Stephanie Ruddy

Today's swim was nearly 8am after finishing work.  The water temp was 17.8°, and it was hard getting into it. But i did. I'm finding the most surprising thing sound the Daffodil Dip,  is the conversations of Cancer that are coming up... people opening up about their experience of cancer - having it or  supporting someone through it. 

Cancer touches everyone in one way or another.  I welcome the day is no longer in our lives

A reflective day.  It was hard to get out of my cumfy warm bed today and the thought of getting into cold water did more than send shivers up my spine.  It felt just down right ridiculous. No excuse was valid. 

This is not for me, it is not about me or for me... 

I did the Dip. I didn't want to physically or mentally,  but my heart got me over the line. Well into the water to be straight. 

Yay.  Small celebration. Always celebrate wins I believe,  no matter the size of triumph. No fan fare.  Tick 

Day 3 started with self talk and questioning why I should get out of my perfectly warm bed and into the cold dark water.  I settled for cold water,  and waited for the sun to come up,  instead of a pre dawn dip. 

Driving down to the beach I was wondering if there was anyone else in Port Macquarie doing the Daffodil Dip too. 

To my surprise, I ran into some lovely ladies down at the beach who are doing the Daffodil Dip as a group, and invited me to join them,  which is so lovely. 

The water was warmer today - 18° and lots of fish. Knowing it is 9° out of the water kept me in there a bit longer than I planned. Cold air on a wet body isn't something I look forward to,  yet. 

There was another lady at the beach today who had signed up for her second year, and shared her story around why she's involved again. It was very touching. 

There are so many types of cancer.  They all suck 

It was more challenging to do today knowing the water is so cold at the beach. I wasn't dreading going for the dip.  It was more like i was "doing the deed"! Ha! 

On the flip side, I knew i could do it. 

The bonus? Well,  I've met some really nice people on this journey and it's only day 2!AND people are talking about cancer who don't like to talk about it.  It's helping them to let go. Process. Release. 

Dammit "The Cancer" (as mum would call it), has taken way too many people.  I really trust we can get a cure, that's accessible and affordable! .... even better would be a prevention for cancer's... ALL of them.  

So. Day 2 done. Dusted. Tick

I felt a nervous excited before my first dip today. Looking at the water,  it was so dark and freezing! Armoured up with the Daffodil cap on I went... all the way. 

It was so cold it hurt my bones  but not for long.  Tick. I did it.... no turning back now. I can't especially with sponsors!

Thank you so much you guys who have donated to the cause. I am incredibly grateful! 

I can't work out how to make not I've done dip#1 and will update the tally board when I figure it out. Rest assured I'm on track 1 down....19 to go! Brrrr 

Let's find a way to Flick Cancer to the curb!