Be Like the Butterfly
Struggles into Strengths
No challenge, no change, my coach at the gym was known to say.
Invariably as humans we all have challenges in life from time to time, far more involved than switching up a workout at the gym; and I am encouraged by the lesson of the butterfly.
Did you know that if you help a struggling butterfly out of its cocoon, it will soon die? It needs the struggle to form and strengthen its wings so it can fly, so it can feed itself.
Often we want to be saved from a struggle or rescue loved ones from struggling. While we help as able, mostly by being a loving presence, we can honor the struggle for what it is strengthening. Similar to a workout at the gym, this is the gym of life.
Which muscles are getting stronger?
Courage?
Tolerance? Acceptance? Self-control?
Resilience?
Compassion? Empathy?
Patience? Discipline? Perseverance?
Responsibility? Respectfulness?
Adaptability? Flexibility?
Humility?
Kindness?
Integrity?
And the list goes on.
