#(the picture is dark cause I was watching a movie - hence the popcorn - and I brightened it as best I could) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

dylanowhy · 7 years

Text

You’re A Firework - Dylan O’Brien Imagine

Author: Dylanowhy (me)

Summary: Dylan O’Brien was your first kiss, your first love, that is until fame hit him like a truck. Now after years of not speaking and being apart, you decide to stay in his old room for a summer while figuring some things out. Coincidentally Dylan just so happens to be taking a break during that time.

Pairings: Dylan O’Brien x Reader

Warnings: Fluff. Kissing.

Word Count: 3,457

A/N: This is the first chapter of my new story Start Of Something New! I hope you guys enjoy.

Soft hums of Katy Perry played in the background, the smell of BBQ filled the air. Kids ran around as the parents all stood in various places, talking about things that interested them and the teens sat on the stairs, watching all the madness while waiting on the food. You were holding some of Julia’s famous lemonade, her brother’s body slightly leaning against yours. “I bet you ten dollars Uncle Mike is going to light himself on fire tonight.” His voice was slowly turning into low and smooth as he was getting older, it had gotten to the point where your breath would hitch when he spoke to you. He was around two years older than you, but for some reason you two became friends, clicking together instantly. Him and his family had been quick to make you feel like part of the family, hence why you were at their family cookout for the 4th of July instead of being at home with yours. “Why wait until tonight? Two more steps closer to the grill and he will be in flames.” Your words made Dylan laugh, his head falling back as he did so. Julia glanced up at you two, smile on her face as she shook her head. Julia knew you had a crush on her brother, she had confronted you about it probably around a month ago.

“You’re looking at him different.” She had said, arms crossed upon her chest, eyes narrowing down at you. “I am looking at him like the goofball he is.” You said defensively, confused look on your face. You didn’t know exactly when you started developing feelings for Dylan, but it made you worry. If Julia could see it, could he? “Like a goofball you’re in love with.” She mumbled, but you still heard her, it took a lot out of you to wipe the concerned looked on you face as Dylan walked out of the dressing room, striking some ridiculous pose in his slacks. School pictures were coming up for the end of the year and you had agreed to go shopping with him. “I am feeling these.” He said, smoothing down his jeans, making a face that cause you to laugh, shaking your head at his childish acts. “You look like a grandpa.” You commented, his face scrunching up at the idea. “Do not.” For someone who was older than you he really did act like a child most of the time, the corners of his mouth pulling down in a frown.

“I think Dad shelled out around two hundred for fireworks tonight, which I know you’re excited for.” The smile in his eyes matched his sarcastic smirk planted ever so adorably on his face. He had found out New Year’s Eve about your fear of fireworks. It was nothing to do with the noises or anything, it just so happens that fireworks always decided to find their way to you, one way or another. “Oh yeah, can’t wait for that.” Your voice was monotone, eyes rolling as the lightly tanned boy placed his arm around your shoulder. Although the temperature outside was almost unbearable, his touch still caused goosebumps to appear on your skin, but he didn’t seem to notice. “Remember New Year’s Eve? When we were at the beach and Dan decided to break all the laws and light up those firecrackers. One landed on your foot and I don’t think I have ever seen someone jump up so fast before in my life.” He let out another booming laugh, and if it wasn’t so cute you would have probably narrowed your eyes at him by now. “Excuse me, that really hurt.” You reminded him, it faltered his smile a little.

