Woman standing by a butterfly bench.

Thinking like a Butterfly – Simply Sunday

Like a Butterfly collage.
A woman and a Sheltie dog sitting on a metal butterfly bench.
Sitting on our Garden Bench with Jake

Today as I sit on my porch and gaze out across the lawn I see the delicate dance of two butterflies flitting from plant to plant, flower to flower. And I begin thinking like a butterfly.

Blue metal butterfly weather vane.
Weather Vane

“How does one become a butterfly?’ Pooh asked pensively.

‘You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar,’ Piglet replied.

‘You mean to die?’ asked Pooh.

‘Yes and no,’ he answered. ‘What looks like you will die, but what’s really you will live on.”

– A.A. Milne

A Yellow Hibiscus plant

All around the world, the beautiful butterfly holds strong and often spiritual meanings for many people. In some cultures, it represents the soul with growth and enlightenment, while others view it as a symbol of rebirth or resurrection. Most people agree that seeing a butterfly brings on thoughts of hope, endurance, life, and change from an old form to a new.

It is said, that whenever an animal keeps showing up in our lives it is a communication from the universe. Many people believe that a cardinal appearing frequently is a sign from a deceased love one. And seeing a butterfly is a reminder to look within because change is happening along with personal growth.

A quiet spot for meditation and thinking like a butterfly.
Cranes and Butterfly Bench

The butterfly was a longtime favorite of my Mother. Everyone that knew and loved her would always gift her with something with one on it. It might be a beautiful piece of jewelry or a simple kitchen towel. And so this beautiful creature is precious to me too. When she became an angel, my husband gave me this lovely bench,  that I love.

Now, the lesson that I learned from my Mother was that the butterfly is a symbol of change. And change is to be anticipated, delighted in, and to be a goal. Because change is growth.

Woman standing under the trees
Quiet garden sitting spot.

 “Don’t be afraid. Change is such a beautiful thing”, said the Butterfly.” – Sabrina Newby

How does a butterfly become a butterfly?

The transformation of the butterfly.
Transformation of common Machaon emerging from its cocoon

 “You do not just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process.” – Rupi Kaur

Butterflies have a four-stage insect life cycle. The adult lays their eggs (larvae)on the leaves of plants. Then caterpillars will feed on the plant. Next stage the caterpillars grow and develop, pupate in a chrysalis. When metamorphosis is over, the pupal skin splits, the adult climbs out. Once its wings have expanded and dried, it flies off.

So what it is all about to think like a butterfly?

 “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou


Well, for one thing, it is to be ok with where you are right now. Don’t waste all of today looking back and don’t spend all of today dreaming of tomorrow. Just be in today!

Savor and enjoy the good, bad, and the sometimes ugly. Always, recognize the changing stages in all those around us. Eventually, we will awaken to all the beautiful butterflies surrounding us.

Woman standing outside.
Simply Sunday

Thank you for joining me here on this Simply Sunday morning as I share my favorite butterfly quotes and thoughts on “Thinking like a butterfly.”

“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will evade you, but if you notice the other things around you, it will gently come and sit on your shoulder.” – Henry David Thoreau

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© COPYRIGHT 2020/ Distinctly Southern Style/ Rosemary Davis

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18 Comments

  1. Beautiful post, Rosemary. Perfect read for a Sunday morning. Love when our yellow butterflies visit in our backyard.

    • Good morning and Happy Sunday, Gwen!

      So very happy that you enjoyed today’s post!
      The butterflies have been flitting about all over our lawn the past week.

      Rosemary xoxo-rd

  2. I always love Butterfly s and have a special memory as a child riding horses with my mom through a school of Monarch Butterflys migrating. There must have been thousands of them landing on us, the horses and country side. It was a once in a life time memory with my mom that I will always cherish. Great post!
    Peace!
    Cheryl

    • What a beautiful memory, Cheryl!

      I am so happy that you related to today’s post. We both are blessed to have the Mother – Butterfly connection.

      Rosemary xoxo-rd

    • I am so happy that you enjoyed today’s post, Laura!
      With the circumstances that we are all living in today, it is so important that we are aware of today and the value of each experience as it unfolds.

      Rosemary xoxo-rd

  7. What a beautiful post and I learned something new today. I also agree that being present in the moment is so much important than lingering in the past or future. After all, we aren’t promised tomorrow and yesterday was long gone! I hope your week is going well so far and happy Wednesday!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  8. Rosemary, this is such a beautiful post! And your butterfly bench is just gorgeous. What a special place to sit and contemplate things. There is something about butterflies that brings a sense of hope and anticipation when we see them flutter by! Also, I am loving your fun tie dye dress! Thanks for linking up with me.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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