“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” ― Maya Angelou So true! We all tend to admire the end result, few truly appreciate and value the work that it took to get there. We live in an instant society where we want quick results. We tend to want instant gratification. We strive for perfection always as we look up to perhaps that image portrayed as “our” group ideal. We may believe that when we get there, then we can be happy and delight in life. But, I can tell you this, the real beauty does lie in the journey. Having gone through an intense challenge in my life after experiencing darkness, having lost my faith only to return with a renewed vision of my life, and having faced my own fears believing that each day’s improvement was what was important, I know that I can be proud of the changes that I have gone through that make me the person that I am today. And, believe me there was nothing instant about that process. I am certain, even, if the changes occurred before I was ready to accept them, I would not truly understand the meaning of what life presented me. The teacher does appear always when and if the student is ready. And, with the ups and downs of the journey, I am reminded that the lessons that I have endured with pain and with joy were necessary for me to truly appreciate waking up each morning even if challenges still lie ahead. Because there I can still find all the beauty that surrounds me. Even in my brokenness, I can learn to rebuild a stronger and more amazing tomorrow. I am reminded of the story of the beautiful vase that is shattered. We have the choice to repair the damage or move on. When we make the choice to gather its fragments and take the time to carefully put the pieces back together with love, compassion and care, there is a renewed beauty to the incredible rich texture that appears out of what we first thought was an impossibility. Life can be hard work when we desire to make a change, but there is real beauty to be found in the transformative process. When we look at anything this way, we become the grateful witness to the miracles that takes place. Yes, and when we truly appreciate the changes that we all go through to become the beautiful butterfly, we so appreciate our beauty and the beauty of others that surround us. Ahh, the bella vita!
