~ Written by Kristina P.

Luke and I bought our first handgun and a safe during quarantine. At that time, we talked about going somewhere to shoot it but it stayed locked away and unused for years. In 2023, the kids gave Luke a membership to The Range for his birthday, thinking it might become a fun new hobby just for him. We had no idea how much that decision would reshape our lives.

My husband went to the range by himself the first time, but after that he invited me to come along so we could learn together. We began with the basics—how to hold the gun, how to load it, how to handle it safely—and before long, it became something we truly enjoyed sharing. We also realized that if we were going to have firearms in our home, our kids needed to learn proper safety and handling too, so they sporadically come with us as well. What began as a practical decision quickly turned into something much more meaningful. It became our date night. We would go shooting, then head to dinner afterward and talk about everything we were learning. We would google the questions we had and watch u-tube vides. Those evenings gave us something new to grow in together.

Then one day we saw a flier for Lady Sentinel. My husband encouraged me to go, thinking it would be a great way for me to meet other women who also enjoyed shooting. I attended that first meeting not really knowing what to expect, but I left feeling inspired. It was more than just a group—it was a community. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by incredible women who were eager to learn, eager to support one another, and eager to grow together. I would come home from each meeting talking nonstop to my husband about everything I had learned and about the amazing women I had met. I could hardly wait for the next month to come around.

During my first “Boomsticks” class, I went in with no expectation of actually shooting the shotgun. I had always been somewhat afraid of them. They are big, loud, and powerful. I was sure I couldn’t handle it and that I would hurt my shoulder. The last time I tried to shoot a shotgun, my shoulder was bruised for a week. I only wanted to learn about them. By the time the class was over, they didn’t seem nearly as scary. I understood why there are different types of ammunition and how the gun is loaded and properly held when shooting. I’m proud to say that I did shoot a “Boomstick” that night, and I came home with no bruises.

One of the biggest surprises for me has been discovering how interested I am in competition shooting. It is still a little scary and a little intimidating, but it is also exciting in a way I never expected. The first time I shot a competition, I was there simply to have fun. But as I moved through the course, I could hear my friends cheering me on like I was a rock star. In that moment, I felt seen, supported, and stronger than I believed myself to be. They saw something in me that I had not yet seen in myself, and that experience made me want to keep exploring competitions and continue building my confidence.

I have met so many amazing women through Lady Sentinel that I now call friends. Our leader, “Madam President”, Liz, has been a huge part of that experience. She has such a wealth of knowledge, but what stands out even more is how generously she shares it. She encourages each of us not only to grow in skill and confidence with firearms, but also to believe in ourselves in every area of life. Her leadership is empowering, and that spirit carries through the entire group. We ALL wanna be, wanna be like Liz!

Outside of Lady Sentinel, I take care of my family. I am a wife and a mom of three. I enjoy pretty much anything creative or crafty. I like to paint banners, bake and decorate cakes and cookies. I love cooking meals from scratch. I enjoy creating digital designs and printing them out or cricut-ing them onto projects. For most of my life, those were the spaces where I felt most confident. That is part of why this journey with Lady Sentinel has meant so much to me. It has shown me that I can step out of my comfort zone. Keep growing, keep learning, and have so much fun doing it.

Lady Sentinel is such a unique and wonderful group. It brings together women from every walk of life. From stay-at-home moms to corporate leaders, from teenagers to women in their sixties, from absolute beginners to highly skilled competition shooters. No matter where you start, this group meets you exactly where you are. You can ask any question, whether it feels basic or advanced, and you are met with respect and encouragement. I have gone from asking, “How do I load this gun?” and panicking when something jammed, to learning real skills. TAP, RACK, and PULL!

Even now, it still feels a little surreal when someone at the range sees me in my Lady Sentinel shirt and comes to ask me for help, and I am confidently able to help them. That moment says so much about the respect and reputation this group has earned. Lady Sentinel has not only taught me about shooting, it has given me confidence, community, and the courage to see myself differently. I joined expecting to learn a skill, but I found something far greater, a place where women are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to become more than they ever thought possible.

~ Written by Nat P.

There was a time I wouldn’t have stayed alone in a cabin in the woods. The fear of what could happen was enough to keep me close to the familiar. I didn’t realize how much that fear was costing me, or how much of my own life I was quietly handing over to it.

It wasn’t the world that needed to change. It was me.

