Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Performing Anxiety


The fear of publically performing or speaking has been a stumbling block for me most of my life. This last year has given me the opportunity and pushed me to getting up in front of groups of people; and I have to say I survived and feel a little more comfortable every time.  I doubt I will ever be jumping up and down saying ‘pick me pick me’ to publically demonstrate something, however, I am not running for the door quite as fast as I once would have. 

This past weekend at the tournament was absolutely fantastic.  When I think back to my first tournament and the sleepless nights and anxiety I felt leading up to it, I was surprised with how different things felt this year around.  Yes, I still felt the butterflies before my own events (and for my son and his events, must be a parent thing), but not until an hour before instead of 2 weeks before like last time. 

 A couple of years ago I had an absolute fear of sparring.  Although I actually have started to enjoy it, I still feel a little anxious and this past weekend I felt yet a little more uncertain.  How do you get over that?  Attack it!  It may not be pretty and it may take time and time again but it will get better.

The public demonstrations that I have had the privilege to be a part of this year with the I Ho Chuan team has been more beneficial than I would have ever thought.  We keep teaching our kids that if you want to get better at something you need to practice.  Avoiding and running away from things that we fear will never lead to growth or change, only to lost opportunities.

I would like to thank everyone who helped make Saturday an enjoyable and rewarding day for the school and their families.   It was truly a success!

Alana Regier


 

 

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