Giving Back To The Extreme

Yep, that's me... the girl walking in the middle of winter in a bikini! I have always followed the motto "go big or go home" and that was still the case when it came to the type of charity events I participated in. I remember the first time I heard about the polar bear plunge. I could hardly contain myself! Raise money for Special Olympics and in return get to jump into a frozen lake!

Um, yes please!

After several years of participating under the team name "bare bottoms", those eager to jump alongside me seemed to lessen after they participated once. I will admit, it is not the easiest way to raise money for a charity. Of course, you can raise the money and choose not to get wet... but where is the fun in that?

The event in Billings, Montana usually takes place the first weekend in December. In order to jump into the frozen lake, you were to raise a minimum of $225.00 per person on your team. Of course, the more money you raise, the further ahead you start in the line-up! In the events prior, the lake was not completely frozen. This meant we were to run out and touch the hand of the person sitting in the wet suit. Running out into mid-waist freezing water... insane, right?

However, the one time the lake was actually frozen was by far my favorite. The frozen landscape in the background and the moment captured on film is what made the 2010 Polar Bear Plunge the most epic. Not to mention, having my littlest brother by my side, will forever be something I won't forget! Such a beautiful rush!

This is who I am! This is what drives me! Giving my time, my energy, and possibly risking my life... for charity! Doing for others is my core trait. I can't stand suffering in any form. So to not only do something for a very good cause but to do it in such an extreme manner is oh so exciting! Not only does this event present an opportunity to give back but it brought my family together. The family supporters sitting in the warm cars, with hot cocoa in hand. The hot tub is ready to go, minutes away for us to warm up in. The laughter in reviewing the pictures and talking about how insane we were... yes, all of this is what makes this so darn amazing!

Don't get me wrong, I am also a huge supporter of United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Family Services, etc. but the Polar Bear Plunge is by far my favorite. The rush you get waiting in line for your turn to run or jump is beyond words... cool as... (well, you know)!

It also is a great way for me to teach my children the importance of giving back. They may not have all jumped in the water with me but they were by my side at the end of the games for the Special Olympics prom celebration.

For if we can't learn to give to others selflessly, then how can we ever understand other perspectives and how different life could be. There is a quote by Regina Brett that says "If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back."

Isn't that the truth?

By giving to others, in the spectrum of extreme or not so extreme... it's important that we have that reality check to see how much different our lives could be. I personally, do not take anything for granted. You never know when it will be you, on the other side, in need of help... and I certainly hope you will find a familiar face there for assistance and comfort and whatever else you may need.

This is me... real, raw, and why I love giving back to the extreme!