Jumping In

The first time in the lake is always a bit unnerving.  It's cold for starters.  I'm more of a wade in kind of person.  Slowly allowing each nerve layer of my body to get settled before freaking out the rest.  Kids, however, seem to just jump in.

Mr. Man used a little "incentive" and shouted out to the children, who were deliberating trepidatiously on the dock, that the first one in would get to pick a treat on the way home.
Miss J responded, "For reals?"
During which time Little J proceeded to jump and successfully be the FIRST one in
(he got hubba bubba gum tape on the way home).

After the initial jump, things get much easier.  Is it because they're already cold and wet?  Do they acclimate to the temperature?  Is the unknown now predictable and perhaps even comfortable?

Super hero pose

Oldest and youngest taking the plunge

This was my view from where I was laying down watching my children jumping into the lake.

After so much jumping in, exhaustion usually sets in.  It's not just the jumping, it's the "staying afloat" that tuckers one out.  I know how that is, don't you?

Even those who are the fastest, swiftest, little jumpers usually need to be held and hugged.  Whatever you're jumping into, remember to give yourself a break too.  Those who can acknowledge, appreciate, and ask for the love and help they need are typically the most resilient and best-practiced jumpers.