E1068 Handling Everything Except That One Thing As a First Responder

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore a familiar paradox in first responder life (Amazon Affiliate): you can handle almost anything—until you can't handle that one thing. You manage chaos, trauma, pressure, and responsibility with precision. But there's one issue you keep circling around… avoiding… postponing. And the more capable you are everywhere else, the easier it becomes to ignore the one place you feel stuck. This episode explains why highly competent responders often avoid a single unresolved area—and how addressing it can unlock relief across every part of life. 💡 Psychological Concept: Selective Avoidance Loop The Selective Avoidance Loop occurs when a person successfully manages most stressors, which paradoxically reinforces avoidance of the one issue that feels emotionally risky, identity-threatening, or overwhelming. For first responders, this loop is fueled by: • high functioning under pressure • fear of emotional exposure • belief that "I should be able to handle this" • prioritizing others over self • lack of a safe container to process Avoidance isn't weakness—it's self-protection that's outlived its usefulness. 🚨 5 Signs You're Avoiding "That One Thing" You Stay Busy to Stay Distracted Productivity replaces processing. You Tell Yourself It's Not a Big Deal Minimization keeps discomfort at bay—but unresolved. You Handle Everyone Else's Problems First Helping others delays facing yourself. It Shows Up Indirectly Irritability, sleep issues, anxiety, or emotional distance. You Feel Stuck Despite High Competence Progress everywhere—except where it matters most. 🛠 5 Ways to Finally Address It—Safely Name It Without Solving It Clarity begins with acknowledgment, not action. Lower the Stakes You don't have to fix everything—just start. Choose the Right Container Peer support, coaching, therapy, or faith-based guidance matters. Work With the Body First Regulation creates access to insight; calm opens doors. Redefine Strength as Engagement Avoidance isn't strength—approach is. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters: Handling everything except one thing doesn't make you weak—it makes you human. But that one avoided issue often holds the key to relief, clarity, and reconnection everywhere else. This episode helps first responders move from silent avoidance to intentional engagement—without shame, pressure, or collapse. 🎙 Listen now to understand why you've been avoiding that one thing—and how to finally face it with strength and support. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What's one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: [e-mail] 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie's Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement