Break Free From Your Cocoon

It’s been a busy week both at work and packing for my daughter’s new journey in life. My wife and I move her into residence at University this Monday. It has been a little hectic checking off her list of ‘must haves’ for moving out. Thinking back, I don’t ever remember having a list as long as hers, whether that was going off to University or buying my first home. But she is my baby and we have to make sure she has what she needs to succeed. I have to admit, I awoke last night at 2:45 am and lay awake until 6:00 am thinking about her list and if we forgot anything. Of course the list in my mind expanded. I raced through the past 19 years going over a different list thinking did we forget anything? As parents, did we adequately prepare her for this new and exciting part of her life? I’m sure we did but I also came to the realization that her new journey is creating a new change, a new journey in my life as well. She is leaving the nest. Not only that, I have worked side by side with her every day for the past 6 months. Alas, change begets change. I guess that’s where trust plays such a big role. Throughout our lives we are always putting pieces together; learning new things, trying something different, succeeding and failing to help shape life’s lessons – all in preparation for each new leg of our life journey. It reminds me of the caterpillar that forms their cocoon. They struggle inside until they strengthen their wings to break free from the cocoon and fly to new adventures as a newly formed butterfly. I know my daughter will soar with her new found wings, just as my wife and I are developing another set of wings of our own. I think we must embrace change to enjoy it instead of living safely in our cocoons. I am looking forward to another exciting year. What are you doing to break free from your cocoon?