As the belly bump gets bigger and bigger (who am I kidding, it’s no “bump” — at 32 weeks it’s more like I’m hiding a pumpkin under my shirt), I’ve had a couple of people recently ask me why I am choosing (for the seconds time) to have a natural childbirth. There are so many “amazing” drugs out there — why wouldn’t I choose to make my experience less painful?
In discussing this with our midwife, she had a really cool take on it. I’m paraphrasing, but in essence she shared… People want to FEEL their lives. Why do we run marathons? Climb mountains? Learn how to paint? Because we have the desire to FEEL alive.
It’s so true. These big hurdles are not accomplished with a simple amount of effort or desire. They force us to come alive in a new way, to dig deeper than we thought was possible within ourselves, to go far beyond the day-to-day breathing and existing.
So, how do you break out of your rut to start this journey towards FEELING your life (short of getting pregnant — ha!)?
Do something today that FREAKS the hell out of you.
At the start, make it something trivial — something that doesn’t effect your life at all — other than it makes you jump, or scream or almost pee your pants a little. This will help you break out of “existing mode.”
Need some inspiration? Here’s a video of me looking like QUITE the fool, as I muster up the courage to feed a freakin’ crazy-looking Scottish Highland Steer out of my hand. It was the most alive I had felt in days — what an AWESOME feeling!!
Congrats on the natural childbirth decision! I don’t have any children but I was privileged to be invited to help one of my best friends in her at-home natural child birth. Watching and being just a small part of that miracle forever changed my perspective on “life”.
Thanks, too, for encouraging us to DO and BE what us feel more alive. I started the week really depressed. So, each day this week, I’ve done ONE daring thing! The kind that draws out the adrenalin in my veins and the flush on my cheek. When we claim the joy of our inner child and LIVE in the moment, we live a life worth savoring.
One, I’m happy to see your WDS shirt! Two, I’m surprised it fits!
I hear you on natural child birth and that power of “I can do it!” I think that tackling those scary things in one area actually builds us in to take the first step in others. Thinking of you these last few weeks!