I hate to say it, but I have been expecting something like this Orlando shooting to happen. Didn’t know when or how, but I knew this day was coming. I suspect most of us did. Right now my gut is tied up in a knot and I’m torn between anger and dismay.

I am afraid this is the world we live in now. Chickenshits with guns seeking soft targets for the sake of some twisted ideology or their moment of fame. I’m not going to go on an anti Muslim rant, there will be plenty of those in the next few days. I’m not going to have a gun control knee jerk reaction either, there will be plenty of that as well.

I am going to urge people to be aware of their surroundings. If you are in a building, watch the door. Know where the exits are. If you are in an open public space, or anywhere for that matter, take a moment every few minutes to scan for potential threats. You never know when or where the next crazy ass religious nut, or just regular old crazy ass nutjob, is going to go off.

I try to teach my kids situational awareness on a regular basis. This post is an extension of that. I was taught defensive driving in my early teens. To always be looking for potential hazards on the roads. Anything that moves or could move is a hazard. Trees on the roadside are hazards, especially if it is windy/stormy. Wet roads are hazards. The list goes on, but most of the hazards you will encounter in life will be people. Be they in cars, or playing in their yards, or riding a bike, or carrying guns. You can’t let your guard down, and while this thing isn’t exactly out of control yet, I fear it will only get worse with time.

Recognizing a hazard is the first step to avoiding one. So pay attention. Don’t live in fear, live in a state of awareness. I’m done with my lecture now, and hope all my friends are all well out there in world.