Out of My Comfort Zone

A week ago our kids came home with their report cards.  Our one son had a recent assignment which he had to write and present a speech in front of his classmates.  On this report card under the English heading were the comments complimenting him on his speech but with the added comment of ‘take a risk.’  As I read on, there was another of the same comment under another subject.  Along with the comment was an explanation of how he needed to feel more comfortable speaking in front of a group of people.   The suggestions of looking up and not at your shoes, slowing down etc. were given.   As we were talking about how the presentation went and how he felt, I tried offering some suggestions of my own for next time.  A little later that evening I got to thinking and realized, he is just like me. If I have to speak in front of people, I get nervous and I have a hard time getting my thoughts out (they sound much better in my head).  Even as far as participating in the Tiger Challenge, I have in the past come up with as many excuses as I possibly could every year, when in fact I was just a big chicken.  I have had a fear of speaking in front of people for as long as I can remember.  I’m not sure where it all started; I think it’s just part of who I am.  I would rather be a behind the scenes gal than a, here I am gal!  Since starting kung fu, I have had the idea that I would only go so far because I didn’t want to have to go out of my comfort zone and have to actually go up in front of a class for warm up or God forbid have to instruct someone else.  I had this line that I truly did not believe I could or would cross.  Well, I am taking baby steps as far as this challenge.  I know that the opportunities to get up in front of a group are good for me, even though I still don`t like it.  I did participate in the tournament the year before last, however, it was only because our one son told me he wouldn`t go in it if I didn`t.  Talk about pressure!  Sifu Shiplesky has very graciously given me the opportunity to go through portions of curriculum with students in the morning classes; I thank those students for their patience.   I have, when asked, done warm ups without coming up with some excuse.  In the last week as opportunities have risen, I have heard the words `take a risk`, and find it a push for me to go beyond where I feel comfortable.  I know this isn`t going to be an overnight transformation, but I am definitely aware that I need to and want to change.

Alana Regier

My Memory Is Not What It Once Was

It has been a few years since I have been in school.  I haven’t had to write assignments, read books because they are required or memorize anything more than what was written on my to do list for quite some time.  For the last month I have been working on memorizing ‘Mastery’ by Stuart Emery.  I had it figured that if I worked on a sentence every day, maybe two days, I could have it memorized and feel confident with repeating it when the time came.  I have discovered that although my memory has never been top notch, it has gotten even a little less reliable as time goes on.  I have not had the regular practice of retaining information since college, so am more than a little rusty. My methods of studying and retaining years ago don’t necessarily work anymore.  I use to be able to do my studies in front of the television, with music blaring in the back ground and a group of friends visiting, all at the same time.  Now I need quiet, no distractions and need to be focused and in the right frame of mind.  I have a copy of Mastery taped on my bathroom mirror, so guess what I see every morning as I am getting ready or at night while I am brushing my teeth?  I have recited it onto my ipod so I can listen to it on a walk, when I am in the car or just relaxing on the couch.  I have made my morning walks with the dog my time to test my memory.  As I pass neighbors I think to myself, they must be thinking ‘there goes that crazy woman talking to herself again’.  I have found if I say it out loud it seems to stick, so the entire neighborhood may possibly know Mastery by the end of April.  I am happy to say that thinking outside of the box has worked for me.  I am ¾ through and am reciting in my sleep.

Alana Regier

What inspires you?

How does a person inspire another?  This seems to be a question that has been out there a lot lately.  We are hearing it in regards to the Pandamonium, kids’ classes, shovelling teams etc.  Everyone is different and is very individual as to what motivates and inspires them into action.  There are so many sources of inspiration for people, whether they are movies, books, a sermon at church, a beautiful day or another person.  It may be an example someone else sets.  Someone may see the difference it makes for the individual doing it or for the people around them who are affected by the actions.  It may be a needed kick in the butt by someone who we respect.  Maybe it’s just that word of encouragement that just makes you want to try again or a little harder.  It may even take some dramatic event in our life. Or maybe it’s time that one person is willing to give to someone else, with nothing expected in return.  Is there a better gift then time given?  Take for example the seniors we shovel for.  These people are so truly grateful for what complete stranger are willing to do for them.  There are continual words of thanks, along with plates of cookies.  It seems like such a simple thing but yet has such a huge impact.  These seniors pass comments along to family and friends of these acts of kindness.  These actions go way beyond just the driveways but out to a whole community.

We all have those people who have made a difference in our lives, maybe a parent, teacher, friend or a complete stranger.   The value of inspiration should not be underestimated; it truly does change people’s lives.  We need to be very mindful of our words and actions and take advantage of opportunities to inspire when they present themselves.

Most of us have run into those times of frustration and discouragement when our approach to inspiring just doesn’t seem to be sinking in.  Sometimes it would be much easier to just give up and move on to another opportunity.  Maybe we just need to think outside of the box and come up with another angle.  These are the opportunities that may be the ones that could really make a difference in the long run for someone.

 We all have ugly times in our lives, but we also have a choice as to what we do with it.  We can step back, get angry and have a little pity party for ourselves or we can turn it around into a learning experience that can change the situation into something positive and maybe even inspire someone in the process.

Being new to the whole ‘blogging thing’, I have come to realize how great it is to keep in contact with other team members and up to date with everyone’s successes as well as the stumbling blocks.  So many times a person runs into challenges and struggles or just a bad day, and it is reassuring to know that they are not the only ones.  We have the capability to encourage and inspire each other along the way. I am inspired daily by all kinds of things.  I am so thankful for those inspirations, and at the same time hope to be able to pass it on to those around me through my words, actions and attitude. 

So what inspires you?

Alana Regier

Simple Moments

I have caught myself saying, over and over again “I can’t wait till summer!”    On one hand I am saying I run out of time and on the other, I seem to be wishing the days away.  The last week and a half has been a real bummer for a lot of people.  I think most of us are ready for spring not the start of winter.  However, it is amazing what a change in attitude can do for oneself and everyone else around them.

Take this last weekend for instance.  After shovelling and pushing snow yet again, it was hard to look at the snow coming down and smile.  Stepping back and looking at it from a different angle changed how I felt.  Instead of seeing the mass of flakes as another shovelling project, I actually just enjoyed the peace and beauty of them. 

Our family is very much an outside type family.  If the sun is shining, even if it’s raining, we will most likely be outside enjoying it somehow.  Who said you can only enjoy the outdoors if the sun is shining and the grass is green?  On Sunday afternoon we all decided a little fresh air was needed, and set out for a walk.  It was beautiful.  It was fairly warm with big snowflakes falling.  When we got back to the house, nobody was quite ready to go inside or call it a day.  We were a little limited with what we could do with the snow; no gardening, trampoline or badminton, but we shovelled off the patio chairs and started a fire in the fire pit, sat around with hot chocolate and tea, as the snow continued to come down.  It was absolutely great!  Talk about quality family time. These are the times to take advantage of; everyone has slowed down, are without distraction, just talking and enjoying the moment.  What a great day!

                                                                                                                               

Alana Regier