As I think about this process of transformation, I am inspired, as I reflect on the journey each one of us experiences as we emerge into a brand new life. "Easy", some say. No. Not by a long shot. For unseen by most of the world, is the enormous struggle it takes to be—reborn.

Imagine the butterfly. As it prepares to enter it's transformation cycle, it hangs suspended in mid air on a tiny hair-like thread, upside down, no less. As it squirms to sheds it's outer shell, it is about to embark on one of the most awe-inspiring journeys imaginable.

In this state, it could be mistaken for an empty, lifeless shell—but it isn't. For inside it's self-encased shell, it is undergoing the change of a lifetime. It doesn't just slightly adjust itself from a caterpillar and grow wings. It actually turns into mush and reforms as an entirely new creature.

As the butterfly emerges in it's new state, it doesn't just come out flying, either. As a matter of fact it can't fly right away, not until it's wings are unfolded and dry. During the process of squeezing from a tiny hole in the chrysalis, life giving blood is forced into it's wings, during which time it is extremely vulnerable to predators. It can take up to three hours for the wings to become strong enough for flight.

Likewise, the weight loss journey is not an easy one. We, too, go through tremendous struggles as we transform ourselves from one image to another. During these months and even years after our weight loss experience, we, too, can feel vulnerable and unsure of ourselves. It takes time before we can "take flight".

There are struggles every day, every meal, every hour, sometimes it feels like every minute. Our whole world has been turned upside down. Everything we knew, our security and our comfort, are gone. We can feel exposed and alone. Sometimes the fight is overwhelming and we can feel like no one understands or sees our struggle and pain. In the beginning, I felt like I had been dropped out of a fast moving vehicle onto another planet. An alien of sorts, living in a strange world. I didn't know how to maneuver, and I found adaptability almost impossible. There were the fears of fitting into a normal world, fear of weight gain, and then the dreaded weight gain itself.

But butterflies are reborn to exist in a whole other dimension. Its transformation has now provided it with the ability to fulfill its purpose in life, it now possesses the ability to reproduce, to bring forth new life. Now instead of inching around in it's limited environment, it has the unlimited potential to ride the wind, to see the world from a new perspective. Instead of bitter herbs it now drinks the sweet nectar of each aromatic flower it encounters. Now that is transformation!

And so it is with us. No, lifestyle changes are not easy. However, as huge and impossible as it may seem, the good news is...it is possible. For inside each one of us is the promise of a new life filled with unspeakable joy as we emerge into a new world of possibilities. It is so worth the effort. As the momentary pain gives way to immeasurable delight—we can take flight on the wings of a new life—full of potential and purpose. I encourage you to be inspired by the awesome wonder and beauty—the inspiring transformation of ... yourself …

There is more of life to come - just hang on....

Yes you can, you have many more miles to go!