Where are the Caterpillars?

We have been searching for a home for 4 years for our growing family.  Last fall, we had the opportunity to come across a home that met all our criteria - and then some.  When we wandered into the yard, Ellie said, "MOM!  Look at the caterpillar."  She squealed with delight as she would wiggle between her fingers.  Minutes later, I hear, "MOM!  Johanna squished the caterpillar!"

Isn't life like that sometimes?  Life can be all warm and fuzzy. Everything may just be moving along just fine.  Then, a situation can change our mood or our abilities to move forward?  It can be squashed, icky, or destroyed by negative thinking or allowing others decide our own fate.  Ellie was devastated that Johanna killed 'her friend'.

Johanna squashed not just one caterpillar but three that day.  I wasn't sure if she understood how beautiful a creature a caterpillar really is. I think she acted in fear.  After a while, she did decide it was 'ok' to  touch them and play with them.  After analyzing the situation and gradually getting used to them,  She realized that they would not harm her.  

That day in late October, is such a memory I will never forget. The girls gleefully running around seeing what new adventures await them and creatures they could find.  Grasshoppers and caterpillars everywhere!

Today, we went back to that home with the kids to visit.  Johanna immediately asked, "Mom.  Where are the caterpillars?"  This is the same girl that months ago didn't care for caterpillar friends months ago.

I quickly answered that they would be back in the spring. I told them that it was too cold and that they would not be out in the snow. I first thought they would not understand.  Perhaps, the girls wouldn't run around the yard because the caterpillars were not there.  Perhaps, they would sob or cry?  Maybe the girls would mope!

The twins didn't respond in the way that I expected.  Instead, Johanna and Ellie started talking about how they would find them in the spring.  However, for now they would pretended that they were looking for caterpillars.  They decided to create the dream by visualizing they life that they wanted to believe!  

Have we sometimes waited for others to give us direction in life?  Or, perhaps we say, "Not now, I am too busy.  I will do it later."  Or, perhaps are we are saying, "I don't feel worthy of this dream." 

Children are constant dreamers.  As adults, it is easy to forgo what we desire in life because of the everyday responsibilities.  However, just imagine what amazing things would await us if we just dreamed and started DOING things as if we have already done them?  I call this 'faking it till you make it'.   For example:  I can give myself a new leadership title by writing it down on paper.  I can start acting like I already have that title.  I can start adding the responsibilities onto what I do as if I am already an expert at that position. I will see the paper in front of me everyday followed by the actions I do everyday that go along with that new position.
Chances are I will actually EARN that time and chances are I will exceed that title!  It would become a reality.
I also can do this same technique if I want to go on a trip.  I can put pictures of the location on paper in front of my desk.  I can start thinking about the food, excursions, and the money I would need to buy an amazing picture.  Then, by working, I would then be on the trip!

Imagine the possibilities if we acted as if we were already in the future!  Our dreams can become our reality!

Today, I felt joy in my heart like I did last October.  This particular place we visited is a place that we can create dreams. It brings happiness and exploration.  I don't have to 'wait' for a feeling - but to just act.  And, I can do it anywhere! 

So, during a very cold day in January.  I also asked myself, 'Where are the caterpillars?'
Or better yet....."Do I have to wait to see the caterpillars before I start playing?"

I can't wait for what is in store for my future!