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For those of you old enough to remember the original Top Gun, the final dog fight battle scene has Maverick (Tom Cruise) flying into a dog fight to assist his fellow aviator Iceman (Val Kilmer) out at sea. Launched from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier into a contentious airspace, Maverick is Iceman\u2019s only hope of survival.

Coming from the recent loss of his co-pilot, and close personal friend call sign \u201cGoose,\u201d Maverick has lost his nerve. Iceman says,\u201cMaverick\u2026Where in the hell are you? Maverick! How about some help? ENGAGE\u2026!\u201d Maverick, talking to himself, \u201cIt\u2019s no good, talk to me Goose\u2026\u201d Iceman is heard over the radio, \u201cMaverick\u2026Maverick\u2026!\u201d Finally, Maverick recovers, and ENGAGES! From the control center on the carrier they report, \u201cMaverick is ENGAGING sir!\u201d

In the end Maverick saves Iceman, himself, and the whole aircraft carrier. Cheers erupt as the remaining enemy jets bug out.

In self-defense, we do everything we can to prepare, train, drill and condition for defending our lives, including deescalation, and getting the heck out of Dodge. However, there comes a time when it\u2019s appropriate, and necessary for the defender to ENGAGE. In this scenario, without ENGAGEMENT we put ourselves, and others at peril.

By definition, without full ENGAGEMENT there is no life. The young lovers fully \u201cENGAGE\u201d to create a life together. The very act of human creation happens through \u201cENGAGEMENT.\u201d

In life and Life Defense how often do we loose our nerve, and won\u2019t ENGAGE in the conflict of life itself? Remembering that there is no life without conflict, and our participation in life requires ENGAGING in that conflict each and every day.

If life is important to you, ENGAGE. Really, said another way, ENGAGE or die! Because there are many ways to die, yet only one way to truly live. ENGAGE\u2026

Allen Hughes Life Defense Coach

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