The Chrysalis Conundrum

It was a perfect summer day, so I decided to take a walk during my lunch break. Passing a field not far from my home, I noticed some small milkweed plants had sprouted and decided to dig one up to take back with me. Later, I realized that it had three VERY tiny monarch caterpillars on the leaves—like hitting the jackpot, as I had never found a monarch caterpillar before. Now, we could watch firsthand as these babies grew to their full size, created their chrysalis, and then broke free as brilliantly colored flying beings.

One reached its final stage, where it turns black and something that looks like a gold zipper forms across the top. We placed a blanket outside and waited in the sun.

It was amazing to watch as this thing, the size of the tip of my finger, began to move. The process of breaking free and spreading the spotted and lined wings was awe-inspiring. The level of discomfort that this butterfly must have felt for a prolonged period is astounding.

So I began to think of that process every time I felt uncomfortable—think like a butterfly. If you don't deal with the trials of being bound up in the chrysalis, you don't get your wings. This is a learning opportunity. This is a growth moment.

As time went on, I realized something important. Yes, the chrysalis is necessary and develops the wings, but the butterfly who never leaves the chrysalis dies. You need to know when it is time to leave. You need to know when it is time to fly. There are times in life when you realize that where you once belonged can also become a place where you are no longer meant to be. When those times come, it is important to take inventory of your values and make sure that those values guide your steps.

This week marked the last week in my first job in the security industry. I came as a caterpillar. I built my chrysalis. And now I am spreading my wings. I'm so excited for the future and cannot wait to share my new flight in the coming days!