I’ve been in the place I find myself now before…many times. It’s the place where we are leaving one period of our life but don’t quite know what’s next. It can be a difficult and scary time filled with questions that don’t seem to have answers yet, and a deep sense of uncertainty. The fear of the unknown makes us want to cling to what we know we’ve outgrown. We usually become willing to take the necessary leap into that dreaded unknown only once the pain of staying put become greater than our fear.
I knew this was coming. I could feel it. I know the signs having been here many times, but as many times as I’ve walked through this all too familiar door, I can’t say it gets any easier. The unknown is the place of possibilities and hope but it can also be a difficult place; it’s often where we have to stare down our fears in order to pass through them to find the treasures they hide.
We can experience this when any big change in our life looms before us–a career change, a relationship change, even a deep spiritual shift can bring these feelings. The good thing is that these are usually signs of profound growth; a seed doesn’t become a large oak without profound change.
Although I have never found these periods to be easy, I have found it helpful to slow down and listen within. As much I can, I also try to not fight against it, and remind myself that is a good thing however much it might be scary and not feeeel good at times, and to let myself fall apart a little…or a lot.
Falling apart is not a concept that our culture generally supports or understands but it is highly underrated. The symbol of the butterfly is such a powerful metaphor for life, growth, and transformation just because it must completely falls apart in order to become something beautiful and spectacular. When we fall apart we almost always automatically assume something has gone terribly wrong, but imagine if we were a society that understood that we are all destined to sprout beautiful wings and to fly and thus we MUST fall apart. That this is not a bad thing. It’s not that something has gone wrong, but is a sign that something is going very, very right.
We may not live in such a world that celebrates all that precedes profound transformation yet but that doesn’t mean we can’t believe and hope ourself. Any maybe, just maybe, when others see our wings, they too will allow themselves to let go of the old, outgrown branches they cling to and to fall apart with hope in their hearts.
To all of those who find themselves falling apart too–I’ll meet you in the sky! xo
“In order to discover new lands, one must be willing to lose sight of the shore…” –Andre Gide.
Thank you, you have helped me in so many ways through the years. With all your positive quotes, stories and poems. Love your Photos also. Yes, and always at the right times ..
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I’ve been following you for years. Love, love your work and your words. Sometimes I feel it’s me that wrote what you’ve written and exactly when I’m going through it. Bless you for continuing to do what you do. I admire your stamina, strength and endurance to continue despite life’s challenges. I, too, would like to have that stamina. While others may think I do, deep inside I’m afraid too. Thank you for these words. You have a true calling.
I got this!
Much love, Gloria ♥️
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Thank you for your message and words of encouragement.
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What a beautiful message for all of us struggling with change. I myself at the end of 2018 have had to move (after 26 years) the company I’ve worked for (for 37 years) sold & my new employer wants me to fly to Dallas for a conference. Something I have not done in 33 years. So it would seem 2019 is telling me that you have been in the same place to long that it’s time to experience that there’s more to life. So as a person of faith I will embrace what my God has in store for me. Who knows maybe, just maybe deep down inside I’m really a butterfly. ❤
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Sending light and prayers. May your Angels guide you through the challenging times, and help you to find the blessing hidden within. Your lovely art has helped so many of us to find the blessing in the tough times. Thank you, and God bless you and yours.
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you can do this
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wonderful , sometime’s we need a strong wind to blow the trouble’s away [ just fora little while .]
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that’s good at time’s something that will be refeshing , hopefully .
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I appreciate every post. I certainly love the pictures. I send on your posts to many so they may enjoy the boost you give me.
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Thank you for this Today! I am Afraid. I am Scared, I have to walk alone and this really scares me, I do Believe, so, this time, I am going to Trust The Devine. I Hope God is with me this time! Oh! Gosh please, please be with me on the Timing! I’m going to do what I almost, Never do… I am going to smile, Greet them with Demands for what I want so I can’t Except what is Mine and so this day, I shore Hope, Hardship is ready to Fight, if this Day does not open up for Me… Gonna Be Some Crazy Shots Fired!
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Thanks
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Thank you so much
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You always have the perfect thing to say to so many of us
Thank you
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I feel this way too. Thank you for sharing and for your encouragement. ✨
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My daughter is going through a VERY difficult time right now. This was meant for her. I forwarded it in hopes that she finds peace in the journey. Thank You.
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Wow! This is just what I needed today. I have been a fan for years and you have helped me so much. Your posts are just what I need some days. Thank you for your work.
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OMG, I needed this so badly today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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