The Caterpillar Experience

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly”

                       -Unknown

We all have seen caterpillars right?? You know those small, little, hairy insects that are often seen during the spring.  Well, I remember in the fourth grade, my teacher had the class collect a caterpillar and place it in a clear cage so that the students could observe the caterpillar’s transition to a butterfly.  Each day my classmates and I watched the caterpillar as it progressed through the stages of becoming a butterfly.

STAGE 1:

During the first stage, the caterpillar’s main objective was to eat.  The caterpillar would eat as much vegetation as it could to reach it maximum growth and weight.

STAGE 2:

After the caterpillar reached its maximum growth, it became a chrysalis.  It’s during this time that the caterpillar was confined in its cocoon.  Although, it didn’t look like much was going on from the outside, on the inside there was a major transformation taking place!!

STAGE 3:

Once the transformation was complete, a beautifully altered creature emerged…THE BUTTERFLY!!!

Sooooooo….you may be wondering why I explained the caterpillar’s transformation?!? Well, I believe this illustration can be applicable to many human experiences.  There comes a point in everyone’s life in which we experience a significant SHIFT.  Sometimes, these shifts can be positive (ex. new job opportunity, moving to a new city, new romance, etc).  However, there are times when these shifts, or changes, can cause pain and discomfort.

Message for my Sisters

Let’s face it; it’s hard being a woman! We’re expected to be caregivers, housekeepers, gainfully employed, intelligent, and physically beautiful all at the same time.  Not to mention, the side-eye and negative comments we get from others if we are not married with children by a certain age.  That’s a lot of pressure!!  

Unfortunately, I think this may add to the negative attitudes that women may project onto other women.  I’ve experienced firsthand how women can be in silent competition with one another (trying to out-dress and outshine just to compete for male attention). Being a participant in the Female Hunger Games can be quite exhausting and dissatisfying.  However, we women do have the power to exit this competition.  

It’s time for us to be free from comparison.  Stop looking at what others have and consequently discounting our gifts and positive attributes.  Refer to the word of God and remember how He describes you.  The bible says that you are God’s masterpiece, created in His image, His child.  You are blessed! You are more than a conqueror! You are victorious! You are the apple of His eye.  Once we internalize the way God views us, then we won’t feel the need to covet another person’s qualities.  Remember that you were fearfully and wonderfully created by the One and Only true God.  You are gifted, you are unique.  So embrace yourself and walk with your head up high…Being confident in God!  And remember to pass this information on to another woman who may be suffering from comparison. #BreakOut