“Dylan, can you help me in the kitchen?” Mrs. O’Brien yelled from the porch above you guys. Dylan gave you a look, one that read ‘of course’ as he removed himself from you to go help out with whatever was needed. You sighed, watching after him, you almost didn’t hear Julia taking his place beside you. “He likes you, you know.” Her voice was solid and filled with honesty and yet you still couldn’t bring yourself to believe it. “No, he doesn’t.” You told her, fiddling with your fingers as you starred down at him. It didn’t make sense. If he did truly like you, wouldn’t he had made a move by now? It did add up. Julia sighed, you didn’t have to see her eyes rolling to know what was happening. “You know why he remembers that New Year’s Eve so much?” You looked up at her with confusion. “You two were cuddled up in that old blanket, kind of in a distance, alone. He told me he wanted to time with you that night, to talk to you about things. About each other.” --- “He said something about a kiss if I’m not mistaken, but before he could say anything or do anything because he is a true idiot. Dan decided that it would hilarious to ruin whatever moment you were having and throw that firecracker at you. The reason why he remembers it so clearly is because of the moment he wanted to share with you.” She stood, her dad yelling out that the food was grabbing almost everyone’s attention. “But you know what they say about the 4th of July.” Her eyes widened in play as she walked off, leaving you just as confused as you were when she sat down. What do they say about the 4th of July? Did that mean that he was going to try something again tonight? Your eyebrows furrowed together, snapping out of your thoughts just as Dylan called out. “Y/N! Better hurry up or there will be no food left!” With a small smile, you stood to join the others.

The dinner went by nice and easy, occasional jokes coming from Uncle Mike that were not age appropriate and a little more lude than normal. Of course, it caused most of the people at the table to snicker, but Lisa, Dylan’s mom was quick to correct him. Yelling how this was a family dinner and kids were present, and that no one wanted to hear his so-called jokes. Dylan’s family always made you smile. To say they were out there would be an understatement, but it was all in good context. His family were loving and caring people, who obviously knew how to have a good time. They always made you feel welcomed, which you constantly wondered if they regretted. At the beginning, you were this shy girl who came over every once and a while, hanging out with Dylan, him helping you with homework or possibly coming over to swim. It really did start so innocent and sweet, it made you laugh sometimes how much it changed in just a matter of months. Dylan would have you over almost every day, even if it was just sit in silence, you had gotten so comfortable with each other. You even remembered a few nights where he snuck you in to stay over.

“It is too high!” You hissed, trying to keep your voice down so that his parents wouldn’t here. “We went over this last week, we even did a mock trial, you can do this.” He was telling the truth, but now that you were faced with the task at hand, this all looked a little more difficult than originally thought. It also didn’t help that it was dark now, the only light coming faintly form the moon and Dylan’s room. “I think I should just go home.” You starred at the fence like structure that lead up to the roof. “Y/N. You don’t need to go there, just come one up. I have popcorn and sodas and movies. You need this.” You knew he was right, and that’s what caused you to take a step onto the fence, pulling yourself up until you were finally on the roof. You held your arms out to balance yourself as you walked your way other to Dylan. He reached, strong hand gripping your waist as the other takes your hand leading you inside. He had everything set up in such a presentable way, “You did all of this?” You asked, voice soft. It was sweet, no one had ever gone out of their way like this for you. “I know you have been having a hard time at home, and things are no going so great. So, since we planned this, I thought I would make it a little more special for you.” It was that night that you two fell asleep next to each other on the carpet, popcorn everywhere with hot soda half empty nearby, his arm was draped around you, keeping you close. You remember his hot breath on the side of your neck, the way he softly snored in your ear. It was one of the best nights of your life.

It even got to the point where you would just walk into the home, no knocking needed as you had become that close to everyone. “Water balloons!” Dylan’s little cousin yelled, dinner was now over and it was time for the fun and games. It was like the Olympics during events like this, the O’Brien’s came up with small competitive game for all of the family and friends to play. “Y/N is on my team!” Julia yelled from a distance, and you stood up to get yourself ready. “You’re going down, D.” You announced to Dylan and you slid by him making your way to the small bucket filled with fun colored balloons. You took a small blue one, throwing it up in the air as one hit you on the back. You shrieked at the feeling of cold water and turned to see Dylan snickering as he tried to act innocent. “Oh, two can play this game.” You grabbed another balloon, catapulting one at Dylan, hitting him square on the chest. “Hey, no fair!” Dylan went for another balloon, but you didn’t give him any time to throw it, already hauling your second one at him, his hair becoming damp as the balloon splatted onto his head. You were laughing now, the soft pink on Dylan’s cheeks showing has irritated he was. Of course, it was all in a friendly way, but the cuteness level was beyond belief. “Oh, you’re going to get it now.” With that the chase began, he grabbed to water balloons and started to sprint after you. “Be careful!” You heard Lisa call out, but you were way beyond caring, your laugh loud mimicking Dylan’s behind you.

