Are You A Caterpillar Or A Butterfly
Posted: Sunday, January 04, 2009
by Susan Thom
"Just When The Caterpillar Thought Life Was Over, It Became A Butterfly."
We all go through our stages when we feel like we are in a dark cocoon, slowly moving towards the end of a tunnel, towards the light. We can feel the warmth and see the brightness, but it seems one thing or another gets in our way. Sometimes, we feel stuck, and aren't sure whether we can actually make it to the other side. We give it our best effort, but we feel bogged down as if we are stuck halfway through, and must wait until the next positive situation pushes us a little further towards the light.
The light begins to glow stronger, and the warmth allows us to feel nourished, and protected. We feel we are actually moving towards a new start, a new life, free from the confines of our old one. Excitement can be felt seeping into our veins, and we are acutely aware that we are on a mission. What awaits us is far more positive than what we left behind. The energy starts moving us forward. We get closer to the light. We have faith and hope that we will reach our destiny. And because we do, we do! Our wings take us to a better place where we can be free.
In that freedom, we mustn't forget about sharing ourselves with others who now may be starting their journey into darkness. We would be wise to always make ourselves available, as others were available to us. That acknowledged, we can begin to soar, on positivity and excitement. The dark may have been dismal, but the light is always worth it. That feeling of being alive, happy, and free from burdens illuminates all we think, feel, act and react to. Our feet feel like they barely touch the ground. The sky is bluer, the grass greener, the air more pure.
We are being rewarded, I believe, for doing the right things, and feeling the right ways. Pushing ourselves through our cocoons, no matter what problems they hold. Those who give up, or don't try, are keeping themselves from the light. They stop midway through, never to move on. Not as interesting as being free, and able to soar through life on angel's wings of honesty and love. Raising a family is one of the most rewarding and difficult things to do. There is nothing that can compare to the smile on a baby's face, or a child's laugh.
If you forced your way through those periods of feeling like a caterpillar in a cocoon, you have the chance to enjoy such things. If you let your problems take you down, you stand to miss the mountains, rain, snow, rivers, waterfalls, children, home, and friends. Your wings are clipped, they can't be of any use. However, if you take the time to learn from each cocoon trip in life, your wings will grow back, stronger than before. Through trial and error, you can begin to shift to a more peaceful and rewarding way of life. Less trips to the dark cocoon.
We have to fight to keep our wings optimistic, although at times, we simply need to rest. The desire to go through life as painlessly as possible will let us know which time it is. Growing and learning, these seem to be the basics on our journeys though our own cocoons. Just as the caterpillar must stay inside his casing for a certain period of time, growing and no doubt learning, we too, must do the same. And when the particular circumstance is over, we'll be able to come out the other side with a fresh new start, and wings that will take us anywhere we choose to go.
They can take us to a better job, a nicer home, having children, or grandchildren, enjoying our family, and enjoying our life. We can read, write, work, shop, drive, and love. We can volunteer, sit with the elderly, hold babies in the maternity ward, have lunch with a friend, get our hair cut, buy a nice outfit, have a nice vehicle. There is much we can do now with e mail. We can send our thoughts and pictures to those we care about.
There are many things we can do when our wings sprout. I guess it depends if one wants to live in a long dark tunnel of negativity, or a feeling of joy and gratitude for all that surrounds us. I hope you let the caterpillar go, and accept your wings.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Yes there is a stage in our lives when we break away from the cocoon and spread our wings. good article SusanPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi david,thank you.life can be scary i guess, but it'swhat we have to work with, sowhy not make it the best it can be?my best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue, thank you for another encouraging article. It is those tough times that strengthen us if we chose to learn from them. I hope you are feeling well. Hugs, TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi teresa,i have found that indeed, it is our toughesttimes that teach us the most lessons.thanks for reading and commenting,much appreciated,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Susan, I really enjoyed this article. It is very deep and significant. Awesome!Please log in to respond to this comment.hi ken,thank you for reading and commenting, i truly appreciate it.i've been doing some thinking about my life, and how it's been laid out.my aunt sent me this quote on a magnet, supposedly it is a proverb, andit just sent me writing,enjoy the new year,wishing you all the best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Bravo, Miz Sue! Sounds like you've found yours (wings, that is)! I'm so pleased for you!Please log in to respond to this comment.hi camille,thank you for reading and responding.my wings have been slowly growing aftera bout in the cocoon, but they are on their way.enjoy the new year and all it brings.may there be beauty and light,my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue.I'm going to be a bit of a geek here and say that after the caterpillar forms its cocoon, strictly speaking, it is no longer a caterpillar. And really, I see nothing wrong with thinking of myself as a caterpillar plodding along always working toward change. I may never become that butterfly, but I'm okay with that as long as I am always moving forward.But I get what you are saying and it is inspiring. This is a wonderful message.But, caterpillars have no choice but to form a cocoon. Luckily, I have a choice and choose not to. I'm not waiting for those wings. What I've got right now may not be the best or the greatest, but it's what I've got. I'll do what I can with it.As always, you give me much to think about and new ways of looking at things.Love and hugs,DiannePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi dianne,thank you for reading and commenting.you may not realize this, but I think you are a butterfly.you bring hope and happiness to those who read your articles.your jewelry is bright and light, warm, and made with a goodness of spirit.the quote was a proverb, i don't know which one, that my aunt sent me, so thanks for filling me in about the caterpillar.it just got me thinking about life's ups and downs, and days of lightness and dark.i could relate to the cocoon, the caterpillar, and the butterfly.i've been in a dark cocoon for many years, and now, i want wings to spread light and freedom.i wish you the best in the coming year, (i see your wings)with best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.Hi Sue.Thanks.I only know the "Search Warp Sue." I don't know you from before and what you have gone through, except as you might write about it. But it seems to me that you most assuredly have always had your wings. I can't see any kind of cocoon or cage holding you for long.Hugs,DiannePlease log in to respond to this comment.thanks dianne,only a butterfly could say such nice things :)my best,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Susan! Great article. I wrote an article similar to yours a few years back on the same premise of being caterpillar and growing spiritually into a butterfly with wings! Thank you for sharing such an inspiring message.Many blessings to you in 2009!Angie :-)Please log in to respond to this comment.hi angie,i appreciate you reading and commenting.this article was sort of like a talk i was having with myself.trying to inspire and get the juices flowing again.i'm glad you enjoyed it,my best to you, as well, in the coming year,sincere regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Sue, great read.....I loved the content, as it is so true....I am glad that you found your beautiful wings, and I think at 62 I have found mine.....you are wise beyond your years, and I love your work.....thank you for sharing this with us, your friend in pen....and a loyal fan, Gary.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi gary,i appreciate you coming by and reading and you leave great comments.wisdom is born of pain, and with each new pain, comes a little more wisdom. i don't question anymore, i know there's a reason, and i just try to find the lesson and learn it.i'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.but i know better days are on the near horizon.and my wings are going to soar,my best regards,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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