Should I Jump In?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 8:56AM After dinner last night I was bored. I have been in a funk about life and stuff for a while and it just kind of creeped up on me.
My mom suggested hopping into the pool.
“It’s too much work. I have to change, and get a towel, and then afterwards I’m all wet and have to dry off and change again.” Yes I was acting like a whiny little baby.
There is nothing like seeing your entire family roll their eyes at you in perfect unison.
I got it.
So, I went into my room to change into my trunks and sent a quick tweet out to the world.
When I finally got to the pool I just stood there frozen.
It must have been at least 15 minutes I was just standing at the edge of the pool deciding if I was going to jump in.
Jump in?
My brain started swirling around. So many things in my life make me extremely happy but there are many things that upset me and bring me down. There are many aspects of my life I want to change, things I want to do, places I want to go (literally and figuratively).
Jump in?
Why at this time of boredom did this moment occur? I just wanted something to do, not have some “moment” while standing in my backyard in swim trunks. It was weird because I did not want to jump in until I decided that I wanted to “jump in” to the things I have been avoiding.
Jump in?
My wife and kids were swimming around having fun. The occasional cannonball provided evidence of acceptable water temperature so I was ready to jump. But was I? I mean, really jump in.
I am ready to jump.
Jump into exercise to prepare myself for the Tour de Cure next year. Jump into school to get a much needed education and degree. Jump into taking better care of my health by seeing all the doctors I should be seeing to make sure I am all good. Jump into life and enjoying it fully with my family and friends. Jump into advocating for people with diabetes and helping to grow the DOC by reaching out to those who don’t have the support we do.
The sky was changing color and the sun was already out of my sight. I looked up at a plane and then down at my family. I closed my eyes and said to myself, “Jumping in means that you are committed to making the changing in your life that you have been wanting to do.” I took a big deep breath, stretched my arms out to the side, then above my head, and then let them drop to my sides. I was ready.
Slowly I leaned forward and dove right in.
The cool water felt refreshing. Rejuvinating. Renewing.
It was wonderful.
Reader Comments (15)
I am disappointed you didn't link to this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlq0lYB3iSM
Great post George! I see the "cool water" as that awesome feeling of freedom that comes when we identify and name those "things we shall not mention". Very poetic, for a ninja ;). Sometimes though, you just need to grow a pair and dive right in. Well done!
Awesome post, George! I'm excited for you and know you'll do great at whatever you jump into.
@Sara - If I would have picked a "jump" song it would have been Kriss Kross. ;)
@markkoeks - Maybe that 15 minutes was the growth period? :)
@katie - Your optimism and support is better than bacon! Thanks!
Go George!!! I have every faith that you can jump a million times higher than you even think you can. Jump right in, my friend, and take a plunge into all of the great things in store for you!
Yeah! Love it George!
This is great, George. Love it. So often, it seems like jumping in is the toughest part, and even the anticipation or fear beforehand is the hold up and challenge. But once we take the plunge, the swimming isn't too tough and we are so incredibly happy and able to be in the water enjoying ourselves and doing what's needed. Way to jump in, and focus on all the areas of life where you can jump in. Good luck, my friend!
Now I want to swim!
This is so awesome! Seriously poetic. Love it. And yay for jumping in!
Another great post my friend. Jump in dude! You can totally do this! And it will be a fun ride. :-)
Jump in, my friend! No one is guaranteed another day...live without regrets, and treasure every moment!
go, george, go! i have total faith in you, and will be behind you 100%! :)
I jumped in too... I start school tomorrow <3
AWESOME! thanks for your inspiration! :)