This week, I found myself unexpectedly grounded—literally and figuratively. A worsening of my eyesight (more on that in a future article) had forced me to stay home, creating space for fatigue, frustration, and a flood of emotions to rise to the surface. But amidst the chaos, something unexpected happened. A butterfly, fragile yet alive, fluttered into my life.
I named him Frodo.
When I found him, Frodo wasn’t in the best shape. His left wing was damaged—a gap that seemed insurmountable for something so delicate. And yet, Frodo wasn’t giving up. There he was, standing upright, clinging to life despite the odds. His resilience reminded me of Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings, carrying a burden (his broken wing) as heavy as the One Ring.
Peacock butterflies, I later learned, are not only stunning with their vivid colors but also rich in symbolism. They represent wisdom, insight, and the ability to overcome challenges by forging one’s own path. And isn’t that exactly what this week has been about for me?
When I brought Frodo into my home, I didn’t realize he was offering me more than just the opportunity to care for him. His broken wing became a mirror for my own struggles. Over the past few years, my journey has been about learning to accept the heavy burdens I carry—both physical and emotional—and finding ways to rise above them. Watching Frodo open his vibrant wings, even with their imperfections, was like a visual reminder that transformation is still possible, even when you feel broken.
It’s no coincidence that this happened during a week where I was exploring self-compassion and healing. Frodo’s arrival reminded me of something I had started to forget: healing isn’t linear, and resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel the weight of your struggles—it means you keep going despite them.
I placed Frodo in a pot with soil, giving him shelter and warmth as the temperatures outside plummeted. He responded with life, slowly opening his wings to reveal brilliant colors—orange, blue, purple. I marveled at his strength and determination to live. It made me reflect on how often I’ve had to create my own warmth during my most difficult times.
And then there’s the name. Frodo. It felt right from the start. Frodo Baggins didn’t seek adventure or greatness; he was thrust into a journey that would test his spirit and strength. Similarly, life often presents us with challenges we didn’t ask for. But Frodo, the hobbit and the butterfly, showed me that true strength lies in the willingness to keep moving forward—even if your wings are a little broken.
This isn’t just Frodo’s story—it’s mine, too. The peacock butterfly reminds me not to be deterred by external circumstances, but to find the wisdom and strength to carve my own path.
As I prepare to release Frodo back into the world, I feel a deep gratitude for the lessons he brought me. His journey may have started with a broken wing, but it’s ending with a reminder that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, compassion, and learning to spread your wings, no matter the circumstances.
And I feel ready, now more than ever, to spread my own.
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