cannot intelligently deny the danger, the facts, or my obligation to those I love. My family depends on me. Even if apprehensive.
Powerful words.
I use them daily.
Thank you, Maleah Stephens of Royal Alliance Financial Services for putting this class together. We started the conversation over lunch and you followed through with a plan to make it happen. There are at least 15 families whose lives are changed because of you in so many ways!
What about Mike and Jim?
We are talking this week about that "too much month at the end of their money " problem.