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

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