Ah...this old thing?

Why are there so many of us who have a hard time accepting a compliment?  Someone says “You sure look nice today”, and all we can say is “ah… this old thing?” Or someone compliments you on a job well done and the first thing out of your mouth is what you could have done to do it even better.  I am one of these people. 

 I was recently given a different perspective of a compliment.  A compliment can be seen as a gift.  It may not be wrapped in a box with a big red ribbon on it, but it is something given to someone that is meant to encourage and let a person know that what or how they  have done something is noticed, appreciated and makes a difference for someone.  We wouldn’t hand back a brightly wrapped gift why can’t we accept a ‘gift’ worth so much more?

I think it is important to compliment, whether to our children, spouse, co- workers etc.  Compliments have a power to push and encourage people to keep trying or to reach even further.  At the same time I think it is just as important to be a good receiver of compliments.  How we receive says a lot about us and has ability to show the difference a compliment can make. 

Looking at compliments now as ‘gifts’ has made me realize that how I respond to them is just as important as giving them.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Discouraged

Here I am pretty discouragedL. My shoulder has decided to start causing me more grief than usual. I’ve found myself back to a point where the simplest things are causing me pain and/or numbness. Holding a coffee cup (I know it’s not good for me anyway) and even vacuuming are proving to be a challenge (I’d say too bad on the vacuuming, but I like a clean house). This weekend our family took off for some quading, one of my favorite things to do, and even the steering and slight vibration were enough to cause numbness and suck all the strength in my arms. I have found myself getting little rest and even less sleep than usual and my body is starting to revolt.

I’m finding it pretty hard to and very discouraging to keep up with where I want to be with my challenges and my training. I’m finding things that worked at one time to relieve pain and increase strength are getting to be less effective, so I’m not sure where to go from here??? I am to a point where I have decided I may have to adjust some of my challenges a bit to keep them realistic and attainable and at the same time work to getting my body up to snuff. Quitting is not an option, just need to learn where I may need to step back and where I need to change my training and hopefully work on being able to get a good nights sleep.

Off to see if I can get in a little nap.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

A Great Way to Turn 40!

Start with a trip to Mexico and end with a surprise birthday party with family and friends.   Throw in the ultimate treasure hunt (which included a pellet gun, water balloons, metal detector, sling shot and a search for a troll under a bridge – all leading to the most awesome nunchucks ever) and you have the makings of a great way to turn 40!

Saturday was the big 40 for me and I can honestly say, it’s just a number.  I’m happy with who and where I am in my life.  I have been abundantly blessed with family and friends who mean more to me than I could ever say.  At this point in my life, I have found myself on a path that is surprising me with opportunities every day.  Life is good!

As I looked around at the faces who shared Saturday with me, I realized that many were people I originally met at Silent River.  They were fellow students who I have sweated, laughed and cried with.  They were fellow students who have become great friends and an important part of my life. We shouldn’t underestimate the potential of the relationships we are making when we come together working as a team.  The people we surround ourselves with will have a bigger impact in our lives than we may think.  Thanks to everyone who helped make Saturday so special.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Missing Demo :(

After missing 3 Fridays in a row, I was finally able to make it for the I Ho Chuan practice Friday night.  It was really great to see the demo the team has been working on for the last couple of weeks.  The crumby part is not being a part of this one.  I feel kind of left out, I know, what a baby.  The time spent preparing for demos last year was not only a lot of fun but was a great way to get to know other team members outside of normal classes.  Unfortunately this last month has been one in which I have been unable to make Thursday night practices and have been cutting it close to even get to black belt classes (have even missed a couple of those).  I very much understand the importance of attendance in order to be a part of a demo and really hope that life allows me the time to put to being a part of the next one.  It looks great guys!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

I Survived!

Well I am back with both feet on the ground (what a wonderful feeling).  I accomplished my goal of getting and staying on a plane without any crash landings or emergency stops because of the crazy lady pulling on the door handle trying to get out.  Although I can’t say that I loved the ride,  I did get an amazing view going over the Grand Canyon that will stay with me forever.  Our destination made it all worth it.  To leave 2 feet of snow still on the ground and go to 33 above with green grass and colors, smells and sounds that were beyond beautiful would force pretty much anyone to get on a plane.  Man have I been missing out! 

I have to admit I got a little behind on some requirements.  I’m playing catch up on some push ups and sit ups.  I found out that although a beautiful and peaceful place to do forms, the beach sand also is really hard to keep ones balance.  I decided against taking my broadsword in my luggage, may have raised some eyebrows and got me escorted to the back room.  Kilometers were awesome!   One day alone we put on 25km.  At the resort we were staying at, they were holding a National Karate Tournament with teams from Canada, US and Mexico.  Unfortunately they started as we were getting in a cab for the airport, but we did get to watch some of the practicing.  Very cool!  We had an absolutely great time!  We did decide that next time it would be a good idea to brush up on the Spanish (good idea to know more than where is the bathroom?).  Maybe start watching Dora the Explorer or better yet beg my sister in law for lessons. Oh Steph……

So now I am back to reality.  April was full of courses, got to go on a great holiday and now we are hitting the ground running with work.  I think it’s going to be a busy summer!

Adios for now,

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca