Temporary Archive: Suzanne Brockmann's Message Board

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Re: SEALs, victims and the rest of us

Posted by Tom on 9/3/2005, 8:38:47, in reply to "SEALs, victims and the rest of us"
One of the tricks I used to get through BUDS was to imagine myself as a 19 year old kid on Omaha Beach on D-Day...fairly untrained, frigid water, racking gunfire, and no bell.

The human body and mind can take way more than we think it can. That is part of the lesson of Hell Week. But in reality HW is a cake wlk compared to many real life events which people endure without thinking of giving up---My hypothesis is that people quit because they can--there is a soft spot to land upon giving up, remove that option and people stick it out...what else can they do? Then they are better for it

D-I end up wondering how one changes those attitudes? In lectures I tell people they have to conduct active introspection--everyday stop and review the day--how did you conduct yourself? Why did you do it that way? Are you happy with the behavior and result. Unlike a lot of people, I think it is perfectly okay do do stupid things, act like a jerk, suboptimize potential---as long as you know you are doing it and are honest with yourself about why and why its okay with you.

D-How can the Katrina victims reclaim not just their physical lives but their emotional strength and sense of security? Two types of people will emerge (gross generalization of course) people who will be stronger because of what they ahve endured and learned and people who will forever use this as an excuse to collapse into alcohol, drugs, fear loathing etc. People surviving should be proud and learn not be afraid

And for that matter, how can we all take more responsibility and live up to our potentials? First step is to decide that is what you want to do, then hold yourself responsible and never quit. Once you ring the bell----just once, one moment of weakness you are out of BUDS and your dream is gone--life is more forgiving (see selfintrospection) but not by much. Set a pattern of excellence
With apologies to Tom, how can we tap into our "inner SEALs"? Why apologize? I think it is an excellent metaphore for women who think we are special. When faced with adversitiy, just think, WWASD?

Donna, again, great head work
Cheers!


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