Yesterday I ran
across this picture of my first day of Kung Fu. Looking at how the height
difference between Kayden and I has reversed itself, tells me it’s been a
while.
Like many
others, I started as the mom and wife on the sidelines. One whispered ‘that
looks like fun’ had my husband placing a uniform in my hands saying ‘you start
on Monday.’ It was a cold weekend in our home.
However, what was a bit of an unconventional start began a journey that
lasted a distance with many valleys, long climbs, and downhills out of control
along with mountain tops that would take my breath away. As I look at this
photo I remember very clearly what it was about Kung Fu and more specifically
Silent River that caught my interest and continued to bring me back through the
doors every class. What I remember
standing out was the respect, humility, hard work and compassion I saw being
taught and practiced. I saw Silent River
as a school that placed value and instilled qualities that I held high and ones
that complimented what I believed and tried to practice in my own life. These
are the qualities that still today I believe build men and women of character
and integrity, something lacking in so many these days.
I have learned
so many lessons in the last 12 years, been given opportunities to grow and
contribute to the community and world I live, and I am thankful for each one. I
know that the last 12 years have helped reinforce that what I put into
something will determine what I get out. If I invest little or nothing, I can’t
rightfully expect much in return. I have gained a confidence to try things that
at an earlier time I allowed fear to hold me back from. I have been inspired
and motivated to push and pursue. I have built meaningful relationships while
sharing sweat and tears and even blood with some wonderful people. So for all
of these moments and memories I am very grateful.
Alana Regier
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