TONIGHT with Warriors for Life (WFL) "Bunkering Down!" with Steven and Friends. Everyone is Welcome!

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Sep 9
3 min read

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Bunkering Down!"

"Before the Storm, Preventing the Complacency of Calmness!"

"September 10th, 2001. America was calm, complacent, and unaware of the storm about to strike, within hours after daybreak the next morning. Since then, every September 10th, it seems we bunker down, ready for an anniversary attack that hasn't happened yet, giving us a sense of complacency yet again...

It's a vicious cycle, bunkering down when tornado alarms sound out, then nothing happens, and then we bunker down for the next tornado alarm, and no tornado strikes. So we become complacent every time we head to the bunker, not anticipating anymore the dangers possibly heading our way. Then it happens. Just like Sept 11th, 2001, we get taken by surprise, shocked by the suddenness of calmness being torn asunder. So how do we prevent the complacency of calmness? By the same token, how do we prevent living in fear and anxiety while we are bunkered down? It's a tough line to walk but there are ways we can prepare effectively for disasters and anniversaries that are potential destructive scenarios without being an extreme of complacency or hypervigilance."

"Complacency of calmness" describes calmness that becomes a deceptive state of satisfaction with one's situation or abilities, which prevents further effort, growth, or improvement. While true calmness is an asset for clear thinking and effective decision-making, complacency transforms it into a dangerous enemy, a false sense of security that lowers one's guard and hinders progress.

The Difference Between Calmness and Complacency

Calmness:
A state of being level-headed and composed, which allows for effective thinking and decision-making, especially under pressure.
Complacency:
A tranquil feeling of contentment that becomes excessive and unmotivated, preventing any urge to try harder or make improvements.

Key Aspects of Complacency of Calmness

A False Sense of Security:
The calmness appears to be a positive state, but it is a superficial quiet that masks a dangerous lack of readiness or awareness.
Hindrance to Growth:
When one is complacent, they lose the drive to learn, adapt, and evolve, becoming stuck in a comfort zone that prevents active growth.
Potential for Danger:
In situations like self-defense, complacency can lead to a lowered state of alert, leaving one vulnerable to threats that could have been averted.
Disguised as Peace:
Complacency can easily masquerade as true peace or contentment, making it difficult to identify and overcome.

Breaking Out of Complacency

Cultivate Awareness:
Recognize that a feeling of peace might be complacency and make a conscious effort to remain vigilant.
Embrace Action:
Instead of settling, commit to setting realistic goals and taking consistent steps toward growth and improvement.
Seek New Challenges:
Stretch beyond your comfort zone to foster an active pursuit of growth and development.

The Many Voices of Complacency

Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings Peer Support Group as we talk about bunkering down before the storm and how to prevent complacency from calmness."

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), September 10, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.