This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Reflections
We don’t start off afraid. We start off fearless. We don’t start off knowing our limits. We start going for whatever it is.
Kids don’t ask for a nightlight at first; they first assimilate into our fearful society, and then they ask for the nightlight.
Media, school, society, family, and friends teach us to be skeptical, afraid, overly cautious, and to limit our potential with boxed thinking. It is our responsibility to question the teachings we are taught to adopt, and it is our responsibility to break through the limits society puts in place for us.
The Metaphor
We start off as caterpillars, and then we become butterflies. Caterpillars (like babies) have limits; butterflies don’t. Caterpillars don’t have wings to fly and flourish, but butterflies do. We are the caterpillar when we are born, and we then evolve into butterflies.
“Your potential self is infinite.” – Yogi
Notice how the caterpillar evolves into more. The caterpillar doesn’t shrivel up and become less.
So why do humans evolve (age) and become less (e.g., insecure, low self-esteem, timid, self-conscious, limited, boxed-in) over time?
On Aging
As we age, it can be easy to:
Become less interesting
Become less adaptable
Become less curious
Become more skeptical
Become more stubborn
Stop having fun
Stop dressing fun
Mitigate our personalities
Stop re-inventing ourselves
Smile less
Laugh less
Travel less
BE less
Stop shriveling up as you go through life. Keep life flowing through you – always. Never lose your vigor and zest for life. Have a ball!
Be careful of the limiting thoughts, ideas, and beliefs you adopt.
Be careful of the fears and skepticism you adopt from others.
Be careful you don’t live a life of fear, which is no life at all.
Be careful you don’t let others box you in.
Be careful not to shrivel up as life goes by.
Be careful to remember that you are limitless and can fly.
Be careful you don’t subject yourself to mediocrity.
Be careful you don’t listen to them when their teachings make you smaller.
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Remember, you are a butterfly, which means you are meant to fly, flourish, and reach past limits – no matter your age.
Poetry: That Fear
Fear Interlocks With Its
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