You ended up toppling over in the backyard, Dylan’s body tripping over yours causing the balloons to pop in his hands, covering his own self with water. “Smooth Dyl, super smooth.” You said between laughed, bringing yourself to sit up in an upright position. He gave you anger eyes, but there was something behind them, something that made you smile. “Have I ever told you that you have the best sense of style.” He was closer than usual; his eyes were looking at you in a way you’ve never experienced before. You took a breath, looking down at your clothes. It was a joke considering you and Dylan were both supporting the same t shirt. It apparently was O’Brien tradition that every family member dressed in the same shirt for events like this, it cracked you up because it was some kind of inside joke they all had, you felt very special to be a part of it. “I was just thinking the same about you.” You replied, coy smile on your face. “So, you were thinking about me?” So close, he was so close that if you lifted your head just right your noses would touch, so you kept your head down, scared of what might happen if you didn’t. “Y/N?” His voice was soft, caring, and you responded to that, looking up and into golden orbs as they searched your eyes for something you couldn’t full grasp.

Before you knew it, he was leaning in, and although there wasn’t much room between you two, it felt like it was taking forever for your lips to touch. When they did, it was like a whole new world. It didn’t last long, maybe a few seconds, the echo of Julia’s voice calling out causing you two to pull apart quickly. You looked at him under his lashes, confusion dancing on his face, it worried you. He stood, lending a hand for you to help you up. “We should head back.” He said slowly, starting the walk back to the rest of the party. You took a mental note on how he never let go of your hand, holding it as you made your way back. It sound embarrassing but the kiss you had just shared was your first kiss. Not that you were complaining, it was just something you thought would never happen. Especially with Dylan. When you got back, no one asked about your hands that were interwind with one another, but the looks were endless.

For the rest of the night, you spoke casually. He spent a lot of time with his cousins who he basically treated like his best friends who you sat and talked to Julia most of the time. You were happy she didn’t bring anything up or mention that fact you were acting slightly different. You didn’t feel like Dylan was ignoring what happened, because he didn’t ignore you, he didn’t deny it. You felt like he didn’t know how to fully approach it, maybe he didn’t want to make it awkward if the outcome was not what he wanted. But he didn’t have to worry about that, because he was all that you wanted. “I have the perfect place picked out for us to watch the fireworks.” They had just announced they would be setting them off within the next ten minutes, Dylan smiled down at you in a sweet way that made you heart flutter. “Inside?” You asked playfully, and there was that laugh you had grown to love. “No, but I promise you won’t die. Not on my watch.” He held his hand out, and for the second time that day you took his hand, letting him lead you off to wherever he may.

“Doesn’t this just bring me closer to them?” You asked, you were now sitting Indian style on the roof of the house, arms crossed at the idea that Dylan had. “Theoretically, yes. But, at least we are away from them.” He was talking about his family. This was normal, it always started off as a good day but by the end of it, Dylan usually just wanted some alone time with you, and you were perfectly fine with that. “If I get caught on fire.” You warned, and Dylan smiled crookedly, letting his arm take its familiar place around your shoulder. “Then you would be beating Uncle Mike to the punch, and we all know how he feels about that.” He said matter of fact, and you gave him a look of disapproval, causing nothing but a laugh from him. Things were quiet for a moment before he finally spoke again, licking his lips, “About earlier----“ His brows furrowed, trying to find the right words, “Are you okay with what happened?” His voice was unsure, but it was enough to make you smile. The actual fact that he asked, it was cute.