That shift started with a decision: to learn what once felt uncertain. Intimidating, even. Training with Lady Sentinel introduced more than firearm handling, safety, and situational awareness. It introduced a different way of moving through the world. Confidence didn’t arrive overnight. It built slowly, through repetition, through understanding, through showing up even when it felt hard.

A solo cabin trip, once unthinkable, became possible. Walking alone in the woods at night, something that used to stop me cold, became a quiet measure of how far I’d come. The fear didn’t disappear, but it stopped having the final say. What came out of that wasn’t just confidence. It was freedom. Freedom to drive somewhere remote and feel at home there. To walk in the dark without scanning every shadow. To move through the world not because it got safer but because I got more prepared.

Training isn’t only about the firearm. It’s about mindset, readiness, and learning to stay present when your heart is pounding. That first crack of a shot catches everyone off guard but with practice, the flinch fades. What grows in its place is something steadier: trust in yourself.

And none of that happens alone. The Lady Sentinel community is where much of this growth takes root, on the range, in competition, and in the quieter moments in between. Sentinels show up for each other. That kind of support doesn’t just feel good. It changes you in ways that are hard to fully put into words, but easy to feel.

That’s what empowerment actually looks like.

~ Written by Jenny S.

As many people have observed, I struggle with the word “fun” when it comes to defensive training or anything firearms related. When I first made the choice to learn about guns, I remember feeling so confused when the instructors suggested I “go have some fun” on the range. This made absolutely zero sense. For me, fun is a night on the town with my husband. It’s trying a new restaurant, or sleeping in. It’s seeing live theatre with friends. To me, shooting guns was something to be taken very seriously, and was not about having fun. I saw the range as the place where I practiced some of my new defensive skills. This was more like a mental and physical workout than anything else, and particularly in the beginning, I often left feeling exhausted from the heavy lifting. This was decidedly not “fun.”

That being said, I know there are many people out there who consider the things I call “training” or “defensive practice” to be sincerely fun. In fact, I’m friends with some. They tell me they enjoy geeking out over the mechanics of the tool. Or they get a real thrill from the immediate feedback on a skill they’re building, as they inspect their targets. Some even see firearms as an interesting thing to collect. While these things don’t resonate for me, personally, I understand that the enthusiasm and joy they elicit in others are authentic and sincere.

Recognizing that it takes a lot of energy to treat this stuff so seriously all the time, I challenged myself to find the “fun” the instructors spoke of. Sure enough, I found it in the most unsuspecting of places. The following is my personal short list:

1. Trap Shooting

During our Lady Sentinel field trip to a local outdoor range, I learned about trap shooting. For those who aren’t familiar (like me, before this field trip), trap shooting is a game where clay discs or pigeons are launched in the air, and the goal is to shoot them before they reach the ground. Playing this game was my introduction to recreational shooting, and was the first time I had “fun” with guns. I hadn’t previously understood how one could practice shooting in any circumstance that wasn’t defensive in nature. Recreational shooting wasn’t even in my realm of understanding at this point. However, there isn’t a single realistic circumstance I can think of where Joe Citizen is going to be required to shoot a clay pigeon because they fear for their life. The point of this exercise is to have fun. It is, after all, a game. I also enjoyed being the “trapper,” which is the person charged with launching the clay pigeons in the air for the other shooters. To me, this was like playing the role of referee, and I enjoyed having that level of control.

2. Before/After Class

You may notice that I like to come early and stay late during our monthly meetings whenever possible. That’s because I view this as the valuable time where I’ve gotten to know so many fellow sentinels. When I first started coming, I wrongly assumed that I would have nothing in common with anyone else in the room. I quickly learned that my assumption was very, very wrong. The schmoozing before and after classes is a point of connection that keeps me coming back, because it is the basis for the friendships I’ve developed within the group. It’s where common ground is found, and outside plans are made.

3. Social Gatherings

If you can’t come early or stay late to our monthly meetings, our social gatherings are also a good opportunity to get to know the other women in this group. From our winter parties, our Situations breakfast, or even our outing to Dogwood Social, the laughs were plentiful, the conversations were thought-provoking, and a good time was definitely had. These events were where I learned that Beth loves going to the theatre almost as much as I do, and also that Alicia makes a mean cinnamon sugar cookie.

