By Anne Williston
~ words meant for reality ~

I picked up a new spiral notebook to carry with me the other day.  The front cover declares, “Live Simple.”  The chaos of the past several years prevented me from achieving that directive in my life.  Now, every time I pull my notebook out of my purse to jot down a phrase or journal my thoughts, I am reminded that more stuff does not bring pleasure.  Hanging on to what I think I have will not satisfy. 

The cover is also adorned with the outlines of several butterflies.  Symbolic of transformation, I consider the fact that nature creates a safe space apart, where the quiet caterpillar becomes the butterfly.  It retires to the chrysalis, alone, surrounded by soft jade walls.  They begin opaque and gradually grow more transparent, finally cracking open, allowing the butterfly to emerge, a new creature, to a completely new world graced with the freedom of flight.

I have downsized from a large, chaotic household to a small, quiet apartment.  Like a chrysalis, it surrounds and soothes me with its silence, softens the impact of harsh reality.  I live simple here.  My possessions are limited, my responsibilities made more orderly and attainable. 

While not spacious, I am more able to breathe here. I contemplate the future with care; slow my reactions as I consider what step to take next.  I speak gently to my two youngest children, share quiet moments as they settle down each night.  Knowing next year will bring more changes into our lives, I treasure this year with my daughter, now a senior, soon to emerge herself as she pursues her dreams. We hang her new curtains, which I’ve just hemmed, enjoying the bold impact they make in her new room. I play cards with my 13 year old son, laughing as we enjoy matching wits.  Small pleasures make happy memories to hold onto.

Deep breaths to help us all grow.  Simple steps to direct us towards a life that allows each of us to become richer as we focus on relationship, not possessions.  This chrysalis will become transparent, and finally break open. I’ll have to emerge, but after my wings dry, I’ll stretch them, vibrant and strong, and sail into the sky.