There’s something magical about witnessing transformation up close. A few years ago, my son and I decided to raise butterflies- a simple little project that turned into something much bigger. What started with a few tiny caterpillars became a journey filled with quiet lessons, unexpected moments of wonder, and reminders that still sit with me today.
I recently shared this experience in a podcast episode, diving deeper into the reflections and emotions that came with watching these tiny creatures transform. If you’d like to hear more of the story, you can listen here: Embracing Change: From Caterpillar to Butterfly.
When we first got our caterpillars, they weren’t much to look at- just these tiny, hungry little things munching away at their food. But as the days passed, they grew. And then, just like that, they each spun themselves into a cocoon, slipping into stillness.
It struck me how transformation often happens in those quiet moments- the ones where we’re not actively “doing” but simply allowing. It’s easy to feel like we need to constantly push forward, but sometimes, the most powerful growth happens when we pause, reflect, and give ourselves that space to change.
And then came the moment we had been waiting for-their emergence. Watching them struggle to break free was both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. It wasn’t easy for them, but that struggle? It was necessary. That struggle is what made their wings strong enough to fly. And isn’t that so true for us, too? Growth isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes, it’s downright painful. But every challenge, and every moment we push through, strengthens us in ways we don’t always see right away.
Looking back, I have realized just how much these tiny little creatures had to teach me:
- Trust the Process– Growth takes time, and transformation doesn’t happen overnight.
- Strength Comes from the Struggle- Breaking out of the cocoon is hard, but it’s what prepares the butterfly to fly. The same goes for us-our struggles shape us, even when they don’t feel like it in the moment.
- Be Present– They just live fully, vibrantly. A reminder to slow down and find joy in the now.
- Letting Go is Part of the Journey– Releasing our butterflies was bittersweet, but it was also beautiful. Sometimes, moving forward means letting go of what we’ve been holding onto.
a gentle, meaningful experience
One of the best things about raising butterflies? It takes very little energy, but the experience is profound. If you, like me, deal with fatigue or chronic illness, this is such a beautiful way to connect with nature and witness transformation up close—without needing to exhaust yourself.
If this speaks to you, I highly recommend trying it. I’ve linked the kit we used below—it’s a simple, joyful experience that will bring a little bit of magic into your home.
Links to Butterfly Garden & Caterpillars
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Final thoughts
Whether you’re in the middle of a big life change, working through challenges, or just needing a reminder that growth is happening (even when it doesn’t feel like it), take a lesson from the butterfly. Trust the process. Give yourself space to grow. And when the time comes, step into your wings. Because you will emerge stronger!
If you want to hear more of my reflections, check out my podcast episode where I share the full story, along with some personal insights about transformation and resilience. You can listen here: Embracing Change: From Caterpillar to Butterfly.
Have you ever raised butterflies or had an experience that reminded you of life’s transformations? I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment below or join the conversation in our Discord community.