What a caterpillar can teach you about trusting yourself
Ever feel like you’re stuck in between who you used to be, and who you’re growing into?? Like you’re in a that weird “in-between” space. Nothing feels quite right and everything’s a little… mushy? (Same.)
Believe it or not, nature totally gets this, and the humble caterpillar has a thing or two to teach us about navigating change and building self-trust. Let’s get into it.
So, what actually happens in a chrysalis?
Here’s the wild part most people don’t know: when a caterpillar goes into its chrysalis, it doesn’t just sprout wings and call it a day - nope! It basically dissolves into a gooey mess first.
But inside that goo, there are these amazing things called imaginal cells. These cells hold the blueprint of the butterfly it’s becoming. So, they know what’s next.
And fun fact: at first, the caterpillar’s immune system fights those cells, as if to say, “Um, we don’t do wings here.” The old self resists the new self - kind of like what we do, sound familiar?
How this relates to real life
This whole chrysalis situation is actually a brilliant metaphor for how personal growth usually works:
The messy middle
Just like the caterpillar, sometimes you have to let the old stuff, habits, roles, beliefs, knowledge - fall apart before you can step into something new.
Your inner blueprint
Deep down, you already have the “imaginal cells” of who you’re becoming - your body already knows. Those little nudges, dreams, or ideas that won’t leave you alone? That’s them.
Expect the freakout
Resistance is totally normal when you’re growing. You might feel doubt, fear, or have an urge to run back to the old way of being, because t’s totally outside of your comfort zone. That doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means change is happening. And while going outside of that warm, safe comfort zone can be uncomfortable… this might be a sign that you are expanding your capacity for new life experiences, which is often necessary, to grow and evolve.
How to support yourself when you’re “in the goo”
If you’re in that liminal, messy space right now, here are a few things that might help!
Name what’s shifting
Ask yourself: What parts of me feel like they’re dissolving right now? Are there beliefs, habits, or old stories that just don’t fit anymore?
Naming it can help it feel less intimidating, less scary.
Listen for the quiet nudges
What are your “imaginal cells” saying? Are there dreams, needs, or quiet whispers of change that keep popping up?
Expect resistance (and be kind to yourself about it)
Growth can feel uncomfortable. The key is not to support yourself when resistance shows up with the practicing of “self-companioning”. Normalizing and supporting your your experience by saying things like, “ Of course I am feeling resistance to this new and unfamiliar feeling.”
Take it slow
Butterflies don’t rush, and you don’t need to either. Give yourself space to breathe, rest, and let things unfold. It will happen naturally, and you don’t need the added pressure of a time limit.
Lastly, you’re not alone (promise)
If you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or just very much “in the goo” right now, know that you’re not the only one. I talk more about this chrysalis metaphor and self-trust journey in Episode 3 of my podcast, - so if you’re curious, come hang out there too.