Mark your calendars for July 29, 2024, as we celebrate National Get Gnarly Day! This relatively new observance, held annually on the last Friday of July, encourages people worldwide to embrace their wild side, try new things, and inject a bit of excitement into their daily routines. While the word “gnarly” might conjure images of dangerous situations or unpleasant experiences for some, it’s time to reclaim its more positive connotations of thrilling adventures and pushing boundaries.
The Origins of National Get Gnarly Day
National Get Gnarly Day has a uniquely corporate origin story that sets it apart from many other observances. In 2016, the Whirlpool Corporation, a major American home appliance manufacturer, launched an internal campaign to inject some “gNARliness” into their work environment. The clever wordplay incorporated “NAR,” which stood for North American Region, into the slang term “gnarly.”
This initiative was designed to motivate employees, encourage innovative thinking, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction. The campaign proved so successful within the company that Whirlpool decided to share the concept with the world, officially establishing National Get Gnarly Day as a public observance.
The Evolution of “Gnarly”
To fully appreciate National Get Gnarly Day, it’s worth exploring the fascinating evolution of the word “gnarly” itself:
From Trees to Waves
Originally, “gnarly” was used to describe something gnarled or knotty, often referring to tree trunks with twisted, bumpy surfaces. Over time, the term found its way into surfing culture, where it was used to describe particularly challenging and impressive waves.
Surfer Slang Goes Mainstream
As surfing gained popularity and influence in broader pop culture, especially in the 1970s and 80s, “gnarly” entered mainstream vocabulary. Its meaning expanded to encompass anything extreme, intense, or remarkable – whether positive or negative.
Modern Usage
Today, “gnarly” can have multiple interpretations depending on context. It might describe something awesome and exciting, or conversely, something difficult and unpleasant. National Get Gnarly Day embraces the positive, thrilling aspects of the word.
How to Celebrate National Get Gnarly Day
The beauty of National Get Gnarly Day lies in its flexibility – there’s no one “right” way to celebrate. The core idea is to break out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
1. Try an Extreme Sport
Channel the surfing origins of “gnarly” by hitting the waves, or try your hand at skateboarding, rock climbing, or bungee jumping. Remember to prioritize safety and seek proper instruction if you’re new to these activities.
2. Makeover Your Look
Use this day as an excuse to experiment with a bold new hairstyle, get that piercing you’ve been considering, or dress in a completely different style than usual.
3. Culinary Adventures
Expand your palate by trying an exotic cuisine you’ve never experienced before. Better yet, attempt to cook a challenging new recipe at home.
4. Learn a Gnarly Skill
Sign up for a class to learn something you’ve always wanted to try but found intimidating. This could be anything from martial arts to playing a musical instrument.
5. Host a Gnarly Gathering
Throw a party with an unconventional theme, asking guests to come in outrageous costumes. Serve unusual snacks and play quirky games to keep the gnarly vibes going.
The Workplace Connection
Given National Get Gnarly Day’s origins in a corporate initiative, it’s worth considering how to bring some “gnarliness” into your professional life:
Innovation Challenges
Organize a brainstorming session where no idea is too wild or unconventional. Encourage team members to think outside the box and propose gnarly solutions to ongoing challenges.
Skill Swap
Arrange for employees to temporarily switch roles or departments for a day, allowing them to gain new perspectives and potentially discover hidden talents.
Office Transformation
Give your workspace a gnarly makeover. This could involve unconventional seating arrangements, an impromptu art installation, or transforming a meeting room into a themed space.
The Bigger Picture: Embracing Change and Challenge
While National Get Gnarly Day is undoubtedly fun, it also carries a deeper message about the value of embracing change and stepping out of our comfort zones. In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt, try new things, and face challenges head-on is more crucial than ever.
By encouraging people to “get gnarly,” this observance promotes resilience, creativity, and personal growth. It reminds us that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from taking risks and being open to new possibilities.
Conclusion: Keep it Gnarly Year-Round
As July 29, 2024, approaches, start planning how you’ll celebrate National Get Gnarly Day. Whether you choose to take on an extreme sport, reinvent your look, or simply try a new recipe, the key is to embrace the spirit of adventure and push your boundaries.
But remember, the essence of “getting gnarly” doesn’t have to be limited to a single day. Consider how you can incorporate this mindset into your daily life, continuously seeking out new experiences and challenges. By doing so, you’ll not only honor the spirit of National Get Gnarly Day but also enrich your life with diverse experiences and personal growth opportunities.
So, are you ready to get gnarly?