In the wake of the Texas terrorist attack, the country is reeling, trying to figure out what must be done to prevent the downward spiral of terrorism we seem to be falling into.

While it may be tough for some to relinquish their militia-mindset, egotistical, God-complex love for their guns, it might be time. In case you need a little more convincing, here are eleven things you need more than your beloved gun.

1. Love for others

While I usually don't take the "love is the answer" approach to horrific tragedies, seeing as legislation could truly be the answer, you might just need love for others more than your gun. If you loved people you don't even know a little more, you'd be willing to give up your right to a hefty gun safe and allow stricter gun laws to prevent tragedies like these.

2. A Dog

3. Learn Self Defense

4. Mental health awareness

While it appears our government is remiss in properly dealing with the mental illnesses that trigger terrorists to perform these horrific acts, a personal connection might do the trick. Paying attention to those around you, especially your family members, might help. While sometimes it is very hard to catch on to someone's odd purchases of assault rifles and their deteriorating mental health, it is important to know the signs.

5. A plane ticket to see your family

The average handgun costs around $200-400 and with that money you could buy a plane ticket home for Thanksgiving instead of a killing machine. Or you could go on a vacation that will last a lifetime, instead of buying a thing that takes away lifetimes.

6. A better understanding of the Constitution

While I believe many of you have gone through high school government classes, you might want a better understanding of the Constitution. The Second Amendment states that "a well regulated Militia" composed of the people had the right to bear arms. We are no longer in need of a militia of local gun-wielding, power-hungry individuals protecting the unknown areas of our streets and subdivisions.

7. Tasers and Pepper Spray

While tasers and pepper spray cannot usually stop a man with a gun, stricter gun laws can! A taser is relatively easy to use, and sometimes you can even customize them to match your clothes! Same with pepper spray, it becomes a fashionable part of your keychain that can also protect you.

8. Something else to be proud of

After living in the South for almost eleven years, I've grown accustomed to the prideful gun culture we have here. Where there is a Confederate flag, guns are not far behind. While you may find it hard to find anything in your life to be proud of, gun culture probably should be it. It's not cool to stockpile killing machines for the sake of your Southern heritage when stricter gun laws could prevent tragedies like Las Vegas and Texas.

9. A Video Game

While it may not be the real deal, sometimes you must put your interests aside for a better, bigger cause. You can take our all your violent, abnormal obsessions out on a shooter video game while simultaneously not harming anyone in real life in the process. It's a win-win.

10. A taste of the finer things

Instead of hours and hours spent at the gun range, or hunting, maybe you could just enjoy life instead. You could exercise or travel or even take a nap. You could do almost anything that would put you well over the moon while maintaining stricter gun laws and keeping everyone safer. Sometimes you just have to look outside of yourself.

11. Stricter gun laws

While it seems impossible with the idiots running our government at the moment, look beyond yourself, your political affiliation, and the barrel of your recreational gun. People die when we don't do anything about gun control. People lose children who haven't even gotten to live yet because you maintain the selfish idea that you deserve a gun for absolutely no real reason. Sometimes, you just don't need a gun and arguing that you do is absolutely and completely self-serving and dangerous.