On The Nature of Change

What does it mean to change?

Change is, by nature, a destructive act. When a caterpillar exits its chrysalis as a butterfly, the caterpillar is no more. A butterfly — by far a more elegant & beautiful creature — bears no resemblance to its former self. A radical transformation has taken place; the caterpillar and the butterfly can not exist simultaneously. The old has been replaced, destroyed by the new.

There are people who may argue that the caterpillar is a superior creature. (They’re wrong, of course.) These caterpillar lovers will fight tooth & nail to preserve their multi-legged lumbering, leaf-munching lifestyles, and shun the very thought of entering the transformative chamber. They have grown accustomed to, comfortable and content with their caterpillar ways. These people simply fear the unknown. They despair at the thought of darkness & discomfort that will occur during the metamorphosis. They question the value of abandoning the familiar in favor of the new & different, and refuse to accept change.

But, one way or another, change always comes. Caterpillars who do not transform are condemned to a darker fate—a change that no living creature has successfully escaped. A caterpillar that continues munching leaves, forgoing the chrysalis, becomes so massive that it can no longer breathe, and dies.

Inevitably, change is coming. It’s up to you to decide whether to embrace the comfort of the known, or embrace the butterflies.