The beautiful butterfly floats across the air with the ballerina’s grace. It displays no struggle against the adverse forces of wind and gravity. Welcomed by all, the butterfly coexists in harmony with its surroundings. It is truly free.

The beauty, the grace, and the freedom are very well deserved. For the recent past of the butterfly held much strife.

The butterfly was once a caterpillar, moving through life step by step. As a caterpillar, he diligently labored through life providing the best solutions available for shelter and nutrition. He was a great caterpillar, but even great caterpillars are not free to fly. In the natural progression available to us all, the caterpillar decided to improve; to grow; to change.

The universe sets the rules. The path to become a butterfly is only through the chrysalis. The caterpillar understands that once he chooses the path of the chrysalis, he will become incredibly vulnerable. The thin shell covering may not be strong enough to protect against the enemies. The universe reminds him that the only way to become a butterfly is through the path of the chrysalis.

The brave caterpillar, yearning for a better life, chose the path of the chrysalis.

The chrysalis felt safe in the beginning. The outer layer was built of a structure formed by many years of precedence. The structure appeared as strong as the classical columns on the bases at the LaSalle Street buildings. Inside, it was comfortable, like a warm bath. The metamorphosis had started.

Then winter approached. The chrysalis hung upside down, in the cold. The chrysalis became the target of vicious attacks. Animals that were no threat to him as a caterpillar brought badges and weapons against the him. The mariachi mob attempted to destroy the chrysalis, as if it were a live pinata. The outer shell cracked. The winter became colder.

The universe stayed true. Blinded inside the shell, the chrysalis still knew he was not alone. He felt a strong force protecting him; stronger than the viscous mobs circling him. For just beyond the interior and exterior of the cracked structural shell, there remained a stronger more fluid enclosure.

Love.

Many winters came and many winters passed. The struggle of change continued. The mobs would tire, taking turns, swinging their clubs. The loving protection never ceased. It remained present, like the stars of the universe; shedding perpetual light; even when no one is watching.

The time finally came. The path of the chrysalis was complete. The process created a more beautiful being.

Endure the chrysalis.
Brave the struggle.
Feel the love.
Allow your growth.

Unleash. Evolve. Flourish.