1000 RAK's

One of my favorite I Ho Chuan requirements is that of 1000 Random Acts of Kindness.  When a person initially looks at that number it can seem impossible and a real feat to try to even come close to.  At the beginning of last year, I really struggled with writing down my acts of kindness.  I felt a little like maybe I was puffing myself up, bragging about what I’ve done and how wonderful I am (even though it was just written in my own journal).  Opening the door for someone or running after the neighbor’s dog for them or even just taking the time to say hello and chat to a lonely neighbor; these were things that I have always just done.  They are things that seem only to be common courtesy, deceit and helpful.  They never seemed like anything out of the ordinary. 

This past week I received an email from someone who was at the banquet, and who was “intrigued” with the idea of 1000 RAK.  They questioned how it was possible to reach 1000!  Got me thinking about how this requirement has changed how I feel about doing and recording my RAK’s.   Nobody has to ever search for opportunities, they are all around us.  What I found is that I started seeking out the opportunities and jumping on them, not to ‘rack up RAK numbers’, but because I saw the difference they made for the people around me and because I felt good after.  I also became more aware of the ‘missed ones.’  The ones that would have held me up an extra 5 minutes or those that would have pushed me a little beyond my comfort zone.  I always, without fail ended up thinking about these ‘missed ones’ and felt disappointed in myself that I didn’t take the time or take that step.   I learned for the next time!  There have been times when my offer of help has not been received well, like a lady who was loading a carpet cleaner into her trunk and was offended when I asked if I could help (maybe she thought I was calling her a whimp).    However, I truly believe that even those who may not take an act of kindness well initially, may well have some seed planted that might change how they feel next time and may even encourage them to pass it on to someone else when the opportunity presents itself. 

In a world that sometimes seems selfish and chaotic, it is refreshing to see that there are people out there who care, people who will take the time, people who will help, people who truly are making a difference!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

 

 

2 Days Later

I have to admit that I came home Saturday night on a little bit of a high (no I didn’t wear my belt over my jammies to bed).  I thought I would for sure sleep like a baby.  Instead I was wide awake until after 2:00am.  When I finally did dose off, I woke up dreaming Kempo and nunchuks.  I can’t believe the year is over!

After spending so many hours practicing and juggling schedules the last year,  I have more moments of calm and will have less grill cheese sandwiches and cereal with yogurt and fruit for supper on the run (I don’t care to see another grill cheese for quite some time).  It’s feeling a little strange to plan my week and realize that I have a few extra hours that I haven’t had for a while, time to get some projects done that I have gotten a little behind on and to spend some needed time with my family.

So now I think I can officially say it is a new year and time to attack my new challenges and goals and to start back to zero on my numbers.  This year is going to be great!  I’d like to thank everyone who was a part of Saturday night and to all who helped to make it a wonderful night for a lot of people (myself included). 

 Thanks everyone!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Change

Although Saturday night has me feeling a little anxious and excited, the last couple of weeks I have been thinking a lot about what happens after the 16th.  How is my kung fu journey going to change?    How does one make a shift from working toward a goal of preparing for a black belt to one of filling the role and living up to the responsibilities of a black belt? What do I need to change, adjust or work on so that I have something of value to contribute to the school?

Over the last 6.5 years, I have been fortunate to have a variety of different instructors.  I have got something different from each one, that extra special quality that they possess that gives them a different approach in their teaching.  Maybe it is a style that is encouraging and patient, maybe it is one that pushes you harder in a positive way, and maybe it is leadership whether outspoken or more of a silent leader setting by example.  The qualities are endless with each having its place and value, altogether making Silent River the school it is.  Honestly, I’m excited and a little nervous of what lies ahead.  Where do I fit in?  I trust my instructors in that they saw something of value in me, something that I can bring to the school.  I am going to now have to find that ‘place’ where I can offer the most.  I know as I continue to learn and grow, what I will be able to contribute to Silent River will also continue to change.

 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Welcome Year of the Snake

Happy New Year and welcome Snake team!

So here we are, less than a week away till banquet day and I am filled with both anxiety and excitement. As the team has been spending extra time in training and preparing, there always seems to be the extra injuries and illnesses around to complicate things. Friday I started with an irritating cough which I blamed on the dust bunnies, however, I think it may be the start of one of the many bugs floating around these days (feeling kind of crumby). Hope it’s a short one!

So starts a new chapter; the year of the Snake, one with new responsibilities, challenges and goals. I’m trying to prepare myself for the adjustment of starting a new year and focusing and working towards what it has in store for me. However, I think until next Saturday is over its not going to quite feel like a New Year has begun. I hear different body parts yelling at me to let them rest and heal but I’m a little scared that slowing down might actually get kind of comfortable. I have seen faces come and go over the years and I have no intention of being one of them. I wantto stay with a forward momentum, and believe that staying on the team is the motivation that can help keep me engaged and moving in the right direction. Why would I want to abandon something that has given me so much? I want to continue to learn and grow, not only in my kung fu but in every other area of my life. So, I look forward to a new year, a little less pressure of deadlines, a new team and definitely spending more time with my family!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

What Team Work Can Accomplish

The application is now in and the training can begin!  After a wonderful weekend last year, we have once again decided to put a team together, strap on the running shoes and hit the mountains in Grande Cache for the annual Canadian Death Race.

 Not exactly sure what to expect last year, I ran the first leg of the 125km race, wanting to be sure that it was in the light and that I wasn’t going to get lost in the woods (didn’t want to rely on bread crumbs).  Well this year I am challenging myself to a bit more distance running leg five (+5km), which will be in the dark, unless the rest of my team runs like the wind (no pressure guys).  I really can’t imagine a better motivation than the thought of a bear or the boogie man behind every tree; just may end up being a record time yet.   

The amount I learnt from the whole experience last year has left a lasting impression; one that has me excited for this year.  Like the I Ho Chuan experience, this is one that is not solely individual but one that depends on an entire team.  Without commitment from everyone on your team, how do you succeed?  This past year I have been privileged to be a part of a couple of teams who truly have come together in amazing ways.  Watching the lion and dragon dance presentation from last night was a great  example of what time, dedication and working together can produce; something great and to be appreciated.  Great job guys!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca