Earlier this month, I talked about how as with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people. I went into detail about the adversity they face in the process of becoming something else, something greater.
Most of us love butterflies. There is a butterfly sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California that we visit whenever we are in the area. Every year between Fall and Spring, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to this area to spend the cooler months, sheltering in the pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees. It is a beautiful sight to see. So many butterflies in one place, all clustered together, blending into the branches until sunrise. Then they spread their wings and fly around the property.
A butterfly doesn’t become what it is without struggle and destruction of what it once was. Its beauty is created by all it went through to become what it is today. When you think about the most interesting people, it is usually their story of becoming that makes them interesting. Their own struggle, misfortunes, and adversity that they had to overcome is what draws us to them.
Think about it. How many stories of people who have had “success” have you been drawn to that never talk about their challenges and all that they had to overcome? Probably none, right? We just don’t feel compelled by stories that highlight the hardships and difficulties. We love the underdog for a reason. It inspires us and gives us hope. There isn’t one butterfly that didn’t have to fight for their place here. When you see a butterfly, remind yourself of that. You, too, can transform and become the best version of yourself over time. It is never too late.
