Struggle means brighter colors and longer life

Have you heard this quotation for Anais Nin?
“And the day came when the risk it took to remain closed in a bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

Probably you are familiar with the metaphor of the butterfly, emerging from the chrysalis ~ life emerging from what appears static and lifeless.

Some time ago some lepidopterists (that’s the name for those who study butterflies), were experimenting with the development of butterflies inside their cocoons. They even cut some out prematurely to see what would happen.

They learned that butterflies who had to struggle to free themselves from the cocoon had brighter colors, were healthier, and stronger, and lived longer than those who were cut free prematurely and did not have to experience that struggle.

Sometimes, when we feel stuck and frustrated, and life seem more difficult than it should be, we can remember that the process itself, whatever we’re going through, can strengthen us in ways we may never understand until much later.