“No.” He looked at you, fear in his eyes. “It was too quick, you know I expect my first kiss to be a little bit longer than four seconds, but I guess you can’t choose, huh?” He let out a sigh of relief as you giggled. “Of course I was okay with it.” With those words, the first boom set off for the night, sparkly pinks and purples filled the air, you could hear to coos from the rest of the guest beneath you. “Julia has been telling me for a while to go for it, I just didn’t want to mess up what we have. I really like you, but not just in that way but as a person as well.” – Another boom. -- “Like, you’re my best friend and I didn’t want to do anything to lose you or make things awkward and weird.” You found yourself starring, blocking out the noises that were ongoing and loud. “I can’t believe Julia told you.” You always had a way to make certain situations light hearted. “I am happy she did, reading your signals is horrible.” He admitted, earning a slap to the shoulder from you. “Means I am doing my job.”

It was then when you found his eyes, they were boring into yours, waiting for the perfect moment that had just been found. Just like before, he leaned his body into yours, stopping just before he leaned all the way in to make sure this was what you wanted. You smiled, giving him the clearance. His lips touched yours, this time it was not as gentle as before, and that was a good thing. You didn’t know what you were doing, but you hoped that didn’t show. You moved your lips along with his, enjoying the way they fit perfectly with yours. They were so soft and a lot fuller than you expected. His hand moved to your cheek, holding you close as the arm around your shoulder moved its way down to the small of your back. He obviously knew what he was doing, or at least in your eyes he did. When he pulled away, it left you gasping for air, you almost felt light headed and yet you wanted more. The sight of his glistening lips almost being enough for you to lean in for more. However, before you could say anything some fell and hit you on your arm. “Ow!” You picked up a warm feeling piece of something that was completely chard. “What is that?” You asked, which was followed by laughter. “Fireworks.”

You sat on a familiar bed sighing, you could remember that day like a movie. It was the start to an end. You were sixteen at the time when all of this went down, a year before Dylan got recognized for the talent he was. A year before the tears of him leaving and you having to be okay with that. He had the opportunity of a lifetime, and he needed to take it. It hurt to see him go, to watch him become something so amazing while you lived on in a world without Dylan. It wasn’t that he forgot about you, but it got hard to keep in touch when his life was as crazy as it was. You first heard about him moving on through a website, and that was probably what hurt the most, but you had to be strong during that.

But now you sat in his old room, looking at how much of it hadn’t changed a bit. You had memories in this room that kept you up sometimes at night. Part of you doesn’t know why you agreed to this, things hadn’t been going well for you lately and while Julia was home for the summer, she offered Dylan’s room to you until you could get yourself back up on your feet. You took the offer, it being the best at the time and at first you were excited. You thought about how great it would have been to see your old friends again and hang out, but what you didn’t expect is what walked in the door earlier that morning.

“I thought you were filming?” I heard Julia asked, a deep voice responding. “I just needed a break, ya know? Plus. I never get to see you guys.” It was Dylan, he had returned for a few weeks while he was taking a small break. You could feel your jaw drop at the news. “Well, we have a guest.” Julia sounded excited, but you could hear the small amount of worry placed somewhere in her voice. “Who?” Dylan sounded slightly upset, confused, and like this was not going to go well. You decided that it was time to stop ease dropping at that point and make yourself known. With some sort of confidence, you didn’t know you had, you finished your way down the stairs, presenting yourself in front of the siblings. “Me.” You responded for Julia, arms crossing in front of your chest. You didn’t know what was better, the look of approval on Julia’s face or the look of shock on Dylan’s.