4. LS Competitions

While my main reason for partaking in competitive shooting remains to sharpen my defensive skills under stress simulation, there’s another really important reason I keep showing up. Every single time, I’ve consistently been pleasantly surprised by the supportive morale boost I get from my fellow sentinels. The pats on the back, the positive hoots, and the generous high-fives are so uplifting. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone should have an opportunity to be cheered on by their personal fan club.

5. Setting and Reaching Goals

While growth is often uncomfortable and challenging, setting achievable goals and reaching them is particularly rewarding. There’s a real confidence boost that comes from achieving hard-fought goals, and it’s ok to celebrate each mini-victory along the way. Whether it’s mastering a new drill, or building the courage to try something that scares you, reaching goals can be more than just fulfilling. It can be enjoyable, too.

In My Pursuit of Fun, I Also Learned Some Important Lessons

1. First, fun is a mindset, not unlike growth. I realized pretty early on that my inability to have fun wasn’t because of anything anyone else around me was doing. I was the obstacle. When I started to loosen up, and got out of my own way, I had a much easier time seeing the fun. I stopped looking at my defensive training as a chore, and instead looked for opportunities to make it more enjoyable. By incorporating fun elements, I turned my training into something I’m more apt to keep doing regularly.
2. Fun can be different things for different people. Not everything will be fun to everyone, and that’s ok. There is still value in showing up, even when it isn’t necessarily your personal idea of “fun.” Maybe the activity errs on the side of rewarding, enjoyable, or fulfilling, rather than “fun.” Either way, it’s worth it to show up.
3. Enthusiasm is contagious. By surrounding yourself with others who are enthusiastic about something, even when you think you’re not, surely a little bit of their enthusiasm is bound to rub off on you. Ask them what they like about it. Find out what makes it fun for them. You may be surprised to find that it’s something you hadn’t recognized before, and that you like the same things, too.

Similarly to fear, “fun” is a feeling that can be changed by our behaviors. If, like me, you struggle to find it, I encourage you to consider this mindset shift. Instead of waiting to find the fun, make some moves to create it. Doing so begins to actively shift our brain chemistry, and can lead to our feelings of enjoyment in no time.

What’s one small thing you can do to make your time on the range more fun?

This month we’re highlighting Beth, a member of the Lady Sentinel leadership team whose story reflects what this community is all about—growth, confidence, and showing up for one another.

Below are Beth’s answers, in her own words.

What originally drew you to Lady Sentinel, and what made you decide to take on a leadership role within the organization?

“Honestly, my husband signed me up after we got involved in shooting as a hobby late last year. I didn’t attend my first Lady Sentinel event until April of this year, and that was the first time I had been to a range without my husband. I left that class and range time realizing that this group was exactly what I needed.

When Liz reached out later in the summer asking about finding some ladies to help in the group and that her dream was to turn it into a nonprofit, I didn’t hesitate. My background in accounting and nonprofits made it a logical place to lend my expertise to a group that had become important to me.”

As a leader, you see women at all different stages of their training journey. What moments have been most meaningful for you to witness?

“My most meaningful moments occur with the newest members who come to a class for the first time and stay for range time. To encourage them and see their confidence build as they learn the basics and hit the target is extremely rewarding.

We were all new at some point and having the courage to step onto the range with strangers is a huge accomplishment!

I also love shooting matches with other women who are always encouraging and supporting each other. In a male dominated sport, it’s sometimes difficult to see yourself succeeding, so when other ladies are competing, I realize that I’m not alone in my desire to compete.”

What’s something you’ve learned or discovered about yourself through training with Lady Sentinel?

“There are so many, but if I had to choose one, it’s the increased self-confidence in all areas of my life. There’s something about learning new things, especially around something that is considered scary, like how to shoot, that has made me feel stronger.

And the friends! I didn’t know at my age that I could still make new friends, and these ladies have proven that I can!”

Outside the range, what activities or passions bring you joy and help shape who you are?

“When I’m not at the range, I’m leading my accounting firm, recording my podcast and racing! I autocross from March until October all over the country with the Sports Car Club of America in my 2012 Mustang with my husband, Dave, and our daughter, Sam, when she’s available.

This fills a lot of my time, but I also find time to make quilts and I read every single day!”

If a woman is on the fence about joining LS, what would you tell her?

“Lady Sentinel is the safest, most welcoming and encouraging group that you could find to be on this journey with you. The education provided is practical and repeatable and is worth far more than $50 a year.

The bonus of making friends, finding training partners, and having fun is free!”

