Above, screen shot of my favorite moment of the entire experience.
First of all, why has no one ever told me how RIDICULOUS I look when I run?
Seriously people?
In my mind, I’m Paula Freaking Radcliffe. In reality? I’m like a . . . I honestly don’t think there’s an adequate description. Umph.
My episode of The Generations Project aired last night on BYUTV. Many of you followed my journey as it unfolded. It was heavy. It was emotional. It was exhaustive.
AND it was AMAZING.
It was truly one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.
And I almost didn’t participate.
When the casting director contacted me, I was an inch away from following a knee jerk reaction to simply say, “no.” I’d never heard of the show. I didn’t have time. I’ve got 4 beautiful boys (yes, I’m including Richie), who like me, a lot. PLUS, I was scheduled to be shooting a wedding on Oahu only 2 days before they wanted to start filming in Salt Lake City. All arrows pointed to not.a.chance. Thankfully I called my sweet-mother-in-law, Shelly. She said simply, “You’ve GOT to do this.” And my heart echoed. Completely. So off I went.
And I’m infinitely grateful I did.
You know, The Old Testament talks about the Spirit of Elijah. I never understood it before now. And even after the absolute depth of my experience, I still can’t express it in words. Were I to try, it would somehow dilute the power—the absolute significance. I’ll simply say, this spirit, this power is real. And it’s astonishing.
Here’s the episode in full. (OR: View Natalie Norton on The Generations Project on the BYUTV site by following the link.)
Sincere, heartfelt gratitude to the following:
Kohl Glass: Because he listened to me. Because he not only HEARD my words but felt them. Internalized them. . . and helped me to connect with, and internalize, them as well. Bless you, brother. Bless you.
Raquel Marvez: Because I’ve never met a more passionately committed person in my life. EVER. She hustled. Every second. Of every.single.day. And because her sense of style blows my mind.
Chantelle Olsen: Because we’re soul sisters, and because she made it all possible. xo, woman.
Marcia Richards: Because there isn’t a soul the world over who doesn’t love Marcia best of all. PS. Marcia, it’s 2012—get yourself a bona fide web presence! What the heck?!
Jack Allred: Because he’s a visionary. Because he’s patient beyond all human capacity or reason. And because he made sure not to make me look too fat. . . other than that one shot. . . from behind. . . just before the final scene. WHAT.THE.HECK.JACK?! ;)
Katienne Norton: Because she’s a Norton (even though we’re not technically related). And because her heart is oh so tender and most definitely made of solid GOLD. And because she’s a sound NINJA. Hi ya! (But for real.) And PS. Katienne, no website for you either?! Woman!
I said it before, and I’ll say it again, love you like family, people. Like family. THANK YOU, from my SOUL. No, deeper. xo, N
