Just jump in

A few weeks ago my family was taking a walk across a frozen lake. It was my mother-in-law’s first time walking on water and it was pretty great to be reminded what magic this is. The sun sparkled on the fresh snow. People were ice skating along a frozen path where snow had been swept off the lake. These were wonderful but not unexpected pleasures. 

Then we came across a square of open water surrounded by a caution fence. A tattooed long-haired, hipster-looking guy (not pictured) was getting ready to go in the water!

I suppose I had vaguely heard of such a thing in some back corner of my mind -- but to see it! My spouse was immediately intrigued, asking all kinds of practical questions about how one would accomplish such a feat safely. As we left the lake he said, “We’re coming back tomorrow. And we’re bringing the kid. We’re going to jump in the lake!”

I was not interested. It seemed scary. It seemed like something beyond my capabilities. It seemed like something for tattooed hipster men demonstrating their fortitude. I refused this adventure but offered to take photos, hold towels, and holler un-helpful advice from the sidelines.  

The next day we came back with our teenage kiddo and a brave friend. The three of them actually did it! They stripped down to swimsuits, socks, gloves, and hats -- and got in the freezing lake! When it was over, spouse and kiddo said it was great. It was shocking! Invigorating! Adventurous! I was kinda jealous. 

So I just decided to do it. I can do anything for 60 seconds, right? I made the commitment, despite my misgivings, and told my spouse to hold me to it. The next time the sun was shining we were going to jump in the lake! We invited another friend and her teenage kiddo and an hour before sunset we arrived again at the hole in the ice. No turning back now. 

The first step was to strip down to a swimsuit! In winter! It wasn’t so bad actually. (You should maybe try it even if you don’t have a lake to jump into). My confidence was boosted! My adrenaline was kicking in! It was adventure time!

I don’t think I would have had the guts to do it alone, but together we all sat on the edge of the ice on a yoga mat. (We’d picked up that tip from tattoo man). We held our legs out straight over the water, ready to slide in all at once. (Don’t just dip your toes in, he’d said, you have to commit!). 

And in we went. HOLY COW IT WAS COLD! But honestly, I didn’t hate it. Except for my toes. My toes hated it.

Our goal was to stay in for 60 seconds, but I didn’t make it that long. Because toes.

When I got out I felt like a million bucks! I was a little bummed I hadn’t stayed in the 60 seconds. I realized when it was over that I had the capacity and I just hadn’t given myself the chance. But, I’d faced my fears! I’d tried a new thing! I was living life to the fullest! And I had a serious glow from the ice-cold water. 

It might sound cheesy, but it also got me thinking about other aspects of my life. What else was I intrigued about but avoiding? What other invigorating opportunity was I missing because I thought it was only for stronger, edgier, cooler people? 

Lessons from jumping in a lake:

• Pay attention to curiosity.
• Listen to positive peer pressure.
• Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
• Get information so you’re ready for the challenge.
• Don’t go it alone!
• Don’t dip in your toes - just jump in! 
• Even if you don’t reach your goal, there is something to gain from taking risks and trying new things.
• Most important of all, I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for. 

In other words, sometimes even if you’re not “ready,” even if you’re not “sure,” you have to just jump in! And so with this post, I jump into my Spark Possible! Blog. This will be an opportunity for you to get to know me as a person, as a writer, and as a justice-oriented writing consultant. Let the adventure begin.