Butterflies

People sometimes ask me why I like butterflies so much. I mean--I have butterfly posters, clothing, pens, and not to mention the "bflies". I have butterflies everywhere. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't see a butterfly.

Other than butterflies are pretty, graceful and they are one insect that really cannot 'harm' you---I see a deeper meaning behind this gorgeous creature...a meaning that most people can relate to.

Everyone knows where butterflies come from. Butterflies start off as caterpillar. Not many people care for caterpillars. There really isn't much beauty or grace in them. They just crawl around and eat the leaves off of your favorite plant (lol).

Well, the time comes when the caterpillar has to go through some things and make some changes. The caterpillar goes through a steep climb up a tree and isolates himself from the world. He shuts himself into a cocoon---a place away from everything and everyone else. There, he can be alone and make the changes that he needs to make. The caterpillar needs to be alone in order to change and grow into what he is essentially supposed to be. No one has to help him. No one can rush him. He comes out of his little "hiding place" when he is ready---and not before.

Finally, the day comes. The "caterpillar" knows it is time to come out. He may be afraid at first--because, inside, he knows he's different. He don't know how he will do out in the world. He don't know if he'll even be accepted...but he does know that he can't stay locked away and shut out of the world forever.

He starts to break away from what's been holding him. He sees the sunlight for the first time in a while and he emerges. He feels different---but not only that---he looks different. he discovers he has wings and he can actually fly. He doesn't have anymore uphill climbs. It don't take him quite as long to get where he's going now that he has wings. He's not just some "yucky" insect anymore. He is a beautiful butterfly.


The way that caterpillars turn into butterflies is a way to see that change isn't always a bad thing. People do the same things as caterpillars. Everyone goes through things and sometimes, it does feel like an uphill climb. People wonder when the trials in life will end---and eventually, they get tired of climbing. At that point, they stop and shut themselves away. They get away from everything and everyone. They become isolated and in this time, they change. By going through things, you change and in return, you've essentially done something for yourself.

When you're ready, you put yourself back out in the world...and you see you are not the exact same as you were. You are more beautiful because of the struggles that you went through.

See----I love butterflies because----just like them----I know no matter what I go through. No matter how hard it gets and how broke down I get----I will be better and more beautiful in the end.

37 Lessons Learned

1. I feel I cannot trust anyone. I've realized that people do lie and I really can't trust anyone except myself.

2. I can't believe everything someone tells me. Just because someone says something doesn't mean it's true.

3. The phrase "Fool me once - shame on you, Fool me twice - shame on me" should really be observed. If it happens once, learn from it and don't let it happen again.

4. I cannot change anyone. No matter how many times I give "threats" or how many times I've screamed until I'm blue in the face - a person will only change if THEY want to change.

5. Sometimes, leaving and letting go IS really what's best for someone.

6. I can't make myself love someone---AND I can't make myself hate someone...no matter how much I think I should or how much I want to.

7. Blaming my own problems on someone else doesn't fix them--it normally only makes them worse.

8. Mama and Daddy really do know best---and are USUALLY right. I never thought I'd admit that.

9. Sometimes, "outsiders" see things that I can't (or refuse) to see. I should take their advice.

10. Sometimes "LOVE" isn't enough to keep 2 people together.

11. The quote, "Staying friends with your ex is like your dog dying and your mom saying you can keep it" is true. Of course, it's hard letting go of something you once loved and cared for---but eventually, it just gets nasty.

12. At times, it hurts to let go---but I've realized it is usually harder hanging on.

13. Friends actually do fight---even best friends---but they work through it and become stronger.

14. When you're going through a hard time, you really see who your true friends are. They will listen to you--not because they HAVE to--but because they WANT to.

15. Someone who hurts me or makes me cry isn't worth a minute of my time.

16. If you lie---you'll eventually get caught.

17. Hurting and going through a hard time is actually worth it in the end.

18. There are times when I just want and need to cry. I don't want unsolicited advice. I don't want to fix what is wrong. I just want to cry!

19. Some issues cannot be resolved before bed.

20. Sometimes, silence really says it all.

21. I'd rather be lonely and single than lonely and in a relationship.

22. Lying to impress someone gets you nowhere.

23. Close friends and definitely family stick around longer than most boyfriends. I have learned to watch how I treat them and not to forget about them just because I'm seeing someone.

24. Trying to be someone I'm not just to make someone accept me is NEVER a good idea.

25. Insecurity and jealousy isn't cute on anyone.

26. Change doesn't always have to be a bad thing.

27. I'm slow to trust but quick to love. (Yes, I stole this from a Sugarland Song---but it's true)

28. At times, music can be a better healer than any medication.

29. There are certain times when you just need someone to wrap their arms around you--and even though you know it's not--they tell you everything is going to be okay.

30. It is really hard to live without regrets---no matter how many times you say you wont or how much you try not to have regrets.

31. Hiding things never helps a situation. It causes you to lie and hurt the people you love.

32. Long distance relationships are not for me.

33. People don't always do what they say they are going to do.

34. Actions really do speak louder than words.

35. Talk is cheap.

36. People can only go as far as you let them.

37. It really is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.