10 Life Lessons Learned from Jumping into the Ice-Cold Ocean

10 Life Lessons Learned from Jumping into the Ice-Cold Ocean
By Lori Pelikan

Oops, I may have done it again!

Yes, I jumped (well, walked) into the ice-cold Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day. This is the fourth time I took this frosty dip in the last several years. Water temperature was a mind-numbing 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ve learned something new each time I plunged my body into the shockingly cold waters. Diving into life, the way I did the water, can be a wonderful thing. So, here’s 10 life lessons learned from jumping into the ice-cold ocean.

1. Live Mindfully
Be present every single moment, no matter how painful or wonderful.

2. Set an Intention
Decide and move toward your goal.

3. Listen to Your Gut
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

4. Stay Open to Possibilities
Dream bigger than before and be open to “What is Possible.”

5. Embrace Fear and Change
Leave behind your limiting beliefs.

6. Just Do Something
Leap into new adventures.

7. Go into the Unknown
Don’t stand in stagnant waters.

8. Shock Your Brain
Get out of the ordinary.

9. Have Fun
Experience all that you want to experience.

10. Celebrate Your Accomplishments
Shake up your life and be proud of having no regrets.

Jumping into the ocean this year meant more to me than any other year. It was a challenging year. I felt a deep satisfaction from that icy plunge. I needed to feel a rebirth and a cleanse before entering into a new year. Sometimes there are years, months, and days that are fraught with many challenges and grief. For me, and many others, the strange new world we live in brought me uneasiness. Yet, even with worries and apprehensions, there was a rebuilding and renewing of people around me.

I have determined that these life lessons learned from jumping into the ice-cold ocean are ones that I need to summon up again for myself. A very wise person once told me that everything is temporary. Waves will move you. The ocean may keep you buoyant or could drown you. Just remember to keep on swimming. So, if you learn these life lessons, you won’t ever have to plunge yourself into wintry waters … unless you want to.

I’m now a seasoned winter swimmer and have permanently transformed my soul and embraced the icy waves.

The best part is that I can do it again … or not.