Lessons from the Life of a Butterfly

I had to make you uncomfortable, otherwise you never would have moved. - Universe

I feel like this is my life in one sentence and over time has become my life’s motto. Does discomfort get easier? No. Does it become less scary? Yes. The moment you learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, your growth journey starts to take off in massive ways.

Change can feel uncomfortable and painful at times, but if we don’t allow ourselves to go through all the stages of change, nothing will change. We know so well that change is the only constant in our life. Yet, all the time we fight the change while everything changes all the time! Ironic, isn’t it?

I’ve always imagined my life to be very similar to the life of a butterfly. Therefore, I know that if I don’t change form, this will inhibit me from truly flying. I have to say, I’ve never felt like my life is the life of one butterfly only. I feel like I have moved from a caterpillar into a butterfly several times already. Every time the butterfly turns out differently, as every transformation is a new experience, and each time the old butterfly starts dying, a new caterpillar is already making its way into existence.

To become a butterfly, you start off as a caterpillar. When you’re a caterpillar, you begin crawling along the ground, creating your comfort zone. The moment it’s time to change from a caterpillar into a cocoon, you truly think you’re dying. It feels like life is over. So many times, in this phase, I truly thought I was dying – physically, mentally and emotionally. I was sure I had lived my best moments of life and soon the good times would all be over. Everything simply felt lonely, grey, uncertain and confused.

Eventually, the discomfort forces you to settle into something deeper... In this phase, I now know, you just have to be... It’s so important to not fight the change or resist the pain but to embrace each and every emotion instead. Getting to know your own uncomfortable self should be your only mission. I promise you, keeping faith and having the patience to hold on gets easier over time and through experience. Does it get less painful? No, but the suffering does get less… Be, trust, feel, have patience and be nice to yourself. Nowadays, I am way stronger, more hopeful and more confident whenever I spin a new cocoon for myself once again.

In this moment that I’m writing this, I feel like I’m in a cocoon too. I’ve been here many times, so, yes, it makes the process familiar and makes it easier to hold on through the uncertainty, as I feel and know in my gut that the sun will shine again. I tell myself every day: “You’re growing” (even if I don’t feel it).

Be proud of yourself. Use your wisdom, inspiration and the clarity you’ve gained over the years to build the new. Old lessons are being learned, and, suddenly, you will notice the dark days make room for new perspectives and brighter visions. You will feel there is a brighter, more harmonious path ahead as you’re getting ready to bloom.

The moment you feel yourself transform into a butterfly, it’s time to really take action! You’ve got to get out there and be the one to make it happen. Be spontaneous and go wherever your wings take you. You can only learn how to master flying by keeping on trying.

Be light and free. Don’t waste one single minute. Strive for growth, not perfection. Commit to evolving. Embrace every moment and surround yourself with inspiring beings. Have patience, believe in your power and be present. Strive each day to be more than you were before. Face your fears, give yourself time, spread your wings and fly!

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. - Maya Angelou