Hello my names Coleen, welcome to my podcast The Striving Butterfly. I can imagine you’re thinking of another podcast. I was thinking the same and still question what I'm doing but enough is enough.
I’m challenging myself to step a little bit more out of my comfort zone.
You wouldn't believe It’s taken two years to record my first episode. I have been running and conversing with the Lord as to whether I'm doing the right thing. Why me Lord. But after running and receiving prophecy after prophecy - For those that don’t know Prophecy in easy spiritual terminology is a message from God that includes the foreknowledge of future events, though it may sometimes apply to past events of which there is no memory, and to present hidden things which cannot be known by the natural light of reason.
Seeing the direction of my life shifting, my core network of friends and family strengthen, and the new pool of people being drawn to me changing. I said no matter what. If it’s not all done the way I want it. This year, on my birthday I will release my first episode. I originally wanted my website up along with so many other elements but hey work commitments and life took place. Some would say excuses as to why I didn't make it happen sooner and you know what the fear of venturing into an unfamiliar space also caused me to delay. I can’t front. In the delay which started before I even conceived the idea of this podcast I’ve been on a journey of transformation and learned how to truly embrace my wings. Don’t get me wrong, I have had a few blips as we all do, i am far from perfect. However, before I had been hiding, ignoring, if’ing and r’ing about how and what to proceed. I had been deter by comments but mainly found myself getting too comfortable supporting and growing everyone else vision as opposed to defining and building my own. I can imagine you’re nodding and raising your eyebrows thinking yeah that’s me.
I know many will identify with me. Putting off an idea, procrastinating, and thinking can I do it? Well yes, you can.
If that is you this podcast is definitely for you. With a new episode and occasional guest, every fortnight be sure to download and tune in to the latest episode.
So…why the ‘Striving Butterfly what’s with all the references to a butterfly. ….The butterfly has become a metaphor for transformation and hope; across many cultures, it has often been classed as a symbol for rebirth and resurrection. Among the ancients, is an emblem of the soul and of unconscious attraction towards light. In Western culture, the butterfly represents lightness and fickleness. The last 3 - 4 years I have seen myself shift….and evolve like a butterfly. I’m not giving myself an ego boost, I just know I’ve become stronger, smarter, and way more powerful. I love who I am now…. and you know what I want the same for you. I want women and men, infant or adult to know… and feel ….what it is to be working at their full potential.
Now I may have triggered a flood of thoughts and caused you to have a quick flash of the past as to how, why, and what has caused you to be where I am now, what is this going to reignite? Whether good or bad we sometimes need to unpack the past to allow us to know what it is it that’s causing us to hold back. To prepare and allow you to be more transparent I’m going to unpick and unpack my story. A story that hasn’t completely been told out loud. Without counting on my hand it’s only a handful of people who know my actual story which was probably shared in conversation or as a response so it may all seem a bit fragmented.
Never boom here it all is, going deeper and unpicking the journey… boyyyy it’s a lot. Two rapid questions you may be asking yourself at this moment 1. Will I tell all my story and really go there? To answer. Yes I will. This podcast is for me and my guest to be transparent, authentic and real. I want you to feel encouraged to know your not on your own. I want you to feel comfortable with your own story. Second rapid question. Why on a podcast and why now…. Hmmm I feel my story will allow others to come forward, drop the guard and feel safe in knowing it’s going to be ok. I can do this.
This was never something I dreamed or ever thought I would do but during me questioning if I should the volume of women I have come to meet and know in the last year. All feeling open and trusting me with there story. It’s like I’ve become a safety blanket with them knowing I’m not here to judge as I’ve been where they have. That for me was like a sign and my confirmation to push and be a blessing to someone else.
You may think this is normal girls to chat and get together. Well you know what… I’m someone who keeps my circle real small. I don’t trust so easy. Like I have one bestie big up my girl Cat been riding with me for 20 years, another girl who I’ve know even longer but the last few years we slowly distanced due to life, no hard feelings I love her. I then have my prayer group girlies Fran and Goma, we’ve been on our journeys with Christ together. Last but not least someone who most probably be so surprised if she listens is my girl Shar who has been instrumental in my journey and the birthing of my wings. I called these ladies out in particular as I wouldn’t be speaking to you now if these ladies weren’t playing such a key role in my life. I hope and pray you have someone in your life and if you don’t please don’t sit alone in silence. Get in touch we me
Going back over my journey and revisiting parts of life has stirred up a lot of emotions and it may cause you to unbox some emotions you had under lock and key. You may find it awkward, painful, and have a rah moment. It may challenge you to question some friendships and cause some heated conversations. You may listen and judge me, give me a side eye, and look at me differently. You may call me a fool and be like girl you’re on your own. But ladies in particular, you can do your sniggers, give the side eye, share in your group, and make the rah noises. Cause girl I am proud of what I’ve overcome and I am comfortable knowing I can own and walk in my truth.
If you’re ready to come on this journey with me, I need you to say it out loud or whisper if you’re in a public place. ‘I’m ready and I ain’t going back’.
Ladies, girls, mothers, friends, let’s heal together, let’s learn how to manage our pain and grief. The events we’ve swept under the carpet are unresolved, the events that have caused us to go on mute. The repeated self-destruct patterns have caused relationship after relationship to fail. Friendships to become dormant and our own selves become stagnant. I’m here to make the uncomfortable feel comfortable. Come unpick and unpack the excess luggage. We are about to restore what we’ve lost as I teach you how to remove the noise, put yourself first, and practice self-care.
Hopefully, from listening this far, you too feel ready…Whoop whoop
For each podcast, I’m going to include a downloadable handout themed around the episode available on our social accounts. Take a moment to complete it. Then if you feel comfortable…share it with me. Everything will be anonymous unless you stipulate. You also have an opportunity to ask me a question or request a topic. Nothing is off the cards.
Phew, I did it, I got through my first episode. Before I we move to the next episode and learn who I am.
Take a second to reset…hit that Control, Alt, Delete button in your head as we go on this journey of owning our truth, building on our future, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
