Today I did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I saw Gabrielle Reece's video earlier this week where she got in a bathtub full of ice instead of pouring a bucket of ice water over her head. It seemed like a good idea, so that's the way I did my challenge today. I can tell you now, I didn't look anywhere near as good as she did doing it, but I went ahead and did it anyway.
I decided to take the challenge and donate money to ALS research. I think the cause is a noble one, and I'm glad that they've been able to raise awareness and money through the challenge.
Besides raising money and awareness, I think the challenge has served as a way to unify people. Hundreds of people from celebrities to everyday people like me and you have taken the challenge and it's fun to bond, unite and connect through this one simple act.
I think everyone wants to feel connected and feel like they are part of something. I think we all want to "belong," and participating in the ice bucket challenge was a way for me to connect with others and be part of the collective.
I thought about all the videos I've seen of people taking the challenge. I thought about some of the big-name celebrities like Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Matt Lauer, Jennifer Lopez, and the list goes on and on. It was fun to think of them taking the challenge the way the rest of us were.
I laughed with my friend who was filming, the same friend that wasn't laughing when I challenged him next! And while it was fun to do, when it was all over, and I stood there shivering on camera in my bathroom, I thought about the people who might benefit from this one crazy act.
I thought about people diagnosed with ALS who are relying on research to help find a cure. For me, taking the challenge was fun, but I reminded myself not to forget that the reason for doing it was so vitally important.
If you haven't taken the challenge, I hope you'll consider doing so. If you do, I hope you'll also consider making a donation to ALS research. The challenge only takes a few seconds to do, but the long-term benefits of the money and awareness raised are immeasurable. Plus, you get to call out three other people to take the challenge!
And you get a chance to be part of a unified effort to help others lead longer, healthier lives. When you take the challenge, you become part of the unified effort to bring hope to others. You become part of a group of people that, although we may never meet in person, are joining together to make a difference.
If you've been itching to take the challenge and waiting for someone to nominate you, here you go! If you want to get involved and need someone to "call you out," consider yourself called!
If your friends ask you who challenged you, tell them that Karen from The Caring Coaching Center did; and then don't forget to challenge them to take the plunge too.
It's fun to be part of something larger than ourselves. It's fun to share in the efforts of an entire group of people spanning different regions, religions, genders, races, ages, and economic status.
So, grab that ice, get your bucket, and prepare to get wet; it may well be the most rewarding five seconds you'll ever experience!