#dylan o'brien #dylan o'brien imagine #stiles stilinski #stiles stilinksi imagine #teen wolf imagine #teen wolf #You're A Firework #dylanowhy

167 notes · View notes

michael-kurth · 7 years

Text

Sermon for the Sunday after Charlottesville - August 13, 2017

Readings:

Jacob’s sons throw their brother Joseph into a pit and sell him into slavery Genesis 37:1-4,12-28

Jesus walks on water -- and Peter attempts the same miracle to meet him. Matthew 14:22-33

On Monday night, my first non-work weekday of summer “break” from seminary. I settled in to watch a movie, something I rarely take the time to do. While Netflix loaded it’s infinite database, I dimmed the lights and popped fresh, buttery popcorn. If I’m gonna watch a movie, I’m gonna do it right. I settled on watching the Zodiac, a movie about a serial killer that terrorized the state of California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The movie was made about ten years ago and has recently been brought back into discussion as one of the finer movies of the young twenty-first century. As the movie progresses, the search for the killer gets darker and darker. Before I knew it, I was very tense, doing double takes over my shoulder, jumping at every possible noise in my small apartment. The movie wrapped up and I laid down for bed around 11pm. My room had never seemed darker, my door and shower curtain perfect places for someone to hide. I was scared.

When we are truly afraid, fear’s grip on our life can be crippling. Fear paralyzes us, upending our sense of reality and safety. Hence why Hollywood thriller movies are so effective! How realistic is it that there are children of the corn waiting to terrorize us, or hundreds and hundreds of birds that will assemble and attack us at random? No matter how crazy the story line, these movies show us the elusive, and malleable nature of fear: it can take many different forms.

Sure, we experience fear in our movies, but what about the more common fears we experience every day? As a student without a steady income, I live in fear that I won’t have enough money to pay the bills, or find a job upon graduation. There are members of our community with much greater fears than that: how to feed their family, how to keep the lights on and the water running. Many people live in fear of violence every day, such as domestic abuse victims and the LGBTQ community. In these days of immigrant round ups, many people live in fear that they will be taken away from their family and sent back to an unstable homeland. They are afraid of this, because it happens.

At the root of all these fears is the thought that one’s safety, power and agency will be taken from them, snatched away and never given back. Such fear is rooted in our desire for power. If we aren’t in control, then someone else is, and that person will only have their interest in mind. They will destroy me if given the chance, and I will never again have my freedom our personal agency. At best, I’ll have the opportunity to win that freedom back. At worst, I will never again know the feeling of freedom and safety.

Such fear is at the root of our Old Testament reading this morning. Our passage picks up this story with Jacob, his twelve sons, one of whom – Joseph – is singled out for his favor. Can you imagine the tension between twelve brothers – competitive, free-spirited, always wanting their father’s favor? When young Joseph comes along and earns his father’s praise, you can imagine the brother’s contempt. So, they plot to harm Joseph. At first, a plan to kill their own brother arises. Reuben (or was it Judah), talks them down from this nefarious plot. Instead, the brothers sell him as a slave to Ishmaelites headed to Egypt.

Throughout the story, the brothers disown their own blood. Jealousy engulfs and destroys their brotherly love. Why do they act so shamefully? What fear consumes them to the point of selling their own brother into slavery? The answer to this question is inexplicably redacted from our lectionary reading today. Did you notice that? Our story jumps from Chapter 37 verse 4 to verse 12. In the redacted portion (verses 5 through 11), Joseph shares two dreams with his brothers and father. Jacob and his sons interpret Joseph’s dreams as a prophetic vision, that they will bow down to him, that Joseph will reign supreme over his family and many people. The brothers are enraged! How could this be? How could one of the youngest brothers become the greatest among them? How could their kid brother surpass them as patriarch of the family, accumulating the wealth and prestige that accompanies that role? The brothers are furious. They foresee their power being taken away, their agency and freedom being lost. The seeds of fear are planted. They must do whatever they can to prevent this from happening.

Fear grips Joseph’s brothers, just as it has gripped our nation. Earlier this week, international tensions flared as North Korea threatened potential military action against the American territory of Guam. Our nation’s leaders responded with words of power to show North Korea that we mean business. Both actions – that of the transgressor and defender, are rooted in fear. North Korea fears the economic, political, militaristic clout of the West. The United States fears an irrational leader with nuclear capabilities. My friends, this is no Hollywood thriller. These are real life war games with life or death consequences. I pray all parties choose their words and actions wisely to the betterment of humankind.

