Do you know how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly?
The process of changes from crawling creature to graceful wonder is an excellent metaphor upon which to reflect. The answer is simple, and yet profound: Caterpillars become butterflies through the effort of but a handful of unwavering cells.
Here’s how it happens: When the time for metamorphosis arrives, caterpillars develop what are called “imaginal cells.”
Imaginal cells represent the more advanced version of the Caterpillar body – that of a butterfly. You could say the imaginal cells are those with dreams: the cells that want something more for the caterpillar, something better.
In the beginning, the caterpillar immune system would consider the imaginal cells as the enemies – foreign bodies – and will attempt to destroy them. Some of the imaginal cells will die, but others will survive. Those that survive will transform the old caterpillar cells one by one, until they develop a critical mass and become robust and the caterpillar’s body will have to give in! And he’ll be glad he did!
Amazing, isn’t it? So, can one person make a difference? The answer is “absolutely!”
Transforming the world seems like an impossible task at first. It’s far easier to say there’s nothing we can do, that age-old systems are way stronger; that mindset the battle will not be yours. But what we need to do, when reflecting on the question “can one person make a difference?”
Think like the Caterpillar Imaginal Cells. When we aim for progress, we will lose some battles, and we’ll win others. But we’re persistent enough; we’ll attract like-minded individuals, and become powerful enough to make an impact in the world.
Everything can start with one voice, thought, and action.
Word of the week: Metamorphosis – A transformation: a marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function.
Ask yourself: How will your passion and persistence lead to positive change in our world?
Speaking With a Purpose: “I help you bridge the gap between … Where you are versus where you want to be.” My ultimate goal – help you become a better you!
How will your passion and persistence lead to positive change in our world?
