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Lessons in Magnificence

The first butterfly I ever reared from pupa stage to first flight was Mishka. This was in mid 2013 and when Mishka finally flew, I felt like she was leaving me a message- she wanted me to learn something.

All of us at home got very emotional when Mishka left. I think she made everyone think something. I have had so many butterflies after Mishka that I have lost count. I would run short of names when I had to name them and there are so many who have left without me seeing them. But Mishka was different. Maybe because she was the first ever.


A butterfly's life cycle is used as inspiration. There are so many lessons that one can derive from metamorphosis- the value of struggle, perseverance, the promise of potential and so forth. For me, all these were stories (incidentally, the first lesson I ever taught as a teacher was 'the hungry caterpillar') but witnessing it was something else.


I am 'flying' on Sunday. I have been at home and working from home for two years now and in two days I will be back working full time in a new organisation in an unfamiliar place. I have so many doubts and anxieties about life outside- maybe that's what Mishka went through when she was preparing herself to touch the skies.


The process of growth is so challenging especially when one has decided to step out of their comfort zone. I only have to remember that these anxieties are part of the growth process. Yesterday, Sue held my hand and told me "I don't have the courage to do what you do" and I replied "neither do I".

But magnificence through extreme struggle is a natural process. As Mishka taught me.

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