How much information is too much?

Since my first I Ho Chuan meeting last year I have struggled with the question, how much is too much information? I'm not one who likes to talk a lot in front of others anyway, but when asked the question "how are you doing?", I have found it difficult to answer completely without revealing too much personal stuff going on in my life. I say the bare minimum. Like most people, I have personal things going on that either I don't feel comfortable sharing or that I doubt what is an appropriate time or place to share and with some things I'm just plain scared I may break down. The funny thing is, a lot of times its these personal struggles and distractions that hold us back from moving forward towards some great things. There is great comfort in being able to share with others who may have or may be going through similar struggles. What better place to reach out than with a group who cares, understands and may possibly be able to help?

I'd like to thank everyone who has had the courage to open up and been so honest as to the struggles they are having, trusting the rest of the team and allowing others the opportunity to learn and help. How can anyone help unless they are aware that someone needs it?

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Habits

Five days without coffee!  This is turning out to be a bit harder than I thought.  I miss the sound of my grinder with the feel of my ear muffs on my head (it’s a loud grinder) and waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning.  I’ve caught myself a couple of times, ready to order a coffee or grind some beans and with disappointment, reach for the tea bags or ask for a hot chocolate instead (definitely with a pout on my face). 

 It’s amazing how easy something can become a habit.  A person continues to repeatedly do something over and over until it becomes routine and part of their life.  When a person steps out of routine it’s easy to feel lost, like something is missing and incomplete.  Like having a cup (or 2) of coffee in the morning, when a person makes their training a part of their daily routine,  it becomes something you look forward to, something you enjoy and something you need to complete your day.  Plain and simple, it becomes a way of life and part of who you are. 

Making wise choices as to the things we decide to make habit and routine in our lives should be a priority. Everything from what we choose to eat, the words that we speak, how we spend our time, the time given to our training, and the list goes on, all help develop us into the people we become. 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

If you don't have anything nice to say...

This past week I started with my first course.  Our oldest son wanted to come with me in order to be qualified for working during the summer.  When we got to the classroom, Brandon was definitely the youngest and I was definitely the only female.    As we went through the morning jumping around Alberta Pipeline Regulations, Brandon’s book seemed to be missing a page.  It turned out he had just moved too far onto the next section (easy to do with all the legal jargon).  As we were dismissed for a quick break, the guy in front of me turned around, looked me in the eyes and asked “Was it him (pointing to Brandon) who couldn’t find the page or the dumb blonde (as he pointed to me)”?   What bugged me the most wasn’t what was said, I considered the source, but rather that I didn’t know how to respond.  I felt disappointed in myself that I couldn’t even say something semi-intelligent back to defend or stand up for myself.  I really couldn`t believe someone had the nerve to say something with so little thought to someone they didn`t even know.

What makes a person believe they have a right to vocally spit out rude, inappropriate and possibly hurtful words?  Do they understand the possible harm their words may have on another?  Are they truly that self-absorbed and unaware or just plain mean and don`t care about others around them?  I’ve come to the conclusion that I couldn’t respond because I don’t have the same nastiness and disrespect for people that some do.  I was raised to respect others and am doing my best to raise my kids the same way.  Like the saying goes, treat others how you want to be treated.  Or the other, if you don't have anything nice to say keep your mouth shut!

100% on the exam, not too bad for a dumb blond!  I sure showed him!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Reluctant of Change

This week Darcy was showing me some of the cool capabilities of his i phone; I was impressed.  Technology is amazing and is allowing us to do some incredible things.  Unfortunately it didn’t seem cool enough to make me want to trade in my good old Blackberry.  I’m finding out that with some things, I am even more of the mind, ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’, than what I originally thought.  I’m content with what is familiar, what’s safe and like knowing what to expect.  What I have discovered this week is that I am going to have to become more open and willing to change as life situations and circumstances are changing. 

This has been a crazy week for me.  This week we decided to and started another division of our company.  We have had our own company up and running now for 17 years, and like most everything, a person has to be willing to change with the times.  As the economy, technology and industry demands change, so must what a company has to offer.  I would be lying if I didn’t admit that there is a part of me filled with fear and uncertainty.   A lot of things are going to change.  I’m now signed up for some upcoming courses and, whether I like it or not, am going to have to become a lot more familiar and skilled with my computer.   With the threat of my family permanently hiding my blackberry, I may even have to break down and purchase an i phone! 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

 

Enjoy the Snow & Get a Workout!

Just when I think that I have been using every muscle in my body, I’m reminded of others that I’ve neglected.  This weekend our family took in a bit of downhill skiing.  We don’t get out a lot, usually only once a year.   We all usually have to take a few runs down the bunny hill first to get our ‘ski legs.’   I felt great last night, however, this morning I have to admit my legs were a little stiff and my knees ached.   Different activities use different muscles.  Between all the shoveling for the upper body and the skiing for the bottom part, it felt like a pretty good workout for the weekend (added to some reps of my sword and other forms and of course, sit ups and push ups).   A person has to do something fun to try to enjoy all this snow!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Motivation

I woke up this morning to the sound of furniture being rearranged.  A little extra tired and foggy from losing an extra hour of sleep, had me confused as to where I was and what was going on.  I stumbled out of bed to find our youngest son practicing in the living room with my broad sword.  This kind of sounds scary, but he was very careful and after the furniture move, very quiet.  He had moved the coffee table out of the way and the couch slightly back.  I had to smile.  At a time when I’m feeling a little discouraged and in the need of motivation for this new weapon and a new year, I find myself rejuvenated in a surprising way.  Almost a year ago exactly, this same son watched me with fright as I first picked up nunchuks.  He gave me his advice and the courage to give them chance after chance.  With one son leaving his kung fu to pursue other interests, I have been in need of a little inspiration and to see my other son intrigued by something shiny and eager to learn something new, was exactly what I needed at the right time. 

Thanks Kayden!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Shifting Gears

So here I finally sit, snow plowing and shoveling done and the energy of a wet sponge (2.5 hours later).  All this wet snow must be worth a few push ups???  This last week has been kind of a down one for me.  I’ve been fighting a bit of a bug that has been trying to surface for a couple of weeks and add to that fighting with migraines all week (was probably an indication of what the weather had in store for us, just ask Mrs. Donahues birds). 

For the last couple of weeks I have been trying to shift gears from banquet preparation, to starting a new I Ho Chuan year.  I’ve found myself a little lost as I realize that my schedule is not as full and that I don’t have to race around trying to slot things in and make special arrangements to get everyone where they need to be.  It’s an adjustment I am glad to be working on right now. 

With the start of a New Year, is the start of a new weapon; the broad sword.  As I have been playing with and trying to feel a little more comfortable with this piece, I am back to the feeling of something new and awkward.  I’ve been reminding myself how frightening I was with my nunchuks at the beginning of last year and am trying to reassure myself that this too will come to feel (and look) more graceful.   I’ve been fighting with my shoulders and having to be careful with just how much playing I do.  Anything with a lot of rotation, especially repeatedly is something I need to watch in order to prevent an increase in numbness and pain.  So I get to practice progressing wisely! 

Well off to walk my dog and try to enjoy all the snow and the bit of sunshine trying to come out!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca