You’ve read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, right? A classic children’s book that both of my kids love. We read it often, so it is one that comes to mind easily, and it was the first thing I thought of today as I was considering my theme for 2012.
2012 will be The Year of the Butterfly.
As many will know, the story begins with the light of the moon and a little egg. Out pops a very hungry caterpillar who begins to eat. Slowly at first – an apple, then two pears, then three plums, then more. By the end of the week the very hungry caterpillar is consuming everything in sight: chocolate cake, sausages, watermelon, pickles. The binge finally ends when the caterpillar has become sick and fat. It comes to its senses; eats a green leaf and makes a cocoon to live in for more than two weeks. Finally, what emerges is not a fat caterpillar. Not a caterpillar at all – but a beautiful butterfly.
The story is a perfect metaphor for what I need in 2012.
- I need to stop consuming mindlessly – food, Facebook updates, magazine subscriptions and more
- I need to live more simply – with less consumption comes more space (physically and mentally) for simple pleasures and time to enjoy them
- I need to put my energy toward becoming – the person I want to be, doing things I want to do
I’ve not worked out what it will take to turn myself into a butterfly. Do I need goals or no goals? Do I need to give up Facebook completely, or figure out its place in my life and keep it in its place? Do I need to make major life changes, or do I need to refine the path I’m already on? How does this impact my family? How do I involve them in my journey?
One thing I know I want to do is keep writing here.
I started this blog four years ago in conjunction with the jewelry design business that my husband and I created together. Maternal Journey Jewelry has not yet become the butterfly it is meant to be, and I hope that is one of the changes in store for this year.
Though the business has yet to take off, the blog is something that does work. Instead of a strategy for promoting the business, this has become a place for me to process and share what I am learning about life – through the lens of motherhood.
So I’ll be sharing here regularly in 2012. I hope you will journey along with me and share what you are learning too.
Happy New Year!
I’m looking forward to seeing what 2012 brings for you. As for myself, I hope that in 2012 I can get rid of at least some of the stuff (physical and emotional) that is keeping me stagnant. Stagnant is no good.
We are ending 2011 with some significant purging of physical stuff and it feels great! If you want more inspiration, check out The Minimalists: http://www.theminimalists.com/ I think getting some freedom from things can open up space for working on the inside.
All the best to you in the New Year, Friend!
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