Positive transformation often begins upon realizing we are in a ‘dark’ place. Like a caterpillar entering a cocoon to break forth as a butterfly. Like an embryo developing in the womb and an infant being born. Beginnings give way to end results. Change. Metamorphosis. Birth.
No matter what your experiences were in 2020, on Jan 1st at 12:00 a.m. (in every time zone) the New Year dawned. Maybe yours, too, was without fireworks, fanfare, or even an audience; but it’s here! And, yes, it’s full of opportunities! We don’t have to know the extent of what it will be to embrace the realization that it’s full of possibilities. Are you brave enough to even call it hope?
Did you know inside a caterpillar’s chrysalis, cocoon, its body has to fall apart completely? I mean, hidden from sight; it decomposes down to its very essence. It literally dies. Then, from that unidentifiable state, the butterfly starts to put itself together. What’s even more intriguing is that the components of this process are actually called imaginal cells. These cells layout the butterfly’s pattern. In the New York Times Best Seller Switch, author Dan Heath, discusses that all successful changes follow patterns, patterns you use to make the changes that are important to you, whether you are interested in changing your waistline or the world.
For 2021, equipped with the experiences from last year, hope and imagination – how will you be more intentional? More creative? More focused? A more inspiring leader? A more confident spouse/partner/parent? Take this final tip from Gen 1:3-4 And God said, “Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from darkness.”
- Start with a declaration
- Take time for observation
- Remember, relative–deliberate actions lead to positive and enhanced results
Make no mistake, we have that same creative transformational power over our year.
Positive transformation may begin in the dark; however, we have been equipped with the power to ‘turn ON the light!
