Lately it seems like butterflies are everywhere. On all my nature walks the past few weeks (and even in my front yard) I see them all the time. Yellow is the color of the week. Yes, it’s springtime, but I find them rather magical. I can learn many things from a butterfly.
Have you ever watched them fly? Butterflies do not fly in a straight line- they fly in a zig zag pattern. The unpredictable patten protects them from predators. The trajectory of life also does not follow a straight line. There are zigs and zags along the way from point A to point B- nothing wrong with that, it may take longer or be a different route than I planned, but I will arrive at my destination.
In the book- The Little Prince, the flower tells him “Well, I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.” A lot of wisdom comes from the very naive flower. She’s not wrong. I sometimes feel like the caterpillar and I sometimes feel like the butterfly.
A caterpillar moment (or period of time) is the transformation time, like earning a degree, creating a blog, a job transition, working on a wellness plan, etc. It’s not easy and it’s not always fun, but you are aware that that it’s going to end at some point and bust out of your cocoon to fly.
A butterfly moment is when you get to soar- something amazing is happening. Graduation, marriage, a first communion, you land your dream job. You are feeling good and shining. It may last awhile or not. Then the caterpillar then cocoon phase may start all over again.
My takeaway from the butterflies is that life is often a zig zag pattern and it’s probably more interesting that way. Challenging times are followed by brilliant, shining moments to enjoy. If you are feeling like a caterpillar today, I hope that you see a butterfly to remind you of the hope of good times to come. If you are feeling like a butterfly today, soar baby soar! 🦋