Whether you’ve been with Lady Sentinel for a while or have been thinking about reconnecting, stories like Beth’s are a reminder of why this community matters.

Meet Nat — the person behind many of the Lady Sentinel posts that pop up in your feed. She helps manage Lady Sentinel’s social media, capturing moments from classes, events, and everyday training that reflect what this community is really about: learning, growth, and supporting one another.

We thought it’d be fun to share a little more about Nat, in her own words.

How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?

“I’m pretty friendly and easy to talk to, but I tend to listen more than I talk at first — I like to get a feel for things before really jumping in. I’m curious about people and always down to learn something new. Oh, and if we start talking about food or travel? Yeah, I’m all in.”

What usually catches your attention when you’re observing a group or event?

“I’m kind of a people-watcher in the best way. I pick up on the energy in the room — who’s vibing, who might need a little boost, and those small, unscripted moments that end up being way more memorable than the big, flashy stuff.”

Is there a Lady Sentinel moment that’s stuck with you?

“What really gets me is how supportive everyone is. The loud cheering at competitions is great, but so are those smaller conversations where someone shares advice or a different way of looking at things. That genuine ‘we all want each other to win’ energy really sticks.”

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself recently?

“I’ve gotten better at actively looking for the positive angle in any situation. Instead of reacting when things go sideways, I try to step back and ask what I can take from it. It’s helped me stay more level-headed and make better decisions.”

How do you like to spend a totally free day?

“Golf, hanging with my dogs, cooking something ambitious, getting lost in a good book, hiking, or trying a new restaurant. Add travel into the mix and I’m happy.”

Has your role at Lady Sentinel helped you grow?

“Stepping into a leadership role has pushed me out of my comfort zone in good ways. I’ve had to be more visible, more communicative, and a little braver about sharing ideas — and that confidence has carried into other parts of my life too.”

Nat is grateful to be part of a community that values learning, encouragement, and showing up for one another — both on and off the range.

Every movement begins with a spark — and Lady Sentinel was born from one woman’s courage to step out of her comfort zone and create space for others to do the same.

Elizabeth, our founder, knows what it feels like to start timid, to wonder if you belong, and to push through those fears anyway. Out of that journey, she built Lady Sentinel: a community where women grow in confidence, sharpen their skills, and discover that they are far more capable than they imagined.

Today, we invite you to get to know Elizabeth a little better through her own words. Her story is one of trust, resilience, and empowerment — and it’s the story that started this incredible sisterhood.

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Q&A with Elizabeth

Q: What inspired you to start Lady Sentinel?

“Upon starting at The Range, I was timid and honestly felt like an imposter. I wasn’t confident in my abilities. Phil, John, James, and the rest of The Range staff reminded me every day that I could do this, and that I was made to shine. They put me on Facebook Live, they put me on the radio, and most importantly, they trusted me to tell their story and represent The Range. Being trusted is massive. Even if I stumbled or failed, they trusted me to get back up. I wanted to share that same trust with others and empower them to do the scary thing.”

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Q: Was there a specific moment when you knew women needed this kind of group?

“Lady Sentinel didn’t break the mold when it comes to women-only shooting groups. But I felt The Range needed something special outside of the norm. I wanted a low threshold; in price, time, and skill set, so any woman could show up, see what this world is like, and be part of a community that helps her get where she wants to go. There’s a spot for everyone, and the bar is low to get your feet wet.”

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Q: What was the biggest challenge in starting it, and how did you overcome it?

“Honestly, just starting. I wasn’t sure if anyone would show up or if it would resonate. I overcame it by focusing on one step at a time, building the first meeting, then the next, and trusting that the right women would come. And they did. Our opening night astounded me; we had to close the range to host over 130 ladies who came out, eager and interested. That moment showed me this was bigger than I imagined.”

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Q: What does Lady Sentinel mean to you personally?

“I learn so much from this group. Watching women step up and out of their comfort zone is powerful, and honestly, I get so much from it myself. It pushes me to grow too. Selfishly, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been part of.

One of Lady Sentinel’s missions is to show women that they are worth it. Worth the time, the effort, and the investment in themselves. Growth doesn’t just happen on the range, it happens in all aspects of life. Living life to the fullest means doing scary things to experience greatness. Lady Sentinel gives women the chance to face that challenge in a safe environment, surrounded by community. And once you’ve done that, you start asking yourself: What else can I conquer because I know I can? What does this empower me to do next?”

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Q: How have you seen members grow through the program?

