On a Butterfly’s Wing

Written By John Quill

I was 75 last January and one of my gifts was a book about a butterfly, a creature that is lucky to live to 35 days (from being an egg). The book is beautifully illustrated and written from the perspective of the butterfly herself. It’s called “On a Butterfly’s Wing. Lessons from nature on embracing change” by Astrid Vargas. 

The name of the butterfly was La Reme, and she was a caterpillar in Amsterdam and travelled to Spain where she had an accident (long story short, she fell into a bowl of soup) and was rescued but lost part of her right wing and never managed to fly!. However she led a full life and a partner found her and liked her just as she was, and they mated for hours and hours!! She died content and offered the following lessons

  • Moult frequently

  • Imagine how to give wings to your dreams

  • Transform without fear. I’m going to add to that: even if there is fear, it’s trying to keep you safe, and it doesn’t have to stop you taking the risks needed to live a full life

  • Collaborate with others

  • Celebrate your differences

  • Observe nature. I’m going to add to that: know that you’re part of nature

Here’s a little gem from Mary Oliver

For years and years I struggled
just to love my life. And then

the butterfly
rose weightless, in the wind,
“Don’t love your life
too much,” it said,

and vanished
into the world.

John Quill

bio.site/johnquill

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