Getting comfortable being uncomfortable

It’s important for us to occasionally do something that scares or challenges us, especially if we are constantly seeking safety which can become detrimental to us. ​​​​​​​​
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One of the things I really hate is cold water which is a sucky thing to feel living in the PNW where the water is always cold, no matter the season. So when we went out on our week trip to Deception Pass and Cama Beach, I made sure to go swimming every single day. It would take me 20-30 minutes of standing in the water before I took the plunge. I asked my 10 year old son, who was sometimes the only one swimming when the clouds and wind picked up, how he did it. He said, “I tell myself that I know it will be worth it in the end.” What great advice!​​​​​​​​​​

I did bring a bathing suit to my backpacking trip to take a dip in the many Alpine lakes there but alas, it was freezing the day we spent the night. ​​​​​​​​
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I want to do the polar bear swim next January (oops, did I just say that out loud and will regret it?!) so we’ll see if I can summon the courage to do it. I think I can get my family and a friend to do it with me. ​​​​​​​​
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This photo is from Whidbey on a cold day when an older gentleman braved the waters to take a swim.​​​​​​​​
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Is there anything you are afraid or uncomfortable doing that you’d like to push yourself to do?​​​​​​​​