“The growth has been tremendous. I’ve had so many conversations with members about how much better they feel now, more confident, more capable, and more comfortable in themselves. For many, this is just the beginning, and I know leadership roles and teaching opportunities are on the horizon.”

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Q: What makes Lady Sentinel different from other training opportunities?

“I think many groups focus on community, and that’s wonderful, the other groups are a great resource. What makes Lady Sentinel unique is the foundation we have here at The Range. The resources, training, facility, and staff are second to none. On top of that, we focus on new topics each month and offer one-hour mini classes for exposure. It creates a blend of professional-level training, real opportunities to grow, and a supportive community to walk alongside you.”

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Q: What advice would you give to a woman thinking about joining but feeling unsure?

“Come once. You don’t have to commit to anything beyond that. Just show up and see. Most women walk away realizing it’s not nearly as intimidating as they thought, and that they already belong here.”

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Q: What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve had as founder?

“When I see a member who doubted herself step into a challenge and succeed. Sometimes it’s something small, but those little wins mean everything.”

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Q: How has leading this group changed you?

“It’s taught me how to be vulnerable with people as I grow myself. The comments I get from the ladies about how their lives have changed are immense, and they change me too.”

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Q: What’s your favorite part of training — range time, classroom, or community?

“My favorite part is watching women step up for each other. When a Lady Sentinel chooses to do something scary, not just for herself, but to help others, that’s where the magic happens. Seeing someone realize there’s growth and benefit on the other side of discomfort is powerful. It inspires others to take that same step, and it plants the seeds for more women to grow into leadership roles within the group.”

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Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

“I’m actually pretty risk averse. Doing scary things is something I struggle with, too, we’re in this together.”

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Q: If you could describe Lady Sentinel in three words, what would they be?

“Strength. Growth. Community.”

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Q: Coffee or tea before training?

“Coffee for sure, with a little heavy cream, but I love tea too.”

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Join the Movement

Elizabeth’s story is proof that growth begins the moment we step into what scares us. Lady Sentinel isn’t just about training — it’s about building confidence, courage, and community that carries into every part of life.

Lisa is one of our founding members and a true leader within Lady Sentinel. She’s known for being incredibly helpful and supportive of everyone around her. Classy, engaging, and full of great ideas, she has played a big role in strengthening our community. Whether on the range or outside of it, Lisa is often seen connecting with other members and leading by example.

We asked Lisa a few questions so you could get to know her better — here’s what she had to say:

What first motivated you to start training with Lady Sentinel, and how has that reason evolved over time?

“I had been looking for a women’s shooting group, and a place to grow as I was getting more comfortable, but I still wanted support. I wanted a safe place to take on a new challenge and to learn more about firearms. I wanted to learn a variety of skills and I wanted an instructor to coach me, without a lot of pressure. I had to do this on my terms, but the right instructors have been able to nudge me to lean into new challenges. ”

What’s one way training has impacted your life outside the range — in confidence, mindset, or everyday situations?

“Since I started training, my family has even noticed that I am more situationally aware of my surroundings and I am more comfortable with a variety of guns. As a teacher, I wanted to be able to disarm a gun if the need arose, or use my trauma training. A few weeks after my trauma training, I helped a student having a seizure, and I was able to coach a colleague on how to put on a tourniquet. I now carry & conceal, and since I travel on the road for my job, I feel safe, knowing that I can defend myself.”

What has been your favorite Lady Sentinel moment or memory so far?

“My favorite LS moments:

1. Back in the spring, Randi McSpadden and I were getting ready for a match. Unlike other competitions where you are pitted against your opponents, we worked together to strategize how to load our mags, and when/where to drop them. We talked about holsters and cheered each other on. There was no competition between us… just within ourselves to do our personal best!
2. Cheering on fellow Ladies at our matches – I’m not good at taping up the holes after each round, but I will be the gal pumping you up before you shoot, and clapping and shouting for you when you are done!
3. My personal favorite memory was hitting the clay pigeon when we shot trap. NEVER, in a million years, did I think that I could hit a moving target! The pin that the RO gave me still makes me smile and stand a little taller.”

If another woman was nervous about joining, what would you say to encourage her to take the first step?