Again, fear grips Joseph’s brothers, just as it has gripped the minds of white nationalists this weekend in Charlottesville, VA. Numerous white supremacist groups organized a rally this weekend opposing Charlottesville’s removal of a Robert E. Lee Confederate statue and the name-change of Lee Park to Emancipation Park. Pictures and videos from the last 48 hours show white men and women marching on the University of Virginia’s campus, their face aglow from burning (pyres) torches, their voices crying out: “You Will Not Replace Us.” Anger. Fear. Fear that people of color will take their jobs, their agency, their power.

Joseph’s brothers knew that fear. So they threw Joseph in a pit. And sold him into slavery. Their own brother. Their own blood. Fear causes us to do such dastardly acts. It paralyzes us, upending our sense of reality and safety. So… what do we do? Our brothers and sister in Virginia need our prayers. Our nation needs our prayers. With equal urgency, our nation needs our voice and action, and our witness. As baptized Christians, we stand united in the model of Jesus Christ: the prince of peace, who would never decimate thousands of people with a warhead. We stand united in the model of Jesus Christ: the savior of the racially oppressed and marginalized.

Therefore my friends, we must not be afraid… to do the right thing. We must call out for peace in times of violence. In the words of the Bishops of the Diocese of Virginia, we must bear witness to the entirety of the beloved community in which people of all races are equal.

Sewing seeds of peace amidst violence and hatred is not easy work. Rallies with torches, virulent chants and violence are carried out to ENACT, if not ENSURE fear. If we do this work, I assure you: you will be scared. But, my brothers and sisters, I have Good News. We have help. We have a protector. When we are scared to speak up and act for peace, it is Jesus who walks to us in every way – on land, on sea -- telling us “do not be afraid.” When we are unsure of our own abilities, it is Jesus who tells us to “come” to him and find security and wholeness. When the evils of this world surround us, and we are in the deep dark pit like Joseph, when we are sinking in deep waters with Peter and cry out with our last breath “Lord save me!” It is Jesus, our God, who reaches out a hand and catches us, who brings us out of the water, who keeps us safe when we are pushed into the pit.

With God’s presence, we can stand against the forces of destruction, violence and hate, and stand up for mercy, love and peace. Our protector is ever by our side. Fear not.

#sermon #episcopal #charlottesville #jesus #joseph #peter #genesis #fear #peace #love

0 notes

thecoroutfitters · 7 years

Link

Call me old-school, but when it comes to having massive fun indoors (especially with your friends and family), nothing beats watching a good movie while enjoying a cold beer and the traditional popcorn.

It’s also common knowledge that most people would enjoy a proper disaster flick, the likes of 2012, Deep Impact or Armageddon. Disaster movie stories are usually centered on people trying to survive extraordinary circumstances and events.

Now, from a prepper’s point of view, watching a survival movie is something like a sporting event for a normie, and I am talking about what tickles your fancy, so to speak.

While regular folk enjoy watching a good game of football or various TV series/shows (OK, we love doing that too), we preppers also like to watch and debate survival/disaster movies as a way to exercise their prepper mindset and to discuss what the hero’s next move should be, what he or she does good or wrong and what’s absolutely ludicrous.

Sometimes, they’re just a great comedy!

Basically, a good survival movie encourages preppers to think strategically and to imagine their own behavior in a SHTF situation. In my view, well-made survival movies (scarce though they are) are beyond entertainment, being more like a training session of sorts, if you know what I mean.

Also, watching survival movies with your family members (and prepper friends alike) and commenting “live” as things happen on the screen encourages you to think critically about SHTF situations. Also, you try to predict the outcome of a bad decision or a good one made by the hero, with an emphasis on boneheaded ones, which are often the norm.

