About Me

I am also the author of 4 books, available on Amazon, and at many major outlets. I have been contributing writer for Combat Handgun Magazine and Women and Guns Magazine.

I was an instructor for many years, Recently retired.

Thank you for following along with me as this journey continues.

Safe Shooting!



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Thoughts, comments and insights for women who shoot and the men who love us!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Why did I become an instructor?

From the outside looking in it may have seemed like a crazy idea.  I work full time, I have a 4 hour commute (round trip).  I had my weekends free, I could go to the range whenever I wanted, I’m naturally shy and introverted…what was I thinking? 

Now, most work weeks are 7 days.  Some of that time is sitting in the class watching someone else teach and some of that is teaching (talking or on the range).  Do I sometimes miss my weekends?  I’m over 50, have fibromyalgia, so YES!  But…my fibro is better since I’ve been teaching.  I’m calmer, happier, but much busier…that took some serious thought. 

Working with Evan and Dave at Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC., helped me find a confidence I thought I had lost, or maybe didn’t realize was there.  It gave me an outlet from day to day nonsense, drastically improved my shooting skills and firearms knowledge, and helped me find my voice and a purpose.  We all need that, and sometimes we get it from family or our jobs, but when that doesn’t work we need to look elsewhere. 

Since I became an instructor I started this blog, two FB pages (Women Firearms Instructors and National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day – which just went over 800 likes in less than 3 weeks).  I found my voice.  I learned that in teaching and helping others on their path to shooting, I was sharing my passion for the sport.  It may seem like I was giving something but I found I was getting so much more!  I learn something from every class.  I get excited for the students on the range when they do well, and I’m as excited as they are.  I’ve met so many wonderful, smart, funny, supportive people through Face Book and this blog, I can’t thank them all enough for being in my life, and I know there are more friends out there that I haven’t met yet.

And…my latest endeavor.  National Take Your Daughter to the Range Day.  Yesterday I got a call from someone at US Shooting, they oversee the US Olympic Shooting team and what I like to think of as “the path to dream” to get to that level.  I was in awe, I was talking to a man who represented our great nation at the 1976 Olympics!  Wow…he wanted to know if they could link to NTYDTTRD to reach out to young shooters to help them discover that path to dream.  Gulp…OK!   

Are we crazy busy?  YES.  Do we seriously need donations, DOUBLE YES, the start up costs are brutal.  But, do I fall asleep at the end of a long day of answering emails, tweaking the website (or trying to learn how to tweak the site, LOL) with a smile and a sense that we are doing something amazing?  Yes.  In the few short weeks since this idea was published to the world, the support, the photos and the emails have been incredible.  I’m so excited.  We, all of us in this warm, loving, shooting community, are bonding together to teach safe gun handling, self esteem and FUN.  With our friends, our children…each other. 

When I wondered why my Fibro didn’t seem so bad I realized…I’m happy.  I feel I’m doing something good for someone besides me.  Amazing what putting yourself out there for the rest of the world does for the little world inside your own skin.

Yes, I will get back to shooting tips and practical advice very soon, but wanted to send a big thank you to my new friends, and the friends I haven’t met yet.

Safe Shooting.

8 comments:

  1. I am 29. I have FMS. as well. I am so in love with shooting and the confidence it brings. I am very shy and very much a homebody but seeing what you do is inspiring. I want to instruct. I have a little one and a guy who works horrid hours so i don't know what i can do now but it is a goal. I also write. I also webdesign on the side. If you ever need help I am happy to help. I think you are amazing.

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    1. Lila
      Thank you so much for your kind words! I used to be shy, hated to speak in front of people, would turn red like a thermometer, in a line rising up my neck to my scalp. It took a lot of practice but I got over it. Now...I love helping other people discover how much fun shooting can be!

      Writing is a great outlet, I'm glad you enjoy it. When your little one gets older maybe you can discover your "inner instructor".

      I hope you keep in touch, I'd love to hear more from you!
      Lynne

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  2. Lynne, you are an amazing woman! A true inspiration. I hope that one day I, too, can "find my voice." <3 Hugs!

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    1. Thank you! I feel like I'm just chugging along. You do so much more than you realize! Back to you, 3 times over <9 hugs!! :-)

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  3. Soon we're all going to be saying "I knew her back when..."

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  4. Well, I am glad I knew you before your fame hit...lol. You really are inspiring and I am better for knowing you!!!

    Can't wait to see how things progress!

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  5. You are too sweet! You are going to make me blush!

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  6. Getting out in front of people is tough when it's not your forte. I admire you for stepping outside your comfort zone and reaching out to others that can benefit from what you have learned. Of course, it helps when you LOVE what you do, right? Being happy really does help those health issues we sometimes struggle with. Keep up the great work, Lynne, and happy shooting!

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