“For a lady who is intrigued, I encourage her to think what she would say to her younger self about any milestone in her life that was challenging. I would ask her, ‘What would you write in that letter to your younger self, to reassure that girl that she will become so much more in life, by taking this step?’ I would share that every single one of our members is alongside you to support you… no nasty cliques, no trash talk, no shame… just support, however you need it. Conquer your fear… you are worth it! Also, the support network that you create in LS will help you in other parts of your life. We have become a sisterhood like none other that I have experienced. We stick by each other! I truly value the friendships that I have made in LS. ”

Why do you keep showing up — what’s your “why” for continuing to train and grow with this community?

“I keep showing up because I value the cycle of continuous development and improvement. Although I am a perfectionist, I take the time to reflect, set my new goal, and I work hard to improve. Every time that I am at The Range, a staff member (and even fellow shooters) are willing to share free advice. I appreciate their insights. The industry’s online platforms are very supportive, too. I’ve never felt ashamed to ask a question.”

Tell us something fun about yourself outside of shooting — a hobby, hidden talent, or favorite way to spend your time.

“Outside of LS, I work full-time at a law firm and part time for Southeast Missouri State University. My hobbies are mostly in volunteering for Greater St. Louis Honor Flight and as a recreational therapist for Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. I also can be seen at events supporting Backstoppers and The Gary Sinise Foundation. My family and I are very involved in various Masonic fraternal organizations, as we are pictured below… we enjoy serving in civic roles. Last but not least, I love looking for the unsung hero who breaks the case in Dateline, and I am known for my online commentaries when I watch pageants. ”

Lisa is an amazing example of the courage, growth, and leadership that Lady Sentinel is all about. We are proud to have her as part of our founding sisterhood.

Lady Sentinel is built on the strength of women lifting each other up — but along the way, we’ve been fortunate to have incredible allies who believe in our mission. One of those people is Phil Balsamo, Training Manager at The Range St. Louis West.

Elizabeth shared this about Phil:

“Phil’s leadership has a ripple effect. His drive to help people is immense, and his pursuit of knowledge never stops. That dedication permeates through his training team and every student he teaches. He leads not only with skill, but with a heart for empowering others.”

We asked Phil a few questions about his connection to Lady Sentinel:

What inspired you to get involved with Lady Sentinel?

“The ladies! They show up. Sometimes with excitement, sometimes with nerves, but they show up. And that’s powerful. Plus the energy and passion that Elizabeth brings to the group is absolutely contagious. Being even a small part of something so positive and empowering is incredibly rewarding for me.”

What makes Lady Sentinel stand out?

“Lady Sentinel isn’t backed by a big national organization or major sponsors. It started as a grassroots idea, hoping we might get 15 or 20 women to join. But it quickly grew to over 100 members, all of whom truly want to be here and be involved. That kind of organic growth, fueled by passion and community, is rare. The potential of this group, and the women in it, is limitless. I’m excited to see where it all goes.”

Advice for women just starting out?

“Just show up. Taking that first step can feel intimidating, but it’s also incredibly empowering. Sometimes the scariest steps are the most rewarding, and this one could lead to many more. The women in this group will support you every step of the way.”

One practice that builds confidence?

“Stay humble and embrace a growth mindset. Be open to learning, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to be a beginner. Showing up with curiosity and a willingness to grow makes all the difference.”

Something outside the range?

“I love being outside! Whether it’s hiking with family and friends or hitting the trails on one of my bikes. I try to take advantage of all the amazing parks we have here in Missouri. Maybe we need a Lady Sentinel day at the park sometime…”

Phil, thank you for always showing up for us — your encouragement, leadership, and support mean more than you know.

~ Written by Jenny S.

Have you ever aimed for perfection, but gave up before you even began? If you can’t do it perfectly the first time, why even try, right? In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell famously contends that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of practice before one can reach expert levels in just about any category. Yet, so many of us feel disappointment, embarrassment, or even shame when we try something new and it doesn’t click right away.

Why are we expecting perfection when it’s new?
What if, instead, we gave ourselves permission to be a beginner?
Or better yet, permission to fail?

Think about babies as they learn to walk. How many times do they stumble on their way to that first big step? How often do they fall, even after taking a few steps? Eventually, they get the hang of it. With every misstep, they learn. At some point, they might even get good enough to run—maybe even skip! But it all starts with literal baby steps, and a whole lot of mistakes along the way.

