Butterflies are symbols of freedom, transformation and hope. Freedom implies choices, and we all have decisions about the paths we take. Here are some thoughts and suggestions about life purpose and the steps that can lead to fulfilling yours.
As a treat to welcome spring, I went to see butterflies flying freely at a nature museum.[1] It lifted my heart to see the ethereal creatures soaring, alighting on plants and people in the tropically warm room, and gravitating to the nectar that feeds them. Butterflies travel vast distances and have long been associated with freedom. I was reminded that we all have choices, large and small, about the paths we take. Are you taking advantage of the choices open to you?
Butterflies are symbols of transformation, transcendence, resilience and hope. Each autumn, monarch butterflies, recognizable by their distinctive orange and black markings, set out to fly 4,000 to 5,000 kilometres (approximately 2,500 to 3,100 miles) from southern Canada to Mexico. This epic journey is one of the longest insect migrations in the world.[2]
We each have our own personal journey to undertake. How do we decide what is most important?
“Butterflies are free
And so are we,”
say the lyrics of the well-known song accompanying the movie of the same name.[3] But how free do you really feel? Are you using your liberty to make choices where it counts?
Our lives can unfold in several stages. They may be marked by major events such as a job change, the birth of a child, an illness, or the loss of a loved one. You may devote a period of years to a program of study, and then launch into a new chapter. On a personal level, stages can be demarcated by time spent on a particular interest or project. The important thing is to listen to your soul’s yearnings along the way and follow the promptings of your heart.
Is there something calling to you now? Do you feel you can use your freedom to deploy your wings and make choices aligned with your life purpose? If you are seeking clarity on which way to go, ask yourself:
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- What did I enjoy doing as a child?
- What makes my heart sing?
- What would I like to learn more about? Are there any books, videos, films, podcasts, etc. that would help me take another step along on my path?
When they are migrating, butterflies congregate in groups. Is there a class, activity or group of like-minded individuals (or people with different ideas) that you could join to focus and develop your interest? Butterflies come in many shapes, sizes and especially colours. There are subjects and activities for all tastes (for example, athletic, artistic, scientific and spiritual).
It’s important to “fill the well” by incorporating activities you really enjoy into your life, and not to allow day-to-day responsibilities and routine to crowd out genuine, creative and heart-centred interests. Your intuition will help you if you let it and listen to what calls to you at a deep level.
Sometimes it’s necessary to actively make room for these interests and activities that feed your soul. Noting them in your calendar helps to ensure that they happen.
Also, watch for serendipity. If an opportunity or contact comes up more than once, it could well be related to your life purpose, or the stage of it that is presenting to you now.
If you are feeling restricted or that your wings have been clipped in some way, ask yourself:
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- What can I change?
- What can I influence?
- Is it a question of timing?
Perhaps there is another piece of the puzzle that needs to fall into place in order to proceed? Are you able to nudge that along? Is there someone you could ask to help you with it?
Butterflies have a relatively short life span, but they undertake their courageous journey anyway. Do you have a feeling of urgency about fitting something into your life? Like these epic travellers, you can do it if you are clear about where you are going and what you are seeking. Try your wings and see where they take you!
Cynthia Adam is a bilingual career coach, life coach and wellness coach and energy healer. For more information on the above ideas or for individualized support, please call 613-552-7909 or email info@naturexpansion.com
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Photo: Painted Lady butterfly by Jürgen
[1] Butterflies in Flight, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, March 15, 2025.
[2] Monarch Butterfly: Endangered Species Facts, Info & More, World Wildlife Federation website, March 29, 2025.
Monarch Butterfly: Endangered Species Facts, Info & More | WWF.CA
[3] Butterflies Are Free, song written by Steve Schwartz, featured in the 1972 Columbia Pictures film written by Leonard Gershe, directed by Milton Katselas, produced by M.J. Frankovich.
The Free Design – Butterflies Are Free lyrics | Genius Lyrics