Princess Sassy Pants & Co.™

I wonder if the caterpillar is aware that it is literally falling to pieces when it’s in the chrysalis. Does it become afraid? Does it think that things have really gone seriously wrong? Does it sit and plan how it will return to “normal,” inching along on the ground? What is happening certainly can’t make any sense to it while it’s happening. Only as it finally emerges and takes flight could it possibly see that it was very mistaken. It could have simply rested in trust all along.

Things are often not as they appear; sometimes, what looks like falling apart is a preparation for a whole new experience. The old ways are sometimes simply out of alignment with the new ones forming, and they need to crumble to make room.

I’ve experienced this a few times, and although falling apart in the chrysalis isn’t fun, what emerges is always more than worth it. There was one period where absolutely everything in my life was utterly leveled; it was like a spiritual tsunami came through, and as I looked about, I saw only shards of my former life everywhere. It was clear there was no way I could piece it back together. I found myself having to let go of the idea that my old life would be resurrected somehow.

After a period of torment where I tried to clench the old, I began to surrender, let go, and simply ask, “What now?” Slowly the dust and smoke started to dissipate, and I could see a gentle, flower-lined path emerging. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Hang on–It is often when things seem to be the darkest that we are at the precipice of our greatest opportunities for real growth, and we find our wings!