Taking Things For Granted

How easy it is to take things for granted without even realizing.  Take this past week.  Winter arrives, thermometer starts to dive, want heat – push button to turn up furnace.  To my surprise, nothing happens.  Depending on something that has always been available and in working order and have it suddenly taken away, means adjustments need to be made (especially if your furnace guy is going to be a day and a half later). 

I have so many people and things in my life that, without meaning to, I just assume that they are always going to be there; and be there in working order.  This is everything from family, friends, health, time, the country we live in… and the list goes on.  People and things we care about and rely on can be taken away in a heartbeat.  Take the time to tell those around you how much they mean.  Be grateful for what you have and take every opportunity to bless others around you with kindness, love and time.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Questions Answered

Being a part of the Dragon team last year showed me just how much a person, when committed, can accomplish in the span of one year.  To see how a list of requirements, and being held accountable by an entire team for following through, can change a person so thoroughly is quite incredible.

When I first made the decision to be a part of this year’s Snake team, it was with the reason of wanting to continue with the momentum I had going.  I wanted to continue to set and meet new challenges and to continue to build on those already in the works.  I wanted to keep on pushing myself and continue to learn and grow.  It was all good and I was excited. 

About a month before Chinese New Year’s, I found myself questioning whether the habits and lifestyle changes I had made, would they be sustainable?  Would I have the motivation and commitment to continue on if I wasn’t part of the team?  Did I see the year of the Dragon as the reaching of a goal, done and time for something else, or did I see it as part of a continuing journey?

With all these questions, I have to say that one of the biggest things that I have learned up to this point has been that the lifestyle changes I made last year have stuck. Chinese New Year wasn't the end but rather the beginning of where I want to  continue to get to.  Although all the time spent in order to grade was not something I could continue to maintain, I have still instilled habits that have become a lifestyle.  My push ups, sit ups, km, log book and random acts of kindness are like that morning cup of coffee – a part of my day. 

I signed up for the team knowing full well what the expectations were and the time commitment required.  Unfortunately what I might have neglected to take into consideration was the unexpected; the things that come at you that weren’t in the plan.  I have also learned that life changes and as it does I may need to modify and adjust.  I’ve also had to make the hard decisions that make a person feel they can’t win and either way they are going to be letting someone down.  It’s not an easy journey but one that a person continues to learn from along the way.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

 

Another Tiger Challenge Success

One of the best parts of Saturday’s tournament was, first being attacked by sharks in the Lil Leopards class and then being a part of the kids divisions (those kids are machines with pool noodles)!  Some of these kids I have known for a few years and to see they are still dedicated to and growing in their kung fu is really cool.  Could an adult ever learn a bundle from these little guys.  Although some might be a bit shy initially, they don’t seem to have the same degree of anxiety and fear of performing that I think a lot of us adults have.  They go out on those mats and have fun.  When it’s over, they don’t dwell on their mistakes; they move on and continue to learn, sometimes without even knowing it.

I found this year more nerve wracking than the previous years.  Moving onto divisions with black belts and the thought of competing with so many committed and talented martial artists was intimidating and made my legs shake.  To get up and fumble a form that I have done repeatedly seemed so silly and disappointing.  It wasn’t even the form I intended to do.  So what did I learn from it?  I need to jump on more opportunities to put myself in similar situations.  I need to continue to build confidence.   I know I have grown in the last couple of years with still a long way to go, but it will come.  Next year hoping for a little less shakiness  J

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Tiger Challenge

This Saturday will be my 3^rd Tiger Challenge that I have actually participated in (not as just the camera girl but on the mats).  It was my oldest son who gave me that extra push to finally step up and set an example; as he said “if I should, so should you!” He was absolutely right.  I had made excuses previous years and up to that point had no intention of ever going for my black belt.  Then something amazing happened.  As I was spending so much time practicing, I started to see things differently.  Up to that point I didn’t realize just how much Kung Fu had become a part of me and just how much I had changed and grown.  This was a turning point for me.  It changed my direction and focus and put me on the path I now find myself.

I know better than anyone how hard it can be to get up in front of fellow team mates, fellow students and instructors, but the benefits of following through far outweigh the fear and anxiety.  It is so easy to find an excuse not to participate in something that may gently push you out of comfort zones but the rewards of stepping up to the plate and giving it everything you got may just have some pretty great and maybe unexpected results.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

A Childs View

Yesterday was my day teaching Sunday school.  Being Thanksgiving, we were talking about what in our lives we are thankful for.  Even though some of the kids’ answers may have been predictable and seemed simple, their reasons and thinking behind them were honest and heartfelt and a lot deeper than one initially thought.  These kids actually noticed and appreciated things that we adults are guilty of taking for granted or missing totally with the business of life.  There were also those answers that could only make a person smile; like the little girl who was thankful for her family, all but her older brother, and man did she have a list of reasons. 

I think daily of the blessings in my life and am very grateful for each and every one of them.  I am fortunate to live in a country of opportunity and to be surrounded by people and animals I love.

Take the time to enjoy and show the appreciation for the things that truly matter.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Crazy Week

It’s been a crazy week.  A week that a lot of personal things have required extra attention; therefore some other things had to give.  I made it to the kwoon for only one class (which sucks).  Some days the best I could do only included my push ups, sit ups and kilometers with a form here and there.  I have even found myself a day behind in my blog without the words to say what I want.  Not getting in until after dark and being as tired as I have been, this hasn’t turned out to be a great week as far as training goes. 

To add to a trying week, I find myself again in the position of trying to inspire and convince another son of the benefits of his kung fu.  As hard as I have tried, I don’t seem to be making much progress.  I think I’ve exhausted all my angles.  Maybe inspiration needs to come from someone other than his mother. 

Here’s hoping for a better week aheadJ

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

A Little Grappling

In last Wednesday’s morning class we did a little grappling.  It was fantastic!  My partner happened to weigh a little more and be a whole lot stronger than me.   It was a great reality check.  If I was ever to be attacked, it probably wouldn’t be by some little runt but rather by someone who was bigger and felt they could easily have control over me.  There would also be a good chance that it would end with me on the ground being pinned under someone with my breath being squished out of me and the feeling of being helpless.  Seems like a reasonable time to panic.   Fortunately, practicing in class with trusted fellow students is the perfect and safe opportunity to learn.  For those who have their reservations, or just a fear, what better place to first feel what being in the situation might feel like and then learn some tricks that could possibly get you out? 

Thanks Sihing for the dead weight reality check!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca