Giving 2016 the Cold Shoulder: A New Years Swim For Good Luck

With every passing year comes a new batch of new year's resolutions that will never be achieved. “New year, new me” some say, while others boast “I’m gonna go to the gym and lose 50 pounds!” While shoveling burgers down their throat. And while many fail in their short lived resolutions, others succeed. What’s their secret? New years polar swim. A dip into the chilly Canadian waters on new year's day to freshen up the body and mind. The lucky souls who take the swim can find determination, tranquility and above all, joy, by submerging themselves in the water.

Tough times are unavoidable, and no year is perfect, so we seek ways to purge these negative emotions. And what better way than literally washing the sadness away! For example, this picture (left) shows a man who looks like he has just won the lottery, but he has actually just entered freezing cold waters. This could be seen as an act of pure stupidity but it’s actually much more. He’s shaking off the hardships and troubles that 2015 brought him. This photo clearly shows that it’s much more than just a quick drop into some cold water for fun, It cleans the mind, and brings a smile to the face.

And why is it that people go out on new year's eve? For fun of course, and for a good lighthearted way to start out the year. And let’s face it, many people lose friends in a year, or spend new years alone. But what’s more important is making new friends and branching out. If you look at the photo (right) you’ll see people of all kinds taking part in this crazy event for no other reason than pure fun. Pure fun with their new friends and comrades that they just made! And what better way to start a new year than a brand new friendship.

Death is inevitable, and there is no escape. That’s why people make bucket lists, for things they want to do before their inescapable demise. And while some put things like skydiving or bungee jumping on their lists, other, smarter people, put a new year's dip on their list. Look at the people in the picture (right). These people are well into their 60s and above. Now what reason would they have to do this, other than that they want to. Before their life becomes a spiraling void of misery, they want to do this and cleanse themselves of their troubled lives. And they toast to that, because at that age, what else do they have to toast to?

At the start of the year, some are motivated to take on whatever challenges the new year has to throw at them, while others slack off and do nothing. This swim is a way to get the body prepared for the road ahead. In this picture (left) there's a group of people taking the plunge. This is determination at it’s core, they all look ready to take on 2016 and the swedes at the same time. Cold water is exhilarating and gets the body prepared. This is a perfect example of the polar swim’s benefits, they found the determination and heart to take on the year in these waters.

To summarize, a simple party or resolution won’t prepare you for a new year. To truly prepare, you need to take the polar dip. By submerging yourself in the cold water, you can find determination, tranquility and joy.

Works Cited In Order Of Appearance

“Image 2.” Toronto Polar Bear Club. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. <http://torontopolarbear.com/>.

“Image 4.” Toronto Polar Bear Club. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. <http://torontopolarbear.com/>.

“Ottawans Take Frosty Dip.” CBC. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. <http://www.cbc.ca/>.

“Taking a Frosty Dip to Ring in 2015.” O Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. <http://o.canada.com/>.