How can we stack the deck as rookies in the shooting world, and set ourselves up to succeed? Fortunately, within our Lady Sentinel community, we have a prime example of what this looks like. Recently, our head facilitator, Liz, competed in A Girl & A Gun’s 3-Gun Challenge at Fall Fest—something she had never previously done. Here are a few key takeaways she modeled for us:

1. Safety First

Keep the safety fundamentals at the forefront of your mind at all times. If any accidents or mistakes happen, at least they are under the safest of circumstances.

2. Do It Scared

Don’t wait for the fear to dissipate in order to begin—it may never completely go away. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Education and preparation can help minimize the fear.

3. Surround Yourself with Support

Find cheerleaders, coaches, and mentors who help you push through your blocks and build confidence. Liz leaned on veterans like fellow Lady Sentinel member and competitive shooter Chelsie, as well as “Squad Dad” Phil, for guidance and support. When you’re learning in a supportive environment, it’s easier to succeed.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Approach new challenges with the goal of learning. Every mistake or setback is a notch on the belt toward your goal. The only real disappointment is if we don’t learn from our mistakes.

In this case, Liz noticed a pattern in her performance where she lost points for failing to engage several targets. Because she recognized this mistake, she can now adjust her training to be better prepared for next year’s competition.

These four steps don’t just lead to positive outcomes—they also build character, discipline, and skill. Everyone starts somewhere, and by allowing ourselves to be beginners, if you keep showing up and doing the work, you won’t be one for long. Then, you can pay it forward and share your wisdom with the new (or newer) beginners among us, too.

~ Written by Jenny S.

What do Lena Miculek, American competitive shooter with 9 world titles in 5 different disciplines, and I have in common? I can easily rattle off many of the ways we’re different. I didn’t grow up as a “gun enthusiast,” shooting sports are not part of my DNA, and firearms, in general, have historically made me uncomfortable. So, how did Lena find common ground with me in just a few seconds? She shared the following words of wisdom:

“Fear is a liar. It’s a thief of life, and it will take all that you let it.”

Over the last few years, I’ve dedicated incredible energy to exploring my own fears. I have investigated their root cause, figured out what fuels them, and learned how to counter them, in order to live more confidently and happily. Lena’s perspective really resonated with me. Fear is often based on the unknown. It is a feeling, a perception, an assumption. It is not a fact. How can we counter something that is so elusive? For me, the answer is with education and experience.

Recently, on a family vacation, I got the chance to test this theory. Despite growing up in a coastal city, I have never really felt comfortable near the ocean. Its powerful and unpredictable waves mystified me, and let’s not even discuss the unknown creatures living in the deepest and darkest of its abyss. So, when my husband suggested we take a family surf lesson, I quickly volunteered to stay by the shore, and take photos of their adventure from a safe distance. On the morning of the lesson, as we got to know the instructors, I was struck by what I saw. Yes, they really knew what they were doing on the water, but more importantly, the way they prioritized their students’ safety and education, gave me just enough courage to join them.

Was I nervous? So much so, that my entire body quaked with shivers the whole way into the deep water zone. Did that stop me? No. I fought my fear with education, and now it was time to bring in the experience. I relied on the lessons they taught us on the dryland, got out of my own way, and surprised even myself, when I stood up tall on the very first wave. And then I swam out and did it again. And again. And each time I awaited the wave, my heart pounded with the intoxicating cocktail of adrenaline and competence, as I grew more and more confident.

I would have easily missed out on the highlight of our family vacation, if I had trusted the lies in my fears.

What motivated me to take that leap of faith? The surfing instructors reminded me of my experience with Lady Sentinel, a women’s empowerment group centered on self-protection, much of which is with firearms training. Although I may not seem like the most likely member of Lady Sentinel, the dots are easy to connect. Since joining the group, I’ve learned about more prickly topics than I can count. I’ve shown up to just about every monthly session, even when the topics don’t seemingly appeal to me, and especially when they terrify me. Why have I done this? Because, like Lena, I recognized that my fears were not based on facts. And so, I leaned into the opportunity to learn with topnotch instructors who prioritize my safety, and value education. It is through this incredible training and real exposure, that I have since overcome a lifelong clinical phobia of firearms. Better yet, I’m part of a community of women who join me in these pursuits, and empower me to carry on those values in other areas of my life. Like surfing.

So, the next time you are wrestling with your own fears, channel your inner Lena Miculek, and look for the lies. Ask yourself if they are based on facts or feelings. Counter them with education and experience. Find the teachers who prioritize your safety. Then, get out of your own way. You may just find yourself riding a wave of newfound confidence.