Even if Hollywood (read the motion-picture industry) usually produces tons of garbage, now and then a true gem of a survival movie appears almost magically. These rare flicks give us ideas and thoughts on how to prepare for when SHTF.

It really doesn’t matter what a movie is about, as long as we’re talking about a plausible scenario, such as in 2012 or San Andreas, or even a good old zombie/alien movie.

What’s important from a prepper’s perspective is to see and analyze how regular people may possibly react in extraordinary circumstances; that’s what will provide you with food for thought.

3 Second SEAL Test Will Tell You If You’ll Survive A SHTF Situation

So, after this relatively long preamble, let me share with you what I’ve learned after watching dozens of disaster movies, all of them loaded with awesome survival tactics.

First, teamwork is essential for your survival, despite the “lone wolf” mentality many preppers seem to (wrongfully, in my opinion) have. When a disaster strikes, chances are good that you’ll not going to be “solo.”

Working as a team will increase the chances of survival. There’s strength in numbers and there’s also a thing called the division of labor because you can’t do everything by yourself. That’s been obvious since the dawn of man on Earth.

Also, we’re social animals, centered on community (family, tribe, etc.). Lone wolves sound great in theory, but in real life, even wolves hunt in packs and are social animals.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

To give you an example of fine teamwork from a survival flick, let’s take Dawn of the Dead, an awesome 2004 movie which tells the story of a group of survivors (and we’re using that word really loosely) taking refuge inside a shopping center during a zombie apocalypse.

As more of them arrive in the shopping mall, they realize that they’ll have to stick together and work as a team in order to withstand the hordes of (not so smart) zombies.

Also, Dawn of the Dead teaches you about the importance of planning and preparing: having a good refuge, an escape plan, of being able to determine who’s to be trusted and who’s not and, most importantly, that a group’s cohesion is given by its weakest link (there’s an asshole in every group of random people).

Oh, and on that note, you also learn that sometimes you don’t have to be the smartest one in the group as long as you’re not the dumbest one. I’m kidding, sort of.

Video first seen on Movieclips.

Another lesson learned from watching disaster flicks is that it’s critical to know the risks of your geographical location (as in knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses) in a SHTF situation.

Food for thought: if your city is close to a nuclear plant or in front of a big dam, in the case of a catastrophic earthquake or a nasty meteor impact, or why not, a terrorist attack on critical infrastructure, well, you’ll be forced to deal with some serious issues. Here, the value of an escape plan and escape route comes into play big time.

Also, it would help to understand the science of your region, especially if you live in places like California or Yellowstone. You got the picture.

San Andreas (2015)

Think along the lines of San Andreas, the 2015 movie which is loaded with awesome survival strategies and lessons. San Andreas depicts the horrifying consequences of a massive earthquake in California as a rescue chopper pilot makes a perilous journey across the state to save his daughter.

Watching the movie, you’ll understand a little bit about human psychology.

For example, in a disaster, especially one of epic proportions, ownership of property becomes a fiction, i.e. emergency stuff can be found in a home or, in the movie, a car that isn’t yours if the situation really calls for it, and looting occurs in a matter of hours, not days. Hence, remember to have your gun for self-defense ready, locked and loaded at all times.

Also, the first few moments after SHTF are critical for one’s survival; if you panic and give in to mental chaos, you’ll just end up as yet another casualty/statistic. Do not freak out, and try to get over that state of shock ASAP, as this will give you a critical advantage over those unprepared for such an event.

Video first seen on Km Music.

The thing is, even in B-rated movies you can see a fact of life: people panic rather quickly and behave badly and stupidly, as life-threating events bring out the worst in many of us.

As shown in many disaster flicks, including San Andreas, the police and firefighters will bail in order to take care of their own families, and that’s quite understandable. The lesson to be taken home is that you can’t rely on the government to protect or save you.

Also, having some basic physics and engineering knowledge couldn’t hurt.

In the aftermath of a major disaster, whether it’s a terrorist attack or an earthquake or whatever, panicked people do the dumbest things imaginable, and that’s another true fact of life, unfortunately.

