Ah, the immaculate butterfly. As children, we would chase them and watch as they flew into the open sky. However, as we grow older, we start to look at them as more than just a pretty bug that flies around in the summer. Some may mistake them as moths, others look at their true majesty. If I learned anything from a butterfly, it would be these three things.

Hope.

When you see a butterfly without a wing, what is the first thing it does? In most cases, it will try to fly again. It will never give up until its dying breath. When a caterpillar enters its cocoon it knows it will become a butterfly, but people may think that it will die unless they are educated on the species. Once it emerges, it is no longer the small, helpless caterpillar, but now a beautiful, fierce butterfly. Seeing them emerge gives such hope that one day, you too can break free and become the strong person you deserve to become.

Strength.

A butterfly, though small and frail, can end up symbolizing great strength in oneself. Whether it be that you recently left an abusive relationship or beat a deadly disease, many people will find strength in a butterfly, but why? Some may say that it's because of their resilience. Others may say that's because of their freedom to escape any situation. Butterflies aren't tied down to anything or anyone, so they never need the strength to leave, unlike us. If you ever need to leave or escape a situation in which you are not comfortable, just be like a butterfly and leave; there is nothing stopping you.

Beauty.

If you look at butterflies, you'll notice that each one is different in size, shape, and color. They start out as caterpillars, which aren't the most pleasing picture to the eye, but once they emerge from their cocoon, they are a whole new being and regarded as a beautiful specimen. When their wings hit the light, an array of colors shine through, all blending together to make a perfect red or a beautiful blue. One thing that many people misconceive about butterflies is that they are perfect, which couldn't be further from the truth. Just like everyone on this planet, we have scars, bumps, and any other imperfections you can think of. If you were to look at their wings, you would see veins popping out and parts missing, and yet, it is still as beautiful as ever.

Even if you don't see these majestic creatures as I do, know that they themselves are an inspiration to many men and women out there. May their wings forever fly, and may they carry the hope, strength, and beauty with them for many years.