Years ago I took Model Mugging, an intense self defense program that allows women to practice fighting back full force against a heavily padded “mugger.” I learned many valuable things from that program including my favorite motto, “If you are facing an opponent, and also opposing yourself, you are going to be outnumbered.”
But perhaps the most important piece of advice I learned was this: wait for an opening. I’ll never forget that day. It was a rape sequence. The mugger had me pinned to the floor, his legs against my legs, his hands holding my hands over my head. I was struggling like crazy to free myself but not getting anywhere. “Don’t waste your energy!” my instructor coached. “Sooner or later he’ll give you an opening. Until then, pretend you’re a coiled spring just waiting for the perfect opening to show your power.” Sure enough, the mugger eventually reached down with one hand to unzip himself. As soon as I had a hand free I went for the eyes and then the throat. When he reared back, I pulled my legs clear of his weight and kicked him as hard as I could. He rolled over with his hands up, the signal to the instructor that my kick would have been hard enough to knock out a man who wasn’t wearing padding.
As I rebuild my writing career, I think about that lesson. Rather than struggle fruitlessly with assignments I don’t want, I’m waiting for an opening, a project that interests me. When I find the right opportunity I’ll move forward full force. Until then, I’m “coiling,” preparing myself mentally and physically to get back into the hard business that is writing. Waiting isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s mandatory.
I found your site on google blog search and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. Just added your RSS feed to my feed reader. Look forward to reading more from you.
- Randy Nichols.
Hi Randy. Thanks for reading and commenting. Come back for another visit soon!