With everything happening in your life – kids, school, work, bills, obligations, etc. – it’s easy to become oblivious to the things going on around you. You may not even notice the small details that lead up to a significant life-changing event, such as the emergence of an active shooter. Take the video below for example. Did you see the pieces you missed?
Go ahead and watch it again. It will just take a few minutes of your time. We’ll wait…
The Devil Is In the Details
The old cliché states that the “devil is in the details.” While we usually do a good job of focusing on what’s happening in our own lives, we often forget to pay attention to our surroundings. Especially today, when the world has us constantly connected to our phones, computers, social media, TV and our daily obligations, it’s easy to miss even the most obvious details simply because we’re not looking for them.
Our attention is continuously being pulled elsewhere, and we forget to recognize the challenges, trials and tribulations of those around us.
Guard911 Alertness Challenge
So the question is… Can the frequency of emergency incidents be reduced or even stopped? YES! You can prevent someone from becoming an active shooter. Here’s how you can get started…
Guard911 challenges each of our readers to pause the next time you’re out in a public setting. Take a look around you. What do you see? How many people are nearby? Are these people by themselves or with others? How are these people behaving? Do they appear happy, sad, angry, distressed? What do their mannerisms, facial expressions or (if you can hear them) their tone of voice say about their state of being?
You don’t have to interact directly with any of these individuals, but pay attention to what they’re doing. Try to understand how they are feeling in that precise moment. Then consider how you felt the last time you were exhibiting similar emotions.
Reach Out To Those In Need
The idea of the above exercise is to make you more in-tune with your surroundings. If you see someone of any age exhibiting signs of distress (anger, sadness, isolation, confusion), consider how you interacting with that individual could improve their day. Even if he or she is a complete stranger, reach out to that individual and show them that they are important.
A simple smile, compliment, short conversation, holding a door, buying something for someone… any random act of kindness (RAK) can have a great impact on a human life. Your act of kindness may even prevent an otherwise good person from becoming an active shooter. By thinking of those around you, you could actually save other’s lives.
