According to my memory, there was never (as a child) a lake that was too cold to run into, usually with gusto, about 10 steps, and then a horizontal dive under the cool cool water. The decision as a child was whether I wanted to go swimming, if I did, then I went.
Be like a child and dive in. As an adult now I consider too much, I analyze, I plan ahead, and even sometimes when I plunge headlong in to what I do, I am turning around and leaving much to soon to even fully enjoy the experience.
Two years ago I went with my son to Jewel lake, I had a fantastic time and I shared pictures here on my blog. It was sweet solitude, and literally the calls of the loon from dawn to dusk; I never tired of that song.
One of the sunny days I decided I wanted to try the lake, it was clear, and unpolluted; all I needed was the cajoles to get in. No one else was swimming, it was a fishing lake. I got changed into my swimsuit. I tried to talk my son into going with me; perhaps seeking reassurance regarding my desire to try the lake. One thing about me, I hate backing down once I decide something especially if I’m the one promoting the idea.
I climbed down the dock ladder into the cool lake, watching to see if my skin changed to blue, or my voice changed to soprano. Then the release, ka-sploosh! I was all the way in and it was definitely cool but I stayed close to the dock just in case my muscles locked up I know how cold water affects muscles from experience in a glacier lake. It was awesome but I only stayed in a few minutes and then clambered out. In retrospect I could have stayed in double the time but my adult mind overruled my child like enjoyment of a simple pleasure.
I understand that as adults we can’t stop our conscious decision making processes, but sometimes we’re not risking large sums of money, the decision is simply to enjoy or not to enjoy.
Whenever you can, enjoy. Enjoy like a child, run headlong towards fun, forget about adult restraint and composure, and have some undiluted childlike enjoyment, enJOYment isn’t just for kids, plunge in. Plunge in, and have no regrets.
Thanks for reading! Suggestions and comments welcome.
Life and Random Thinking 
I love this! I grew up on the beach in Malibu — and the water would get REALLY COLD! And I would go in anyway, no matter what. And I agree — once I commit to something, I just don’t back out (not even jumping out of a perfectly good airplane . . . )
I think you will enjoy this post: https://soulhorseride.wordpress.com/2014/10/30/ride-for-little-dawn/
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Right to my heart.
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Reblogged this on Life and Random Thinking and commented:
I started reading through an old journal today, and it reminded me of this early post of mine. I hope you will enjoy it.
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We jumped into water cold enough to turn our lips blue. We also played in snow until our feet were soaked, our fingers were icicles, and the snot running from our noses froze to our upper lips. Now we want a heated pool and never to have to go out in the snow! It didn’t kill us then, it isn’t likely to kill us now – so why do we not let our inner child out to play more?
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You are so absolutely right! I stayed outside with cold wet hands, and hardly went inside to warm up.
What fantastic word pictures in your comment! I just loved it. Thanks tons.
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Such a great blog. yes as adults we don’t just jump anymore and maybe on some occasions we should. Certainly food for thought and lets all start jumping with our eyes closed again and enjoy things before its too late
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Thank you, sometimes we need to be more like a child. Enjoying the moment, and not worrying about being “productive” with our day. I am glad you enjoyed the post, 🙂
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Great advice! We adults do tend to overanalyze.
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