This Butterfly's Manifesto

So today was a true Saturday. I went to a house party in Harlem last night with a friend to blow off some steam. Had a great time and left around 1:30 thinking I could get to the 2:30 ferry in plenty of time. How very wrong I was. Not only do the train times change at night, they change even more drastically for the weekend! At first I was on the wrong train, got off at the wrong stop to catch the correct train, which wasn't actually running, then waited for what seemed like eternity for another train to show up, took that train as far south as I could, finally got off at 3am and took a cab to the ferry. I was so exhausted I couldn't think of anything else to do. Managed to get to the 3:30 ferry just as it was boarding and was home in bed by 4am.

Needless to say, I slept very late today. Got up and tried to do laundry but there are only two washing machines here. So I went to a new deli across the street, discovered sodas, hot sandwiches, canned foods, medicines, even warm hats and mittens in case I'm in a pinch! Love it. I am slowly learning my surroundings.

I also discovered online shopping yesterday. I bought sheets, dogfood, an air purifier and all of these things will be delivered to my doorstep. How convenient!

Since I slept my day away and have nothing really new to report, I figured I would explain why I chose to call this blog Butterfly Manifesto. I got a lot of great suggestions that I liked a lot. Unfortunately, finding a clever blog name that isn't taken already is really difficult! I originally had in mind to call it "Chasing Butterflies." The chase the elusive dream, to chase my full potential, to chase the feeling I get before I go on stage. but every form of that was taken.

I love the symbolism of the butterfly. They have frequently in many cultures been a symbol for the soul, for freedom, and for transformation. I did a little research and came across a really wonderful blurb about the butterfly as a symbol for the soul: "...our journey is our only guarantee. Our responsibility to make our way in faith, accept the change that comes, and emerge from our transitions as brilliantly as the butterfly."** It is frequently associated with Christ's triumph over death in His resurrection and I just love that through Him we have the opportunity to make such a great transformation with our own souls.

Butterflies have always held a certain inspiration for me. There was a time in my life where I became very lost from everything I believed about God, life, and myself. I was very down one day and thinking about everything I had been doing with my life: the choices made and actions taken, knowing they weren't what I had been taught. Suddenly a butterfly flew across my path. Somehow I knew it was meant for me. It was my sign from God that he was there, he was with me, and he knew I was going to be ok. Ever since then, when I see a butterfly, I remember that small epiphany I had. The butterfly became a symbol of God's love and plans for me, much like the rainbow for Noah.

The manifesto part is a little less poignant. Since this would be a written sentiment of my resolve to become a singer, my plight as a starving musician, the opinions I form, the values I adopt. It will all be written here and shared in order to gain support and maybe inspire someone who also wants to live their dream.

So here is this butterfly's manifesto: I am a child of the One True God. I was born to do great things. I was created to show godly love to everyone I come in contact with. I resolve that I will no longer fear. I will meet what God throws at me head on, take it in stride, and pass His tests with flying colors. I will paint my wings with those flying colors as a banner, a beacon to those who have yet to break their cocoon. I want to make a difference in the heart of just one person, who maybe didn't think she could or was afraid to try. My gifts will bring joy to others and my flight will pave the way.