The Unknown By Michael A. Black

“People always fear the unknown,” my father used to say.

After all, it’s lurking around every corner, waiting for us. But why do we fear it? Why not embrace it? Or, at the very least, be prepared for it.

Sure, not knowing what’s coming can be disconcerting because we feel that it’s beyond our control. But what if we could exert some control over things? Would that make us fear the unknown less ominous?

Like most people, I’ve faced a lot of unknown factors in my life. Everybody does. But as a cop, I faced a significantly larger set of circumstances every time I put on the uniform and went to work. Driving in I never knew what the shift would bring. Would it be a busy night, or uneventful? Once it started the unknown factor would increase. With every call, every time someone dialed 9-1-1, the potential was there to develop into something unforeseen and really dangerous. Danger can be an attractive companion, and I must admit I grew to love the adrenaline surges as I’d race to one of those situations not knowing exactly what I’d be facing. So I grew to embrace the unknown rather than fear it. But I also had a few allies with me, most notably training and experience. And these usually brought a third ally into the fray: confidence. I found out that usually, if you’ve prepared for something, you can handle it.

So the key is in your preparation. That’s why as a cop I was always big on training and making sure my guys were well trained. Developing proficiencies in various areas (weapons, physical fitness, interviewing, observation, etc.) became a way of life for me. It was my way of preparing to meet the unknown head-on. I always maintained a regular exercise and running program, and worked in other areas as well. Our range practices used to include shooting with both hands, dominant and non-dominant, as well as one-handed reloading drills. It’s a lot easier to react if you’ve trained for an eventuality than trying to figure out what to do when you’re first confronted with something unexpected. In police work things can turn violent in a moment, and you should be on guard at all times. It’s like they say in boxing: the punch you don’t see coming is the one that knocks you down.

Not all of this has to do with running four or five miles, working on take-downs and arm-locks, or developing proficiencies in shooting. Noticing the little things and being aware of your surroundings is something that’s equally important. The next time you’re pulling into a parking lot, take an extra look around. Instead of talking on your cell phone or thinking about the stuff you want to buy once you get inside, concentrate instead on your first objective: getting through the parking lot safely. And once you go through the doors, stop and survey the area from which you came. Anybody lingering around your car? Anybody walking close to you? Anybody paying you particular notice? This goes double for returning to your vehicle. Keep yourself sharp mentally by planning what you would do in the event of some emergency. Like I said, being ready for every eventuality can cut down on the chances that the unknown will surprise you.

So how does all this relate to writing? Believe it or not, there are similarities. A writer faces the unknown every time he or she sits down to write. You’re staring at a blank screen (or page, if you prefer) and it can be a daunting task to start. How well you’ve prepared yourself can make a big difference. Have you done your research? Have you thought the story through? Being prepared can make a difference here as well.

So in the final analysis, the unknown is not something to be feared, but appreciated. Think of how boring and mundane life would be if we always knew what was coming around the next curve. Just know which way to turn your wheels if you hit a patch of black ice and start to skid.

Like they used to say when I was in Boy Scouts: Be prepared.

Comments

[Amy Alessio]

I wish I had half Mike's intelligence and discipline. I would be happy writing 400 - 500 words a day then running those miles (or even walking).

This is such a good idea - breaking down each element that would help with an unknown and working on those skills. It applies to writing so well and I know I need to work on observations and preparation.

As usual, I'm very impressed with Mike's intelligent understanding assessment of both of his professions.

[Margot Justes]

I like the blank page analogy, it's exciting to start with the unknown and put words on paper and come up with something new and unexpected.

That being said, being a cop and facing the unknown every day-now that is just plain scary...and courageous.
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com

[Ann]

I agree with all of the above. I particularly like Mike's statement: "the unknown is not something to be feared, but appreciated." I need to work on that...

[Mysti]

I don't know if it's the result of being a child of tragedy (dead parent variety), or just all the years I lived as a single woman in large American cities, but I *always* do this:

>Keep yourself sharp mentally by planning what you would do in the event of some emergency.

"If that guy keeps walking over here in this dark parking lot, I'm going to balance on the balls of my feet and tell him firmly to stop. If he doesn't, I'm going to shout his description and ask someone to call 911."

"I'm going to drive my motorcycle up onto the sidewalk in front of the police station since this weirdo has been tailgating me for a few miles."

"If that guy hits the woman he's talking to, I'm dialing 911."

Guess I can use my overactive "what if" brain to feed my inner writer. Never thought of it that way!