Caterpillars, we all know, can transform into butterflies. But in order to become a butterfly, a caterpillar must go through a process of ‘metamorphosis’. This involves the insect using enzymes to digest its body, become a soup-like substances and then start to rebuild itself as another insect. Quite simply, it must stop being caterpillar to be a butterfly!
“How does one become a butterfly?” she asked. “You must want to fly so much, you are willing to give up being a caterpillar! – Trina Paulus, Hope for the Flowers
We remain ‘caterpillars’ when:
* We get so caught up with the mundane that we forget that we’re made for greater things.
* We dream small because we’re too scared of the consequences of dreaming great dreams.
* We stick to old ways of doing things because the routine is so familiar, any change will make us insecure.
* We hold on to a relationship that doesn’t let us grow, because we’re frightened that if we let it go, we’ll be unloved.
* We don’t admit our mistakes, and move on, because we fear that people will not like us if they know the ‘real’ person.
* We keep saying ‘Yes’ even when we don’t want to, because we’d rather be popular than happy.
* We hide our talents because we’re afraid that people might laugh at us when we showcase them.
The list could go on.
Most often, we’re afraid to risk losing our cocoon and end up dying as caterpillars, when we’re meant to be beautiful butterflies!
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This is thought-provoking. It is tough achieving the points listed here but still, I believe keeping these in mind will atleast be useful to us to think there are possibilities.
Oh yes, there are always possibilities, Anamika. I do believe you’re very close to getting some of them absolutely perfected!
The incubation ….. wow , Need to overcome these hazards, for sure. The perfect directions
Glad these made sense to you, Sapna.
Yes, I keep hiding talents in the fear of being mocked. Guilty of that.
And unconsciously or subconsciously guilty of the others too at times. It takes continuous effort and re-evaluating ourselves. Trying to reflect on most of these consciously.
The fear of uncertainty can cast grave shadows on our dreams. But beyond that lies what we truly want. I loved the analogy of caterpillar. Makes one question our current choices and decisions
So true Corinne – we must wish to fly to stop being a caterpillar and turn into a butterfly! So often our doubts simply dont let us grow or we keep fearing change, even as it peeks around corners and we know it will come.
Loved the post and that big fat caterpillar pic is so perfect! 🙂
Corinne, here is my take! We stay a caterpillar and never turn into a butterfly, when we create a cocoon around ourselves, without going with the flow of life or exploring ourselves. We seldom want to step out of this cocoon.
Loved to hear about the Caterpillar syndrome. I think these are timely reminders that we all need, Corinne. At least, I know I do. The spontaneity and enthusiasm with which we begin our lives doesn’t take long to be replaced with self-doubts and serendipity over time. Complacency breeds mediocrity and most of us can relate to that. I guess, with age, cynicism is the other bane that comes to rule our lives. If only we remember these golden rules and apply them, we’d lead happier and more contented lives.
Firstly, Thanks for adding my link 🙂 I guess all of us suffer from the caterpillar syndrome and never explore our full potential. We should not be scared to leave our cocoon. I guess most of us get complacent and never want to leave our comfort zone. Great motivation to begin the week. I hope I be able to spread my wings in the coming days.
How often we get stuck in the rut and stop growing for the sheer comfort of where we are. What a lovely, thought-provoking post, Corinne. Thank you
A wise post, Corinne! We stay in a doomed relationship because we don’t know what we will do if we step out. We say yes because the thought of saying no and its consequences is too much. True we are destined to be butterflies, but we are so comfortable in our cocoons.
This is inspiring. Often the mundane is so overwhelming that it consumes all our time and energy. The trick is to get out of that and aspire to be something else.
I need to read this post once daily, Corinne. For as much as I am trying to bring about the change, sometimes I fall short of making the leap..as in LEAP…the big leap! 😛 Thanks so much! <3
Loved the analogy with the caterpillar. I think it’s the fear of the pain of metamorphosis that prevents us from being butterflies.
Wow such a lovely post and agree with each point that most of us often behave like this and always had a sense of fear and insecurity for following our own dreams and ambition. loved the way you had expressed this emotion.
The caterpillar I feel has hidden potential.A very introspective post.
Corinne, each of your points resonates with all of us.
I guess I need to bookmark this post so that I can read it everyday for my inspiration dose. And yeah, the only way to stop ourselves from being overwhelmed by the mundane is to chase our dreams like crazy. In fact, dreams & rather not plans, are one of the essentials that make us human.
Very inspirational Post. I would have never started writing with a fear of getting mocked by people but I am happy that I started, though I’m still learning but happy with the progress.
Very insightful and inspiring. It is our own thoughts that restrict our actions at times, making us a caterpillar.
One thing that makes the caterpillar superior to us is the fact that it has courage to undergo the metamorphosis. It neither doubt itself nor its capability nor the process. It goes with the flow with ease and undergoes metamorphosis. The boneless creature has a message for ‘better abled’ us. But are we receiving the message? We better…
A thought provoking and wise post! Yes, it’s the comfort of the cocoon that prevents us from staying as caterpillars and not transforming as butterflies. Love that quote from Trina Paulus. yes, we need to have that fire inside and stop the fears and inhibitions to become strong.
Absolutely loved this one. Many times in the rush of being better and make that happen fast, we let the cookie crumble.
You post made me think, Corinne and think of what can I do better.
So true. Often the mundane engulfs us and it’s so overwhelming too that we just do even try to try fulfilling our dreams, be who we want to be. Sigh!