Today, I attended at Self Defense class. The instructor emphasized on the importance of our mental status. We need to show our mental strength in order to avoid becoming a victim. The criminals are searching for victims who don’t fight back to them. The instructor taught us a mantra; “I am strong and brave”. He encouraged us to say this mantra out loud so that we can switch our mental status into a strong and brave mode. This class reminded me of my younger days.
When I started visiting America alone, I was pretty naïve. I was too nice to say “NO” to people whenever they asked me some favors. In natural reactions to my vulnerability, many people took advantage from me in many ways. I got hurt mentally and lost a big amount of money.
One of such days, I got bitten by a dog on my left cab. The dog’s teeth got into my skin. I didn’t go to the hospital because I thought it would heal by itself. In contradiction to of my expectation, my left cab got worse and worse. After the two weeks from the incident, my left cab was swollen more than twice as my right cab, which is normal side. Then, I finally went to the hospital and I was treated for the dog’s infection.
Now that I thought back about the incident, I think it happened to me in order to inform me of my vulnerability. It was so obvious to people that I was off guard those days. I attracted those people to use me for their convenient ways. And the dog warned me in a rough way.
It is still hard for me to say NO to people, but now, at least I am aware that I need to stay being mentally strong so as to protect myself and my loved ones.
In order to stay being mentally strong, first, we have to love ourselves and know how precious we are. Second, be aware there are always somebody who loves us. Stay safe for your loved ones.
three wisdom 