Written by Falepaini
As we step into January, many of us embrace the fresh start of a new year with resolutions—promises of transformation and change. We set goals, envision growth, and strive to become the best versions of ourselves. But transformation is not always immediate, nor does it always happen in the ways we expect.
This time of year, I am reminded of the beauty in the transformation of the butterfly. It does not rush its process; it simply grows, trusting in what it is meant to become.
And yet, the butterfly never sees the beauty of its own wings. It flutters gracefully through life, carrying vibrant colours and intricate patterns that captivate anyone lucky enough to witness its flight. But the butterfly itself remains unaware of the joy and wonder it brings to those around it. Its purpose isn’t to admire its reflection or compare itself to others—it simply exists, being exactly what it was created to be.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
This truth holds a mirror to our own lives. Like the butterfly, we often fail to recognise the beauty we carry within us. Instead, we fall into the trap of comparison, questioning our worth or doubting our path. But as the famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt reminds us, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It robs us of the ability to see the value of our own unique journey and the light we bring into the world.
Butterflies, Meditative Walks, and Prayer
During my healing journey, this lesson became vividly clear. I often took meditative walks, seeking clarity and peace. These walks always led me to my favourite bench, nestled in the heart of nature, where I felt a deep connection to the world around me. Butterflies always seemed to accompany me on the way, as if gently guiding me to this sacred space.
Their presence brought a sense of childlike joy, a reminder of the beauty found in simplicity and stillness. Once I reached my bench, immersed in the tranquil embrace of trees and sky, I would talk to God in prayer. It was in these quiet moments that I found answers, wisdom, and healing.
One of those prayers, spoken with gratitude for a children’s book I had just written for my kids, led to an encounter with divine humour and insight that I’ll never forget.
A Story Meant for Me
The book I had written was a story about a mama sun speaking to her sweet baby moon, reminding the moon of its purpose in the sky. The baby moon, feeling small and insignificant, often compared itself to the sun, doubting its value because it wasn’t big, bright, or warm.
The sweet baby moon shone softly in the night sky but often felt unsure of its own beauty. “I’m not big or warm like you,” the moon lamented, unaware of the unique light it carried.
The mama sun smiled, radiating warmth.
“My child, please listen carefully while I give you these words of love. You see, we both have a special purpose as we shine from up above.”
The baby moon remained quiet, still doubting its place.
The mama sun continued,
“Your selflessness is proof that the moon and the stars don’t have to dim each other’s light because, together, you all shine differently and have your own special stories that shine bright.”
And so, the sweet baby moon, though still small, began to see itself differently. It realised that no matter what phase it was in—whether full and bright or only a sliver in the sky—it still shone. And even in its darkest time, when it seemed hidden from sight, that was when it shone brightest.
It was never meant to be the sun—it was always meant to be the moon. And in that truth, it found peace, knowing that its light, though different, was no less brilliant. For even in darkness, it shone exactly as it was created to, guiding others through the night.
I thought this book was a gift to my children, a way to remind them of their worth during life’s inevitable ups and downs. But on one of my usual walks, as I sat on my bench and shared my gratitude with God, I felt Him gently laugh—a knowing, loving laugh—and say:
“Oh, you thought you wrote that book for your kids? No. I wrote that through you, for you. Now go back and read it through My eyes.”
When I got home, I opened the book and began to read. But this time, I didn’t read it as a mother to her children. I read it as though it was written for me—from the Creator to the little girl inside me. The words took on a completely different meaning.
I wept as I realised the profound love and wisdom being spoken into my life. It was a message I needed to hear: Even in my darkest days, I still shine. I have a purpose. I am enough—exactly as I am.
That day, I changed the book’s dedication. It was no longer just for my children; it was for the little girl inside me who needed to be reminded of her beauty and light.
