Butterflies

Butterflies: More than just pretty wings

Butterflies have always been a staple in my life. They’re my favorite animal because to me, they are the freest creatures in the world.

My favorite butterfly is the Painted Lady. Why? Because she tried to look like the Monarch—beautiful, admired, but she wasn’t. And that used to make me sad. It reminded me of people, how we often try to look like others because we think that’s what beauty is, instead of embracing who we truly are. That’s why the Painted Lady deserves to be someone’s favorite. She deserves love, too.

Butterflies also don’t have pain receptors; they live without physical pain. And sometimes I think, wouldn’t life be easier for humans if we didn’t feel pain either?

When I was little, I believed butterflies were messengers, little signs from someone trying to reach me. My older brother also likes this idea, as one day I was on the phone with him and he saw a butterfly and said it was his friend who passed away. That was beautiful and happy someone else shared the same idea I do. I’d sit outside by the flowers and catch these butterflies that looked almost like moths. They were smaller and left pollen on my fingers. I’d gently cup them in my hands and feel their wings flutter. Then I watched a Wild Kratts episode about how we shouldn’t hurt animals, and I realized that even gently catching them might hurt them. So I stopped. Now, I just watch them.

They’re so delicate, but I think they’re the strongest animals. Some migrate like whales! It’s been a dream of mine to witness the monarch migration in Mexico, where millions of butterflies fly all the way from Canada and the U.S. to settle on trees in the mountains. I’ll post a picture for you guys when I do.

And here’s something else: butterflies can’t see their own wings. They don’t know how beautiful they are. That reminds me of people, too,

Some can’t see their beauty and instead chase someone else’s reflection. But sometimes, the beauty you’re searching for is already right there.

So, if you ever see a butterfly, think of me.