Life Lessons & Shooting the #aim2curejm Challenge
Life has been especially unpredictable. If you follow me on social or here on the blog you know why. If not and you’re new (welcome and thank you), the short version concerns our daughter’s battle with the rare autoimmune disease juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Being a parent has taught me many things but the lessons I’ve learned over the last six months have been some of the most challenging.
Anything can change at any time
It’s not like I didn’t know this fact, but when you are a parent, it’s especially tough. I’m a bit of a control freak and I rather like being in charge of my/our destiny. From our daughter’s diagnosis and the aggressive treatment plan to having her home for 2 weeks to prevent her from catching the flu that hit her school, rolling with the punches is a must-have skill.
Learning to be flexible
Training to become a champion means you have to be hard on yourself to stay motivated, improve and, of course, win. Being a champion for your children requires a different kind of hardness and a whole lot of grace. It’s about being wary yet always ready. It’s about trust and acceptance. Most of all, it’s about balance.
Long before JDM came into our lives, the birth of my first daughter was a real eye-opener. I took two years off from shooting, not only to have her but to raise her. When first I made my return to the range it was far from triumphant — at least in where I finished in the standings. I was incredibly hard on myself. At one point I trained so much and too fast that I ended up with a case of tendonitis that prevented me from training altogether.
Eventually, I figured it out. I accepted that my brain and my body had changed. I was a mom and I had zero regrets, I just needed to learn how to rein in my ego and make the most of my time. I also needed to give myself a little TLC and not be so hard on myself when I had misses – on the range or off.
When we had our second little one, I was better prepared. Our little “Yeti” was born in 2013. With the right mindset, support and a sound plan, I was able to win a ladies national title two years later. I added three more in 2016 and claimed the IPSC Ladies Classic World Champion title in 2017.
Thankfully I have practice at comebacks. My goals this season are specific and realistic, but whether it’s JDM, the flu, a coronavirus, a fall, or the loss of someone special, I will give myself and those I love grace.
Shooting will always be special for me – what started as a childhood dream, later involved sacrifices, challenges, a career and passion and yes, FUN! Fun was exactly what I had and what I needed last weekend. I grabbed a gun I very rarely shoot, a Thompson/Center T/CR22 with Trijicon RMR and a box of Federal Premium rimfire ammo and hit the range.
I didn’t bring a timer. I didn’t even bring a range bag! I printed the target, grabbed some foam earplugs and eye protection then threw everything I needed in a cardboard box. I had no expectations or ego. The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and I just wanted to enjoy punching holes in the target. Mission accomplished.
It’s funny. At this point in my life, shooting just 23 scored rounds vs. a normal training session (well beyond 10 times that amount) was just as productive for me, if not more. If it has been some time since you’ve been able to get to the range, I hope this post and video inspire you to shoot. If you’re shooting and training hard, consider taking a little break to try something new. Whatever you do, and most of all, I hope you have a great time doing it and be sure to give yourself some grace when you need it.
