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A survival kit should be carried by anyone who goes deep into the wilderness. What should be in it? Matches, a blade of some sort, and first aid supplies are among the usual recommendations. When you read the true stories of survival, though, you start to see that it is what's in a persons head that often determines if they survive or not. What, then, should be in this mental survival kit?
A positive attitude. This is an essential item. There are so many stories of survival in which it is clear that those who expected to survive did. Even if you don't believe you can survive, encourage this attitude by acting as if you will.
Inspiration. This is what you need to have that positive attitude. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get is to read a few true stories of wilderness survival. Some of these stories are of situations far worse than anything you are ever likely to encounter. Recalling them at the appropriate time is a sure way to see that you can survive.
A willingness to learn. Even if you know nothing about survival until you are one day lost in the wilderness, you can still learn as you go - if you are willing to. If you are cold and you see a squirrel dive under a pile of leaves, try that to stay warm (it works). Pay attention to what is working and what isn't, and keep trying new things.
A willingness to do what is necessary. This is crucial to your mental survival kit. If they can eat hissing cockroaches just for the chance to win some money on "Fear Factor," you can do it to save your life, right? Snuggle with your buddy to stay warm, break open logs to find grubs to eat - do whatever it takes.
Reasons to live. This is easy for most of us, but we need to remember to pull out those reasons when the time comes. More than one person has attributed their survival to the constant thought of a loved one waiting for them, or something they want in the future.
Survival knowledge. Anything helps. You don't need to go to a survival training school to read and
You may have already done this mental preparation, but it can't hurt to look over the list above again. Is there anything else you need to work on in your mental survival kit?
For more survival tips, see the
new Wilderness Survival Guide at:
http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com/wilderness-survival-guide.html