So often I look
at my kids and think ‘where do you get that from?’ Sometimes it’s the witty comments or the mischievous
look when they have been up to no good but then there are the moments they
display compassion and empathy to a complete stranger, the leadership qualities
they demonstrate or the commitment, determination and follow through they show
towards goals they have set for themselves.
Then I take a look at the environment they have been raised in and
realize they are a reflection of us as parents, grandparents, friends,
teachers, coaches etc. What I have done,
how I have behaved and the words I have used have all been a part in building
the foundation that have made them the young men I see before me. They have confirmed for me that as a parent I
have a huge opportunity and responsibility to influence change.
I look at Kayden
and I see how he dedicates himself to things he enjoys and is passionate about. I see how he gives it his all in what he does,
always striving to do the best he can and beyond. I admire how he stands up for
what he believes and continues to lead by example in a world that is not always
so receptive. I then look at my oldest son Brandon, who in his second year of
college has received honors and scholarships for the hard work and continued
dedication to his studies. He has stepped up into leadership roles at every
opportunity given and acts with compassion, patience and kindness towards
everyone along his path. I see him writing in his journal the km’s he has run,
the strength training he has done and the food he has eaten every day and I
stifle a giggle, poor guy he is just like his parents! His complete commitment
and perseverance every day in order to reach some pretty major goals in his
passion of ultra –running while balancing school, work and life totally wows
me!
I look at these
two young men and can’t help but feel proud and hugely inspired. My boys are
confirming for me that in pursuit of overcoming mediocrity in my own life I am also
impacting how they view the world around them and how they choose to live their
own lives. They weren’t born with or
lucked out with these qualities; they were surrounded with them, encouraged
and taught from an early age on. In all I do, I am passing on qualities (the
good, bad and unfortunately ugly) that will help them in their own paths
towards mastery. The decision to be a part
of the I Ho Chuan team isn’t one to take lightly. It is a decision that whatever your
accomplishments are come the end of the year, affects not only you but trickles
down to all around you in one way or another. Choose to live a life with character and
integrity, one you want to see your kids, friends, neighbors, coworkers, team mates
etc. mimic. So as Keith Urban said on my run last week “Raise em’ up trophy
high, raise em’ up to the sky, raise em’ up tall and strong, raise em’up right
from wrong.”
Alana Regier
http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca
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