Guns. Martinis. And Loving Yourself.
Posted on March 2, 2012 by Natalie in Advice, In Words
Sally Hope gives us a few more words of wisdom in her guest blog. This girl is a rockstar on many levels. Check out her other post here.
I’ve never quite done things like the other girls. And honestly…I don’t want to. I’d rather have a day at the gun range
than sit around drinking martinis and gossiping. And I know there are more girls out there like me.
I used to think I was all alone. All by myself here in the in-between world of being a girl and liking things that people consider masculine. Guns. Trucks. Beer. Feeling both not feminine enough around the girls, and not masculine enough
around the guys. Always walking some kind of invisible line, where I didn’t know who I was supposed to be in any given moment.
The more time that passes, the more I realize that who I am, makes me unique. It might not make sense to everyone, but that’s ok. It makes sense to me and the people that truly love me, and that’s all that matters.
This is a battle cry for all the girls out there who love things that most people don’t think should go together. You want your nails done AND you carry a handgun. You’re sensitive AND you’re tough. You love your cowgirl boots AND
your high heels. You pay to get your hair done AND you wear it in a pony tail. You are it all. And you don’t have to choose.
I think the best thing any of us can do in our lives is love and accept ourselves for who we are. We were born this way. All unique. All perfect. I don’t know why I like firearms just as much as I don’t know why I like strawberries. I just do.
And the more I feel bad about myself for liking guns (or strawberries), the more unhappy I am.
Self-love is one of those funny things. We all know we’re supposed to do it, but we forget so easily and so quickly how. It’s a practice, just like any other.
So I hereby give you permission to be exactly who you are. Stand tall and firm in your beliefs and wants and desires. It is truly a beautiful thing to see a woman who knows who she is and doesn’t apologize for it.
So the next time you want to go to the gun range instead of drink martinis with the girls DO IT. Invite them along. Maybe ya’ll will find a brand new way to bond. Getting over your fears together. Feeling empowered for doing something that girls don’t normally do. It’s important for women to support each other. But even more importantly is that you support yourself.
Do any of you feel this way? What have been your experiences being a girl who loves firearms? What types of things do you face? Leave a comment below to share your story.
Sally Hope, The Unconventional Traditionalist, is a Blogger/Love and Life Coach who loves hot-pink lipstick, guns, crosswords and cowboys. A former Rockstar (http://youtu.be/jpgCAkSHxNQ), she has taken her show from the stage to the road by traveling around the US in an RV while coaching her clients and inspiring people to live their own Rockstar Lifestyles. Her latest obsessions include traveling, country swing dancing, motorcycles, LOVE, chips and salsa, and adventuring. Whatever it is you are wanting in your life, she will help you get there fasterYou can find her at her website (hyperlink: http://sallyhope.com) or her Facebook page (http://facebook.com/xosally) Twitter (http://twitter.com/sallyhopesays) or getting ridiculous on her YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/sallyhopesays)
44 Responses to “Guns. Martinis. And Loving Yourself.”
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March 6, 2012
[...] just saw this post on A Girl’s Guide To Guns, which was guest-authored by Sally. Started from this post on her own [...]
THANK YOU! So so so much for posting this! I have felt that way most of my life bc I don’t mind getting dirty in my makeup lol. I want to read this to my 5 yr old who asked me the other night “mommy is it ok to wear makeup and then to help daddy work on his truck??” of course I told her yes, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Lol.
Amanda…I totally understand where you and your daughter are coming from. I used to spend my Sundays detailing my dad’s car with him. Couldn’t have been happier. And then I’d go to ballet class. It’s the juxtaposition that makes us unique. I’m so glad your daughter has such a great role model in you!
Love this! You are certainly not alone– this describes me so much that I could have written it myself. Funny how the older we get the more we learn to accept ourselves and realize it’s ok to just be who you are. I am a firearms instructor and a mom to 3 rambunctious boys…and no longer feel a need to fit into society’s expectations.
An excellent post, as usual; and I have felt exactly the same way. I got into shooting last year and am now an instructor, shooting blogger, and the only woman on a 16-”man” gun club board. I love the women that I’m building relationships with and helping bring into the shooting sports – but I’ve never really been much of a girly girl and sometimes feel I have more in common with the men.
It’s been a process to learn to love who I am – or even to know who that is – and it has taken many years to do it, but thanks to my husband and a few others who keep telling me how perfect I am, it’s finally sinking in.
Keep doing what you’re doing. You are making a difference in the lives of people who need to know that they are loved and that they are perfect – just the way they are.
Have an awesome day – and go shoot something!
Cathi
Oops, thought I was posting on Sally’s site
, but you ladies are doing an awesome, as well, helping women love guns and love themselves the way they are. Keep up the good work!
Cathi
Except that I’ve never felt bad about myself for liking guns, I can relate. I love make-up, big earrings, and good hair, and I want those things when I’m hunting, or at the range, or hanging out with friends. They go together! I’m glad to see more women getting into firearms–if only for them to see that I was right all along! ha ha! Seriously, it is always a great thing for women to learn they can be strong AND feminine. Great post!
Natalie is not alone! great article!
Miss Cathi!! WOW!!!! Talk about putting yourself out there for reals. I want to be on YOUR team.
I have so much respect for people who go out of their comfort zone, do things that they didn’t think they could, and then rock the house. You’re clearly one of those people. Keep it up. And YES!! I need to go shoot something ASAP!!!! Please keep in touch.
Xo,
Sally
Well, thank you kindly, ma’am! Seeing your post here reminded me that I was going to link your shotgun post to my blog – got waaaay too much going on to keep things straight – but the good news is that most of that stuff involves the gun range
Will be sending you an email soon. Love, love, love your work! You are incredible and appreciated!
Cathi
No worries!! I appreciate all your support and all that you do over on your site.
Love it! I really relate…I like an occasional beer, fishing, being outdoors, and anything gun-related (to include zombie video games, lol), but I’m also a soft-spoken gal who likes art, theater, and the occasional mani/pedi/shopping spree, too. I say why not have it all if you want it all? Thanks for being a voice for those of us that don’t fit in any one box very well.
Hey Kathy…I feel EXACTLY the same way. And I don’t know about you, but I always used to feel like I had to pick a side. And I never wanted to. I now know that we can have it all. We are all perfect just the way we are. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sally
Love this! Not just because I love guns and Martinis either. Very well said!
Thank you! I love them both too. Hahahha! Important for us girls to support each other in BOTH guns AND martinis.
Sally, I love, LOVE, love the article… I can totally relate. Growing up as an only child, I had to two different pairs of shoes to fill – patent leather dress-shoes and scuffed tan work-boots.
I did the typical little girl stuff, baking, arts/crafts, and having tea-parties, etc. I enjoyed spending time with my mom, helping her cook, running errands, or socializing… but there was this other side of myself that screamed to be free.
My dad and I would spend time under a car – prepping for his next road race (he raced numerous cars and I loved being his pit-crew). He taught me how to ride dirtbikes, motorcycles, and drive a car (I loved learning how to react to a skid in an empty parking lot; how to tear around a muddy “racetrack” cut into a harvested cornfield). We love spending time in the woods together, trimming branches to clear hiking trails, 4-wheeling, and snowmobiling.
My dad wanted me to learn how to use and feel comfortable operating his .22 rifle at an early age. We would hike into the woods and set up soda cans and plink away. As I got older he introduced my to pistol shooting, which I caught on to very quickly.
There were many times throughout my elementary school years, that friends would ask about my weekends and I wouldn’t know how to answer them. (tell the truth and risk getting made fun of or avoid mentioning the boy “stuff”. I started playing sports throughout middle school and high school, gaining confidence as I began to accept the two-sides of myself. It took a while and wasn’t easy, but I love being able to enjoy my heels and my combat boots.
I can honestly say that I LOVE to shoot guns… without worrying about what everyone else thinks. I even applied to get my CCW permit (I should get it within a week – YAY!) I would rather go shooting at the range than shopping at the mall. I would rather clean my gun than paint my nails, but I still do both.
