Transformation: The Caterpillar And The Butterfly

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

The journey from the caterpillar to the butterfly is far greater than people give it credit for. We all praise the butterfly for its beauty and grace. Yet seldom do we praise the butterfly for the extraordinary journey it takes to become its intended greatness. It seems that we distinguish the butterfly from the caterpillar as if they are two separate entities. The purpose and destiny of the caterpillar is tossed out because the butterfly steals the show.

Scientifically, the butterfly goes through four different stages before it becomes an actual butterfly.  Of the high number of eggs the butterfly lays, only approximately 1 in 20 will make it to the next stage. After the egg develops, more will drop off if they cannot survive their first meal as a caterpillar.  At the stage of a caterpillar is where most of the work and transformation comes in to play.  It takes much effort and strength to make it through to the final stages of spinning into a cocoon.  It takes so much work for the caterpillar to turn into a butterfly that there are five different stages within the caterpillars life alone.  Through all of those stages, some still do not make it.

The greatness of the butterfly is that it goes through all of that work.  Before the butterfly actually forms its wings, before it even turns into a caterpillar, at each stage it could all come to an end.  However, only the strongest endure to the end and flutter into the majestic butterfly we praise so highly.

We can all learn a lesson from nature through the process of becoming a butterfly.  People will always just see the end result.  So at whatever stage you are at, they see that as the end.  This is not true for the caterpillar, whose life mission is to become a butterfly. This is also not true for us and our journey.  People will only praise us once we make it to the top, however they neglect the process and journey that it takes to get to the final stage.

Even at the final stage for a butterfly, they still have more work to do.  Their migration and laying of eggs are work that means their journey of life does not end once they become a butterfly.  Likewise, our journey does not end once we endure to the end of our vision.  Nevertheless, others will not see the additional work that is ongoing. This does not negate the fact that work and the journey continues.  

For myself, keeping certain things in mind has helped me realize how important the journey really is. Keep in mind these four things as you continue on your path to your dreams:

1. Embrace where you are. At each stage there is a lesson and there can be fulfillment. This will help guide us through each stage.

2. Be willing to change. A willingly open and receptive heart can take you so far. It can take you to the final stage of the butterfly. However, when you fail to want to change then your growth becomes stagnant and dies. This is also evident with the caterpillar.

3. Enjoy each stage. Find beauty as often as you can. It doesn't have to be the ideal situation to still find something positive. If the only positive thing you can find is being alive, then enjoy that because it means more will come.

4. Remain humble so when you are exalted in due time it will be well deserved. I doubt the butterfly ever looks at the caterpillar and despises it's beginnings. Even in its glory of its journey, remaining humble is ever important.

So, do not give up.  Do not look down upon the caterpillar because it is not yet a butterfly.  Instead praise the caterpillar as well for laying the groundwork and foundation for the butterfly.  When we are in our caterpillar stage, do not give up. Not everyone makes it because they see their current situation and do not want to envision the future for being better and brighter. They cannot see the end result.  Even if it seems like an eternity, the final stage, the butterfly stage, will occur.  Keep pressing forward and enjoy the journey at each stage.  For the simple fact that you have not given up yet means there is better coming if you just endure.

Love the butterfly, but respect and enjoy the caterpillar as well. It is a reflection of our journey.  




Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou