Yesterday Liz Strauss, in a step toward visible authenticity, threw away some stuff. She wrote:
Old habits stay with us longer than we need them.
Old thoughts that once protected fence us in…
Being too safe can be risky.
Knowing too much can get in the way of learning…
… I had to throw away the old jeans to understand why I needed new ones.
Maybe we’re not changing our wardrobe or seeking our colors and personal styles this spring, as is Liz, but in a way we are. There is, after all, no such thing as statue quo.
Status quo is a term. Not a place to live.
Physical growth and change are automatic. To become who we are really from the inside out is a process requiring thought, choices, pain sometimes, effort always, and willingness to change.
Consider this:
Growing doesn’t stop.
It hurts and pulls us apart in places not visible even to us.
It confuses sometimes, yes. It scares us, yes. But it’s also an adventure.
A discovery…
Is a butterfly free while pushing against the tightly-spun box he grew up in?
Does it hurt to grow the strength he needs to fly…
… once he’s outgrown the cocoon?
Is an eagle free while its mommy nudges him out of the nest
And his only choices are to fly and become who he is really…
…or drop into nothingness?
Probably neither feels free in the process.
The freedom comes in having done it.
The advantage we humans have over the butterfly and the eagle is our ability to think about the why, choose the when and how, and then analyze the process.
Who are we really?
Our cocoons crack. Our comfort-zones shrink, and we have only two choices. Stay stuck or move on…
Heavy stuff… What now? Maybe do what I did when I read Liz — bundle up and head out into the cold for a brisk walk-of-thought — take a new path — one that leads where you haven’t walked before.
And then come back for fresh coffee and share your thoughts. Thanks.
Barb
P.S. The painting is an oil I did in class several years ago. My then-7-year-old grandKali loved it. I want to skip up the path and around that bend early in the morning, she said. That’s my girl… 
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
“The freedom comes in having done it.”
You hit the nail on the head with this one. I think many people are so afraid of change, fear holds them back. I know for me, hearing my “cocoon crack” is a very welcome sound.
It might be a little scary at first, but each time you open yourself up, it gets a little easier……………..:)
LisaNewton’s last blog post..Travelin’ Local featured by Liz Strauss at Successful Blog
“Are you going to wear dungarees [this was in the 50s] all your life?” my mother asked me constantly, and I answered “yes.” And I’m sure that statement, beside my marriage vows, is one I have remained most true to throughout my life.
Today in retirement I live in jeans. I’m comfortable that jeans are me, and I think this comfort keeps me out of cocoons. No matter what one’s fashion statement, wearing your taste like a second skin is what is liberating. And it’s true taste may change or modify with new colors and funky accessories (I do love Liz Strauss’s new T-shirt), but these have to feel real to the wearer.
As far as part 2 goes–others–whatever they think about the look, they either respond to the person (yes, the eyes, the smile) or they don’t, and that’s their loss if they don’t. As to Part 3–a rut–ruts are only a danger if one gets stuck. So the answer is movement; a brisk walk is a terrific idea. I don’t think major turn abouts are necessary, but that isn’t to say there’s anything the matter with them. Just to thine own self be true.
I can’t think of too much that frightens me more than “status quo”. Life is a journey of lessons….and lessons cannot be learned by constant ANYTHING, pleasant or unpleasant. God made each one of us to be unique…..life is a series of discoveries of who we really are. I find that very exciting!!!
Lisa, I like your “cracking cocoon” metaphor. It IS scary — and you make a good point that it’s a process.
Hi Terro… love your story. And I share your love of denims. I live in them whenever and wherever I can.
Thanks for your well-thought-out comments. The jeans analogy is just that — a visual that helps reduce things to simplest terms. Jeans are comfy for Liz too, I’m guessing. That’s why she bought new ones.
The cocoon and the eagle’s being pushed from the nest are also just metaphors for our own growth and change. You’ve underlined that with your three points.
And you lead me to thinking about a future post… Image is Everything; Or Is It? Or some such title.
Thanks so much for coming by…
Hi Neets — I agree with you completely. It IS exciting to discover ourselves bit by bit. Even when it hurts… those who don’t enjoy the process miss out on the Ah-Ha’s.
Thanks for being here, sis.
A few years ago, I was pushed in a cocoon not of my choosing. At first, I tried to push my way out, and yes, the cracking hurt. I’ve had to adjust to a new way of life, but I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible, emotionally and spiritually. I now appreciate life so much more, and take time to “smell the roses” For every activity I’ve lost, I’ve found a new one. Now I relax, play with the grandkids (grandma has the time to read, play boardgames, etc.), take photos when I feel up to it, and paint them when I’m not up to moving around.
Image? That’s another thing I’ve quit worrying about. I’ve learned it’s not important, I dress for comfort now. Those who love me don’t care that I can no longer style my hair, etc. I’ve learned to accept myself as I am. To quote that famous Philosopher, Popeye, “I yam what I yam”
Thank you Patricia! That’s so beautifully said.
Image is so much more than clothes, hair style, and make up. Those things are part of it. But there’s so much more.
The advantage of having been through the wringer a time or two is that your perspective changes. And that too is all part of the growing process.
Self-image is a main part of the overall image.
You all are helping me write another post… please stay with me.
Much love to you all.
Barb
stay stuck or move on..change is inevitable.It is how we take it. your post was thought provoking and helped me accept the changes taking place in my life now.Learn to accept and flow with the change.all will turn out well.thanks again.I get a fresh way of thinking each time i stop over.
sema
Hi Sema. Life has a way of happening anyhow, doesn’t it? We might as well have some say in how we take it… I like your affirmations. And your belief that you are worth the effort it takes to make them real.
I firmly believe we can become whoever we are willing to become. I wish you well… and thanks so much for coming by.
I used to be fearless. If I had a choice of staying where I was or going where I’d never been, I always chose the going. I’m not that person anymore, but I suppose even my small steps towards change count for something.
Anita
Sliloh’s last blog post..I’m So Psychic
Yep… they sure do, Anita. Actually you do some amazing things — intellectually your steps are huge!