I love that my dad taught me so many things that helped me become the strong, competent, confidant woman that I have become.
So ladies… put on that mascara, eyeliner, and lipgloss – that cute little outfit (with a high neck line – shells near the girls is not a good idea) and hit the range. Show all those guys that you certainly do shoot like a girl (I typically outshoot everyone with my .45 cal 1911)
I needed this today–thanks
Don’t forget…YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. No doubt.
Great post Sally! Growing up loving hunting & shooting ,made me a quick outcast among the girls & being better at it than the boys made it tough to fit in with them as well! I wish I could have read this post 10 years ago when I was a teenager.
Excellent article!! Not just about the firearms.. but loving and embracing yourself for who you are! Love it.
It’s so important to remember!! And be reminded. Hope you’re having a great day!
Great article! This is so me, but I have always embraced both sides and am happier for it. My true friends know and love me for it.
Heck yes!! Right?! I mean it’s silly that we ever doubt ourselves.
Great article!
Thank you Louise! What about it resonated with you?
Amanda…I SO know what your daughter is feeling. I’ve felt this way my whole life. Please do read it to her and look for more articles like this on here as well as my own site (sallyhope.com). Keep in touch! Louise and Rai…thank you so much!!
u r the bomb!!
So are YOU! BOOM!
Amen! I’m a female veteran, a computer geek, and a tomboy who occasionally likes to dress up. I even carry conceal in a coach handbag while carrying my iPad. Lol, I know exactly how you feel!
Great article. Like it because I can relate. You can still be a woman and girly, but still be able to kick some ass and protect yourself!
Heck yes! I mean, right?!?!
like your article wish they were more ladies like you to ..maybe i would be married if there were ..lol
Well said….
Guns and wine – just not at the same time!
AHHHH LOVE that!!
I love what ALL of you guys are saying! And happy to know we’re not alone. So many of us have felt this way.
Great post!
From infancy we are all encouraged to be like everyone else. That to be an individual is daring and risky, but to be part of the pack and think as everyone thinks, just for the sake of “fitting in” is common practice.
As I get older (and wiser) I find I no longer am attracted to what the masses like, but almost prefer what is considered “different”. And not just for the sake of being different, but for the sake of being a strong willed individual who can have an opinion that doesn’t have to be the same as everyone else.
My deepest and utter respect for this wave of women, proudly standing up and saying “I am a women, and I love guns and so can you”. To every female blogger, shooter, writer, and public figure using your voice to encourage women to be brave enough to stand up and say “this is what I like, and who I am, even if tradition and convention doesn’t encourage it”….you are a hero, and you are making a difference in the world.
Great article, keep em coming!
E Marie! Girl that is HILARIOUS! I LOVE it. And yes, that is exactly what I’m talking about. And Edwin…there’s lots of us out here!!!
I love this. It makes all of us women who are different feel absolutely beautiful and accept who we are. The things that make us different, the hunting, the guns, martinis, pedis, etc are what make us amazing!
Miss Mary! I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. It’s SO important to feel comfortable being who we are, and it helps to know there are other girls out there like us.
I’m usually the only person at the range that wears lip gloss so I’m familiar with the line you’re talking about walking. I live in NYC and that line is even more pronounced at times.
I’m a girl through and through. I’m a girl that likes guns, quads, mud, make-up, heels and sparkles. The most important thing is that I like myself. No, not like – LOVE. I love myself especially since I became completely comfortable in my own skin. While I might not be as feminine as the full time girly girls, hearing a hot, rugged man say “You’re such a girl” while I’m covered in mud or smell like gun powder, makes me smile. I know who I am and if a woman rolls her eyes over the things I like to do, well then she’s just missing out on lots of FUN. I’ll join her for Martini’s for sure, when I’m done having a blast (no pun intended).
AMEN sister Patricia!!!!! I couldn’t agree with you more and I want to go mudding with you!!
Miss Mary! I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. It’s SO important to feel comfortable being who we are, and it helps to know there are other girls out there like us.