Have you ever seen a butterfly work its way out of a cocoon?
Or a baby chick peck its way out of an egg?
It’s painful to watch, especially if you feel you should be doing something to help it.
If you “help” it out of the cocoon, it will die.
It’s a process that each butterfly must go through in order to thrive. It is the process of getting out of the cocoon that builds the strength they will need to fly.
I’ve been feeling that way lately.
I’m one of those people that usually move at a pretty fast clip. No time to waste. For instance, as much as I love the benefits of yoga, I struggle with the idea that I should be doing something more….productive.
I’ve been “white knuckling” it for quite some time now, holding on for dear life and moving as fast as possible toward something I thought I wanted. The harder I tried to figure out the answers, the more elusive they became.
For January, I gave myself the gift of backing away from that crazy ride and creating some mental and physical space. I’ve been cleaning out old files, my closet, the attic, my office. Allowing myself to do things I would normally think are unproductive in order to let some light in.
And it’s working.
So I’m trusting this process of cocooning, of knowing that I am not “doing nothing” but am shifting, morphing, and building the strength I will need to thrive.
How do you create mental space so ideas can percolate in the background?
- Ann
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Ann Vertel, PhD Success Psychologist / Entrepreneur Mindset Expert http://AnnVertel.com |
Dr. Ann Vertel is a success psychologist and entrepreneur mindset expert who speaks, writes, and trains on how to win the inner game of entrepreneurial success. She is the creator of The Millionaire Mindset Method, a proven step-by-step program to shatter your money limits so you can earn what you are worth. To get your own copy of her success mindset articles visit http://AnnVertel.com.Connect with Ann...
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the post, Ann. I’m with you. It’s good to know that strengthening our wings is not something we have to do alone too. Even though we all have to fight our own battles and grow from our own victories and defeats, a strong base of encouragement & support is a catalyst for realizing the flight of success. Appreciate you! Blessings.
Thanks, Mark. You’re right, we don’t have to do it alone…but it often feels that way during the process. Knowing we have people (like you!) in our “amen corner” makes the journey that much sweeter when we emerge on the other side
I agree it is a great. I have found that as trying to get out of the cacoon
My mind is trying to put me back inside the cacoon.
Thanks, Sandy – don’t do it! Fight your way out and fly
Hi Ann!
Thanks for the beautiful metaphor and for sharing your experience. It is so encouraging!
Cheers!
Marian
You’re welcome, Marian. Thank YOU for your positive comments
Be bold! – Ann
Ann I love this metaphore. I appreciate you sharing and encouraging each of us. I Cleaned out my office, files and closets also. Felt unproductive at the time but the outcome was an awsome relief. Just keep on doing what you are doing. Thanks, Cindy
Thanks, Cindy – I know what you mean about how it felt unproductive but all that physical space gave me lots of mental space to create. Glad you found that to be true too! – Ann
Thanks Ann-I still have that pile up in my office space and it is depressing . You’ve encouraged me to clean it up or throw it out. Thanks , Suzanne
Woo hoo – so glad to hear that, Suzanne. I can always think better when I have a clean desk top