Cade's Corner: Polar Bears and Green Chili

As odd as this might sound, I have a Christmas tradition that I try to accomplish every year based on my geographical location. Some might refer to it as the "Polar Bear Club."

For those of you not familiar, it involves finding a body of water, cutting a hole through the ice, and totally submerging in that body of water.

And why in the heck would I do this every year on Christmas morning?

Well, I never want to stop pushing my comfort zone. And this activity, as stupid as it sounds, represents an example of this.

I've discussed how important it is to have a "survival mindset," which means not only being prepared for what might occur, but also staying physically and mentally tough.

So, if my ice bath tradition helps me maintain this survival mindset, I will continue the torture! The other reason I do this is afterwards, I have a crock pot full of my family recipe pork green chili waiting for my return.

It's my favorite way to warm back up.

This dish has been passed down for four generations, and before it's ready, it's been slowly cooking over 10 hours. My entire house is engulfed in the delicious aroma of awesomeness.

But before I dive into my crock pot creation I have a little work to do. Twice a year, I take an inventory of my entire survival suite and ensure everything is in order:

  • Batteries charged
  • All gear is operational
  • Food has not expired (with the 4Patriots Survival Food Kits this won't happen for 25 years)
  • Change out stored water (add a tablespoon of bleach to each container)
  • Contact lists updated
  • Medical kit, including prescription medication is current (and not expired)
  • Bug out bags – good to go
  • Survival mindset still intact (see above)

OK, so my bi-annual survival gear status report is complete.

Time to dive into my pork green chili and enjoy my other Christmas tradition... watching "Die Hard."

No question, it's been a tough year, folks.

But with 2021 just around the corner – which includes COVID-19 vaccinations – let's stay positive (your attitude... not COVID-19 test!) and stay strong.

Be a survivor, not a statistic,

Cade Courtley
Former Navy SEAL / 4Patriots Contributor

Comments

  • Richard Carty - December 29, 2020

    I think I’ll be ordering something in the next couple of days to use my thank you gift certificate: How about throwing in that pork green chilli recipe as an additional bonus?
    The following is a solution for a word puzzle in one of last week’s newspapers. “The marvelous thing about lack of planning is that failure comes as a complete and utter surprise.” Peter Green

  • Michael Matthews"Doc" - December 28, 2020

    Thank all of you for what you do for us and my Veterans.
    Looking forward to buying more “GEAR” for me and my
    family & friends in 2021.

  • Gloria Scherz - December 28, 2020

    After reading a recent Christmas blog by Cade…just want to say there are patriots who are not supportive of vaccinations (especially covid Vaccinations). Please watch the VAXXED movies and read articles at The Children’s Defense Fund. Did God really create our bodies to need vaccinations? I personally think not.

    Also, question for you; how big are your containers for water that you add a Tablespoon of bleach to? Is water that has bleach in it drinkable; if not, how do you make it drinkable?

    I’ll be reading more of your articles in the days ahead. Merry Christmas! 🎄
    Glori

  • Greg - December 28, 2020

    I was a Marine. In the early 70s. I was glad to get out. We had a party once. the question was. Who would want to survive a nuclear war? It was me and a lawyer who Would want to go for it. I was in my early 20 then. I’m just too old now with an injured back and depression. I would still if my grandkids lived through it. They would need a leader. Take care and Merry Christmas.

  • Russ Griffith - December 29, 2020

    My own Christmas is pretty traditional but between that and new years I cut wood with a one man saw and split and block it and then my grandson and I take it to my wife’s family and neighbors. Then some snow shoeing. I live in the Idaho hills so love the bitter and crisp winter mornings. Your oatmeal is fantastic by the way. Love your food but I really love the oatmeal. Keep up the good work

  • Russ Griffith - December 28, 2020

    My own Christmas is pretty traditional but between that and new years I cut wood with a one man saw and split and block it and then my grandson and I take it to my wife’s family and neighbors. Then some snow shoeing. I live in the Idaho hills so love the bitter and crisp winter mornings. Your oatmeal is fantastic by the way. Love your food but I really love the oatmeal. Keep up the good work

  • Sharon Brooks - December 28, 2020

    Merry christmas 🎅

  • Eric A Born - December 29, 2020

    Hey Cade, Merry Christmas! Just wanted to say thank you for offering some great products! I ordered some as Christmas Presents, (one for me, of course) and can’t wait to open them up! I’ve also done the Polar Plunge. Once on purpose, and one, well you could say very unexpected!!! Thank God I survived that one with help from my Buddy. We also watch Christmas Vacation every Christmas! I’m kind of the Clark Griswold of the neighborhood…. Thank you for your service, and Merry Christmas to you and your family from The Born Family! Sincerely, Eric
    P.S. Any chance of getting that chili recipe?!?!?

  • Dolores R. Maples - December 28, 2020

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family and to the 4Patriots staff as well. My prayer for you and everyone else is God gives you Joy unspeakable and Peace that surpasses all understanding now and for the coming New Year. 2021 is going to be a trying time for all of us. Take care and be safe. Your friend, customer and Sister is Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Dolores (Dee ) Maples.

  • DONALD GUILLORY - December 29, 2020

    Hi 4 Patriots People, Thank you 4 all the tips & know how’s this year. I too… as well go through my
    Survial gear & check lists. Thou…(i do not do the ice bath) burrr. I am doing all i can to staying strong & positive in my servivor attitide, i don’t want to become a statistic eather.

    Stay Safe, Don

  • Jo Ganz - December 28, 2020

    Love your “survival mindset” and your practice of “pushing past your comfort zone!” Bravo!!!
    Best wishes for your Happiest of Holiday Seasons! Jo

  • Julia - December 29, 2020

    Merry Christmas to all Patriots🙏🎄

    Keep up the great work! Julia

  • Kathy - December 30, 2020

    Enjoyed the article but where’s Cade’s Green Chili recipe?? 🤷🏻‍♀️

  • Lou Czaja - December 28, 2020

    Great advice Cade..I’ll be sure to do the same with the exception of the ice dip. A blessed Christmas and a happy healthy New Year to you and all those you hold dear.

  • Carol Mathis - December 28, 2020

    Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 to everyone of the families and staff members at Patriots headquarters. We all appreciate how much you do for us. Reading your emails is like sitting down and having you in for coffee and conversations that have interest and meaning.
    May all you have in this world and continue to do, be entirely safe and blessed. 💕
    Kindest regards,
    Carol

  • Grammy Forrester - December 28, 2020

    Thank you for being you and thank you for your food stash that’s in my cubby hole. I feel good knowing it’s there. Merry Christmas to you. I hope the cold dunking is a good one!

  • Leigh-Anne Voigt - December 29, 2020

    Cade, I loved your 6-month checklist so much that I’ve added it to my calendar. I added a couple of items (update my vital documents stack, check seed bank expiration, check stores of cash/ammo). I added a line for future purchase ideass (a 2nd solar generator, water filtration system, etc). If you run across someone with a really great checklist, or if you have a more detailed one, can you perhaps publish it in future? Thanks for all you do!

  • Donna Japak - December 28, 2020

    Thank you for keeping in touch. And thank you for your Christmas wishes. I live alone and won’t be seeing my family this year. Your words are much appreciated!
    💕

  • Patricia L Halsell - December 28, 2020

    Merry Christmas to you all!

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