From the archives: Transformation
I wrote this poem in 2012 when I was scared and feeling small and desperately needed to hear the words that flowed onto the page. I could tell that it was not just a message for me, so I posted it on my blog and invited people to pass it on if it spoke to them. Ever since then, I’ll get an occasional email from someone who found it and heard a message they needed.
If that’s you, please know that I believe in you. Whatever growth you’re struggling with, I know you can do it. Keep going. There’s so much magic outside the cocoon.
It will not always feel good,
This growing.
This stretching beyond the boundaries of the known,
The comfortable.
It will not always feel safe,
This learning and relearning of your own abilities
This reexamining of beliefs
This pushing of envelopes
This breaking through enclosing walls.
You will shiver.
You will doubt.
You will want to run home.
Back behind walls of safety.
This walk to the edge will not
Feel good, safe, or comfortable,
But there is no faster way to learn.
There is no other way to grow.
So step out.
Leave your home base
Your comfort zone
Your cocoon
Acknowledge the fear and discomfort
But step out all the same.
With each step you take,
Your world expands
Your caterpillar mind will
Strain to comprehend the unbounded vastness of the sky.
Step out.
Step…step…step.
Unfurl your wings.
Fly.
24 Comments
The butterfly transformation is always relevant. Beautiful poem 🙂
Thank you, Cassandra! 🙂
Ummm, OMG, this came at the *perfect* moment?? When I read, “I wrote this for me…but it feels like it was meant for you too,” I felt like you WERE talking directly to ME. This poem may have gotten me a bit sniffly.
YESSSSSS!!!!
See, I KNEW it was the perfect message for someone other than me! I’m so glad I shared it!!! <3
LOVE THIS!! Thank you so so SO much! I send you big love and hugs of gratitude across the internets 🙂 This poem reflects exactly how I feel. Thank you xxx
It’s a complete pleasure, Vanessa! I’m chalking this up as yet more proof that the posts I need the most are the ones that other people need the most! <3
Love this Meg :)…….I am unfurling my wings! woohoo!
*pictures a sky full of beautiful butterflies* <3
This is wonderful, Meg! And such truth to this… Thank you!
Thanks, Gin!! <3
I’ve been reading a lot about fear and discomfort arriving before change but you have expressed this most eloquently!
Yay!!!
It’s so true, isn’t it? I forget it all the time, and then I get upset when I feel bad. But OF COURSE it’s scary and uncomfortable. We’re GROWING!
I love this poem and I can really see myself in it. And yor website header is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!
Love, Karina
Thanks, Karina!
My husband designed the header…he’s a Photoshop whiz. I passed on the compliment (I love it too! :D)
Just lovely! Thank you!
What great words – I’m so familiar with this struggle and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who struggles to transform.
Thanks!
You know, it’s nice for me to know that *I’m* not the only one too! 😀
HI
I would like to use this poem in the upcoming next edition of Phases of the Moon, a monthly newsletter of the Maine NVC (NonViolent Consciousness) Network. Since you said, pass it along, I will, but I would also love to have explicit permission if you happen to read this and can reply. Our newsletter comes out around the new moon, and I start putting it together right after the full moon. I LOVE the poem. Butterfly transformation has always been a special metaphor for me.
Thank you,
Betsy
MaineNVCNetwork.org
Betsy, I would LOVE that. Please feel free to use it!
If you can credit it as “Meg Goodmanson, Spirit Moves Dance,” that would be fabulous!
Thanks so much!
<3
Meg
I came across your poem and would love to share it with my yoga students this wednesday! thank you!
Lori
Hi Lori,
Awesome! I’d be honoured! Thanks so much for commenting! 🙂
This is a beautiful piece. Can I have permission to print it in my daughters recital program and if so the authors name. Thank you very inspiring!
Absolutely! Feel free to use my poem (I wrote it, so you can put the author’s name as Meg Goodmanson). I’d be honoured! What kind of recital is your daughter in?