Why do hard things?

A purpose-filled journey of giving back and pushing boundaries

It’s a profound feeling being surrounded by others that you know, for a fact, have given more of themselves than you could ever give - it’s humbling, energizing, and inspiring. That’s exactly the feeling I had on August 7th, 2019, when I found myself swimming the Hudson River, side-by-side with 33 of the most selfless and courageous people I’ve ever encountered. The task that day was hard, but it taught me a lot about myself and why I choose to push my mental and physical boundaries. 

I started this journey 3 years ago to pay my respects and try something I’ve never done before, but what I got in return was so much more.  What started as a physically challenging invitation to a fundraising event, turned into a lifelong pursuit of living, learning, and giving.  

I’ve always had an appreciation and admiration for the selflessness of our veteran community, but the closer I got to them and learned about them, the more I realized how little I understood. Throughout the last couple of years, I’ve had so many people share their personal struggles with varying types and degrees of injuries and trauma and how it impacts their lives every day.  I never fully realized how hard it was to transition back to civilian life, the physical and mental toll it takes on them daily was overwhelming to grasp. For instance, I learned that 22 veterans commit suicide every day due to a variety of combat-related issues. 

This is why we do 22 pull-ups at every station along the swim...to honor all that have succumbed to those struggles. 

The lessons that I’ve learned from that first year have been so life-changing that I feel indebted to train and give back every single year because I know I’ve received far more than I can give in return.  These individuals gave up everything, some paying the ultimate sacrifice, to defend our freedoms  Writing a check is easy -  getting involved and doing something out of your comfort zone and making a lasting difference is hard...and much more fulfilling.  

When people learn I ran 2 marathons back-to-back or swam the Hudson River for veterans, one of the most common questions I get is, “Ryan, why do such hard things? Isn’t there an easier way to donate or create awareness?” It’s a fair question and is born from a place of curiosity and concern. I appreciate the opportunity it provides to shed light on issues that are important to me, but it’s also a reminder of the questions I often ask myself:

How can I go beyond the limit of what is expected or easier? What can I do to learn about myself and others? How can I use this precious time on earth to connect with others more deeply? How can I push myself further to honor those who have given more of themselves than I could ever give? How can I leave a lasting impact?

So, to answer the question of “why do such hard things” and why is this event and are these veterans so important to me is simple...it’s because they have provided all of us far more than we can ever pay in return.  

I’m committed to spending my years challenging myself and all those around me to give a little sweat, a little time, a little money, and a lot of love to all those in need.  We only have a short time on this earth so when we are each at the end of our individual journeys will we spend those last few precious moments reminiscing or regretting?  The choice is yours, but if you are like me you don’t want your headstone to read “He had great potential...”  I would hope it reads “He made a great impact on others.”

To learn more about the SEAL swim and/or donate please go to:

GIGO Fund 2021 SEAL Swim

With gratitude,

Ryan

#GIGOfund #SEALswim #NeverForget