First, The Dissolving

I saw a monarch butterfly on a hibiscus flower this morning, its wings like a stained-glass window in the sun. For the longest time, I believed personal change was about addition. I thought it was about acquiring a new skill or a better habit, that I could just staple wings onto my old self and somehow learn to fly.

But that’s not how it works, is it?

A few years ago, I went through a time when everything fell still. I retreated into a quiet, isolating space, not by choice, but out of necessity. I felt like I was dissolving. The identity I had so carefully built was turning into a formless goo. The feeling was terrifying. It was a complete loss of self, and I was sure it was an ending.

Watching that butterfly today, I finally understood. That wasn't an ending at all. It was my chrysalis.

True transformation isn't an upgrade. It’s a radical alchemy, a complete surrender to the process. To grow wings, you must first allow the caterpillar inside you to completely cease to exist. You have to learn to trust the darkness, the stillness, and the feeling of falling apart.

I didn't emerge from that quiet place as a polished version of my old self. I came out as someone new. I perceive the world differently now. I carry a lightness that was impossible before. I had to let go of everything I was to become who I am now. As I watched that fragile, powerful creature dance in the wind, I felt a quiet kinship. We both learned that sometimes, the only way to truly fly is to first let yourself fall completely apart.

Starting a personal growth journey is a powerful decision. It opens doors to new possibilities and helps you live a more fulfilling life. By setting clear goals, taking practical steps, building positive habits, and embracing challenges, you can create meaningful change. Remember, every step you take is progress. Begin today and watch your self-improvement journey unfold.