Don't Just Show Up! [Once you've earned your Wings, use them!]

Picture a young butterfly, recently emerging from its infancy as a caterpllar, ready to spread its wings into the world! Rarely do they preserve their unique wing designs outside of view. If you think about spreading your own wings, how sad would it be to reach your full potential to eventually shield it from everyone else! The metamorphosis of life (both professional and personal) involves challenges to overcome – resulting in some large victories! Don’t think your greatest “victory” marks the end - in case you’re blessed to mark more milestones in your life!If you think about spreading your own wings, how sad would it be to reach your full potential to eventually shield it from everyone else!

If you think about spreading your own (butterfly) wings, how sad would it be to reach your full potential to eventually shield it from everyone else!        

Let me explain – being accepted into my current role in The AIA is easily one of the greatest sources of pride and accomplishment to date! Having the foresight to seek out and courage to apply didn’t just magically appear. My passion and belief in doing the job never wavered – showing others the same required some freshening of skills. Similar to our friend, the young butterfly, my wings were fully formed yet I continued as the caterpillar. Not unhappy, yet curious to how my skillset could reach its full potential. Flourishing in your career does not equate jobs as stepping stones. Being fully present enables you to learn valuable lessons (develop your wings) and hopefully experience joy amongst colleagues, supervisors, and particularly friends (which I am forever grateful to have done).

Being fully present enables you to learn valuable lessons (develop your wings) and hopefully experience joy amongst colleagues, supervisors, and particularly friends (which I am forever grateful to have done).        

Side note: If you ever feel a work environment (or any situation) becomes cut-throat or threatens to diminish your spirit, shield your wings from damage as they want to keep you in the shadow. Master plan for those who want to limit any spotlight.

Now, butterflies are mesmerizing – flawlessly gliding through the air while look flawless as they land on, flirting with each movement of their wings. Humans are not born flawless [sorry to disappoint]. At times in my life, I’ve found being a caterpillar similar to being in my shadow. As the caterpillar transforms in its casing to a butterfly, I have felt like shielding parts of myself until they are perfect. We all can relate with vanity issues (cosmetic, physical changes) to more tactical (cramming for a skill at work some expect you’ve already mastered). Don’t be afraid to showcase yourself, despite those flaws.

 At times in my life, I’ve found being a caterpillar similar to being in my shadow...
Don’t be afraid to showcase yourself, despite those flaws.        

In fact, being unapologetically yourself while acknowledging your flaws may encourage others further along to help you or (better yet) inspire others to follow in shedding their own casing.

Recent work and personal accomplishments (including the impending start of Sustainability Week – as of this writing), give me such pride from spreading my wings. Comfortable in admitting I’m not-all-knowing, exploring and collaborating with others open to the exchange of new ideas allows me to spread out further in my life.

Forget the accolades…expressing your whole self is key in producing the most unforgettable wings a butterfly can have!?Fly beyond the "glass ceiling" and soar into the deep blue sky!