By Tamra Norton
I've done a few challenging things in my life...
When I was seventeen I climbed to the top of Huayna Picchu--that mountain peak you see here towering over the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, located in Peru. It took approximately an hour to hike to the top. It was an incredible and challenging experience--one I'll never forget.
I've given birth seven times...naturally (see evidence to the right--aren't they cute?). Didn't even take a Tylenol. And three of the seven weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. Amazing I can even walk upright today! Yeah, I'll admit, childbirth has probably been the most difficult, yet most rewarding accomplishment on my "challenging things to do" list.
I've run three 10K races...a long time ago.
In the summer of 2000 I lost 23 pounds using the Body-for-Life training and diet system. (I've since gained it all back and then some. That wasn't challenging at all.)
I've served as assistant nursery leader at church for 2+ years ('nuff said).
Over the past 6 years I've written and had published 4 LDS YA novels and 2 middle-grade novels. And while some would say (including myself, at times) that this was a challenging endeavor, as with all of the previously mentioned "challenging things," the experiences have simultaneously brought me the most happiness!
There's that old saying: "No Pain. No gain." And while I don't really like the negative connotation that goes with it, I do believe, however, that many of the most worthwhile things we will accomplish in this life come with a whole lotta work! Writing is no exception, but I do it, because I love it.
And as with so many other challenging things in life, the rewards are priceless!
9 comments:
Congrats on the childbirth thing. I rarely meet anyone else who did that, and I'm proud of myself too for the three kids without pain meds, even the 10-pounder.
Wow. All natural childbirths. I'm now on my knees saying, "I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy." Good for you Tami & Amanda both. I honestly don't know if I could do it without the epidurals.
Yep, did the natural thing with mine, too. #7 weighed in at 10 lbs. 4 oz. and was the easiest to birth. I was always too paranoid to get an epidural--I'd be the one in one million that ended up paralyzed.
Life is certainly filled with challenges, but like you said, they're all worth it.
I bet that hike was amazing!! And the childbirth, you're a braver woman than I am, though I'm not ashamed to say I took the epidural after the first real pain on my last couple and don't regret it for a second.
Funny thing is, I wouldn't discourage any of my daughters from getting an epidural--ever. Might even talk them into it. I just don't think I could handle seeing them in any sort of pain!
Rebecca - I had the exact same feeling about the epidural. The idea of a needle in my spine terrified me much more than childbirth.
wow, I did natural childbirth 3 times , but one was less than 7 lbs and the other two were in the 5 lb range. You really are superwoman and your right, challenges do make us stronger.
I have been the nursery leader for 5 years and counting! 2 years is just barely getting your schedule down!
I'm totally with you for the natural childbirth (not 7, but 4). My biggest was 9 lbs 6 oz. But it seems Rebecca has us totally beat. Over 10 lbs!
I love your list of challenges/accomplishments. Very cool.
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