Be the Butterfly

I took modern dance classes when I was 7 or 8 or something like that. My dance teacher told my mom that I reminded her of a butterfly. And I always understood that was because I flitted around in life and occasionally touched down on reality before flying off again. And I do that. But my mom told me last night that I also reminded them both of a butterfly because I was graceful. Being graceful is a new quality that I am learning to describe myself as. It’s not something I’ve always generally associated with myself.

I have always liked butterflies. I love that people associate them with me. Butterflies are so much better than moths. A lot of people don’t think there is much of a difference between the two. But they are wrong. Very wrong. There is a huge difference. Butterflies are beautiful and graceful. Moths are scary and ugly and they fly like they are drunk and they are going to get me I just know they will. So I like butterflies.

Today though, I would like to talk about my perception of reality. Because it can be a little on the odd side at times.

Last night as I was drifting off, I realized that my butterfly relationship with reality is probably why reality catches me so off guard at times. All through college I’d suddenly realize that I was actually attending college and wonder when that happened. I have moments every now and then when I’m in the middle of teaching a class and I’ll suddenly realize I’m a teacher and wonder how I got there. The fact that I’m an adult with a job and my own apartment will suddenly surprise me at different times too. And then the moment passes and I go back to what I was doing before.

Reality is always there, but sometimes I’m just a tad surprised at it is all. It keeps life exciting I guess.