Trusting the Process in Your Purpose
The universe imparts its wisdom through animals and nature, offering lessons to those who take the time to observe and unravel its magic. For me, the presence of a butterfly has always felt enchanting—its delicate flutter instantly lifts my spirit. There is an effortless joy in the way it moves through the world, unburdened by urgency or expectation, simply existing in harmony with the moment, reminding us of the beauty that comes with embracing change.
The butterfly’s life is a testament to the importance of trusting the process. It doesn’t rush its transformation or resist its stages of growth. From caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, each phase unfolds in its own time, and every step is necessary for the butterfly to take flight.
As a caterpillar, its world is small, limited to the leaves and branches within reach. Yet even in this humble stage, its purpose is clear: to grow, to prepare. Then comes the chrysalis—a time of stillness, introspection, and profound change. From the outside, it may seem as though nothing is happening, but within, a miraculous transformation is taking place. Finally, the butterfly emerges, fully formed and ready to soar—proof that every stage of the journey has purpose.
“The moon’s brilliance isn’t diminished by its phases, just as the butterfly’s transformation isn’t lessened by the quiet, unseen work happening within the chrysalis.”
Much like the moon, even in its phases of shadow and darkness, it continues to shine brightly, offering light and guidance through the night. The moon’s brilliance isn’t diminished by its phases, just as the butterfly’s transformation isn’t lessened by the quiet, unseen work happening within the chrysalis.
Each phase, each challenge, and each moment of stillness plays a vital role in shaping who we are. The intricate patterns and colours on the butterfly’s wings didn’t appear overnight; they were written into its being by the journey it endured.
In the same way, every scar, every chapter of our lives—both the painful and the joyful—becomes part of the masterpiece that is uniquely ours. When we honour the process, we discover that the journey itself is where the beauty lies. When the time is right, we will emerge, with wings shaped by our experiences, ready to soar. And the patterns of our lives—the colours of our stories—will be all the more beautiful because of it. This is what makes our light shine bright.
Seeing Ourselves Through New Eyes
The moment I reread my children’s book through God’s eyes was a powerful reminder of the importance of perspective. Sometimes, we need to step back and see ourselves through the eyes of someone who loves us—whether it’s a friend, a loved one, or even the Creator.
It’s amazing how transformative it can be to view yourself through someone else’s eyes, especially those of someone who loves you unconditionally.
So often, we are our own worst critics. We see only what we lack, while others see what we have. The Creator sees our beauty, even when we don’t. If only we could pause long enough to recognise the light and potential within ourselves.
Music often captures this feeling. One song that moves me deeply is Ariana Grande’s Point of View. The lyrics echo a truth we often forget:
I wanna love me
The way that you love me
for all of my pretty
And all of my ugly too
I’d love to see me from your point of view
Whenever I listen to this, I imagine the universe gently reminding me to see myself as I am seen: with love, compassion, and awe. What a gift it is to view ourselves not through the lens of self-doubt, but through the lens of truth and love.
Your Wings Are Beautiful
The journey of life and healing isn’t about becoming perfect—it’s about embracing the beauty of who you already are. Like the butterfly, your wings are unique and extraordinary, even if you can’t see them. And somewhere, someone marvels at the wonder of your flight. Others often recognise our beauty long before we see it in ourselves.
Life is filled with moments when we doubt our worth or question whether we’re enough. We become blind to our strengths, dismissive of our accomplishments, and overly critical of our perceived imperfections. It’s as if we’ve forgotten how to appreciate the beauty of our own wings.
You don’t need validation to prove your worth. You don’t need to outshine anyone to fulfil your purpose. Comparison is the thief of joy, but when you stop measuring yourself against others and honour your own path, you step into the brilliance of who you were always meant to be.
So, the next time you feel small or unseen and start to question your own light, ask yourself: What if I am already shining, exactly as I am meant to?
As we move forward into 2025, embracing transformation and growth, don’t forget to recognise the beauty of your own wings and the strength of your own glow—just as you are now. You were never meant to be them. You were always meant to be you. And that, in itself, is more than enough.
xx
The House Of Pine 
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