And that’s due to one’s shattered cognitive dissonance, i.e. modern-day people (especially city dwellers) are used to living their boring and safe lives in the complete absence of any clear and present danger.

They’ve become complacent and take that perceived “safety” for granted. When the universe explodes around them, they’ll behave like the proverbial chicken without a head, while others will be stunned, in shock and awe, and completely incapable of doing the most basic things like running for cover.

The Road (2009)

Another great survival flick is The Road, a movie released in 2009 that tells the story of a man and his young son as they travel by foot in a post-apocalyptic world through the mountains, searching for an illusory safe haven before the coming winter.

The theme of the movie is survival by any means necessary. What’s very shocking about this flick is the accurate way it portrays the dark side of mankind, the way people will resort to anything, even cannibalism, in order to survive.

Video first seen on 0noyfb.

The movie will teach you how to be careful when approaching strangers (not all people think like you, nor are they Good Samaritans), how to carry your survival gear over long distances, and that starvation is not an event but a long and painful process.

Also, having a gun and enough ammo will save your life, while keeping the fire (as in never stop fighting for a good cause) is quintessential. Your faith, provided you’re a “good guy,” will guide you and help your actions, yet you’ll have to be prepared to kill bad people, or you’ll end up getting killed. Also, you’ll learn that groups of desperate people are extremely dangerous and may kill you, or get you killed, for nothing really.

The Day after Tomorrow (2004)

Another disaster movie worth watching is The Day after Tomorrow. This movie depicts survival techniques in extremely low temperatures following the world freezing via a man-provoked ice-age.

Video first seen on Luis Trejo.

What to learn from? Big cities are very difficult to escape in case of a SHTF scenario, i.e. you’ll have to consider relocating if possible and always plan for bad weather conditions.

Zombieland (2009)

A very funny survival flick to watch is Zombieland, which makes for yet another post-zombie-apocalypse survival movie. Watching this gem, which is hilarious to say the least, you’ll understand why you should create a comprehensive set of rules to increase your survival chances.

The first rule of survival: cardio is essential! As in, stay in good shape. Also, people in distress will try to trick you, steal your stuff, and then leave you stranded; this is a trait of the human nature.

Video first seen on Video Clips HD.

Also, don’t scare folks if you don’t want to get shot and Twinkies make for the ultimate survival food (the last one is debatable).

The Edge (1997)

The Edge is the story of a billionaire who survives a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness, together with two of his friends. This movie depicts in a very accurate manner how people react under stress when confronted with unfamiliar situations.

Also you get how important it is to have basic survival skills, such as knowing basic first aid methods, how to navigate sans gear, how to improvise a compass, how to build basic weapons such as spears, and how to defend yourself against predators.

Video first sen on blackruskie.

Finally, this epic saga emphasizes the importance of knowledge, smarts, and skills over the oh-so-common macho-ninja stuff and special effects.

Into the Wild (2007)

Into the Wild is the true story of a guy named Christopher McCandles who died stupidly as he abandoned his privileged life and adventured into the wild, searching for adventure.

Video first seen on carinemccandless.

The thing is that this guy had absolutely no idea about wilderness survival, no skills, and basically no gear. And yes, he died of starvation in a cabin, which is pretty pathetic, to say the least.

The lesson to be taken home after watching this movie is to never go out in the wild unprepared. Life in the wilderness is not romantic, but a savage and brutal struggle for survival 24/7/365.

The importance of having the right mindset first of all is not a matter to be taken lightly in an outdoors survival situation.

Bottom line, have you seen a good survival movie recently? What did you think? Do you have any survival lessons to add? Share your thoughts in the dedicated section below!

from Survivopedia Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

#SHTF #TEOTWAWKI #MARTIALLAW #BUGOUT #PREPPERBAG #USAF #USSOCOM #ARMY #NAVY #SurvivalFirestarter #Sur

0 notes