Breaking Free: My Butterfly Journey from Burnout to Authenticity
I am constantly doing Shadow work. I consider my own level of self-awareness and curiosity to be one of my super powers, so I love going in deep and getting to know all parts of myself, even when they’re uncomfortable.
As we wind down July, I'm struck by how far I've come on this winding path of transformation around overworking and creativity I’ve been walking for the past three months.
In April, I had a massive an undeniable awakening that how I was doing things needed to change. I was overgiving to everyone, every project, big time. I was putting my creative expression on the backburner to “serve others.”
In June, I took a mostly-sabbatical from work to reflect on my burnout, my relationship with overworking, and just to try and find ME beneath the rubble of societal expectations. I needed to find myself again.
Throughout July, I’ve been reflecting daily, blogging, working on my business in a new way, and just generally staying open to what my next soul-calling is—which is my writing.
A big part of how I’ve been navigating this season of life is through my own Butterfly Immersion program. The butterfly has long been a powerful symbol for me—of metamorphosis, of breaking free from old patterns, of embracing our true nature. And as I reflect on my own journey, I see how I've moved through each stage of the butterfly's lifecycle, emerging changed and evolving each day.
Where I've Been: The Caterpillar Stage
For so long, I was that little caterpillar, consuming whatever was put in front of me—both nourishing and toxic. I absorbed stories of trauma, abuse, neglect. I learned to caretake others at the expense of myself. I believed I was "too much" and simultaneously "not enough."
Like the caterpillar inching along, I moved through life feeling small, vulnerable, unsure. I coped through overgiving, self-sacrifice, silencing my truth, conforming to others' expectations. I numbed myself with substances, stayed silent instead of expressing my needs, overworked to please others.
But even in those dark days, a whisper of my true self has always remained. The seeds of my passions and values were there, waiting to sprout—my love of writing and teaching. My desire for holistic wellbeing. My yearning for authentic connection and compassion. My creativity.
Where I Am Now: Emerging from the Chrysalis
Inside the chrysalis over the past few months, I’ve really examined my relationship with overworking and avoiding my creative pursuits. My burnout has been chronic for years, but I felt the need to keep going and pushing because of the beliefs I held about entrepreneurship, hustle culture, and what “success” looks like. Oof! It’s been a lot to untangle.
After doing the hard, messy work of examining my shadows in the chrysalis (over and over, I might add), I'm now emerging into a new light. I've shed so many limiting beliefs around staying “safe” and toxic patterns I used to survive for so long. I've reclaimed my voice, my power, my sense of self, though I also recognize that transformation is an ongoing process. My wings in this way are still a bit damp and wobbly. I'm still integrating all I've learned, still practicing new ways of being.
And that's okay. Growth isn't linear.
I'm learning to trust my intuition and honor my needs. I'm setting even healthier boundaries and prioritizing self-care. I'm expressing myself more authentically and pursuing work that lights me up.
Who I Am Becoming: Taking Flight
As I continue to stretch my wings, I'm embracing the fullness of who I am meant to be. I'm stepping into my role as a guide and healer even more, using my experiences to help others navigate their own metamorphosis.This means focusing on how I help others rather than trying every new way! That’s why I’ve paired down my “offer suite” to make it easier for potential clients to determine what level of support they want.
I'm cultivating deeper self-love and compassion. I'm allowing more play and pleasure into my life. This means prioritizing getting outside every single day, no matter the weather. It means factoring in more “creative still time.” I'm following my creative impulses and trusting my unique gifts. I'm building a life of alignment - mind, body, spirit.
With each beat of my wings, I'm flying higher into my purpose. I'm here to create sanctuary spaces for other "Others," to uplift those who feel unseen or unheard. I'm here to model authenticity and vulnerability. To remind others of their innate wholeness and worth.
Breaking the Cycles
Most powerfully, I'm breaking generational cycles of trauma, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment. I'm rewriting old scripts about my value and my voice. I'm choosing self-trust over self-doubt, boundaries over burnout, authenticity over approval-seeking. This is HUGE.
It hasn't been easy. There are days when those old patterns call to me, when it feels safer to stay small. But I keep choosing courage. I keep doing the inner work. I keep expanding into new possibilities.
And I won’t stop!
Your Turn to Take Flight
If you're resonating with any part of my journey, know that transformation is possible for you, too. You have wings, even if you can't see them yet. You have the power to break free from limiting beliefs and painful patterns.
It starts with getting curious about your own shadows—the parts of yourself you've tried to hide or change. What stories are you telling yourself that no longer serve you? What cycles are you ready to break?
I invite you to join me for the Butterfly Immersion experience, where we'll explore each stage of the butterfly's metamorphosis as a framework for your own growth. You’ll shine light on your shadows, helping you transmute pain into power. You’ll activate your innate wisdom and gifts. And I am happy to support you in emerging as your most authentic, empowered self.
You don't have to stay stuck in old patterns. You don't have to keep living a life that feels too small. It's time to spread your wings and soar into the life you're meant to live.
Are you ready to begin your butterfly journey? Learn more about the Butterfly Immersion here.
Remember, beloved: You are so much more than your struggles! You have the strength to transform. And you deserve to fly free.
With All My Love,
Safrianna Lughna
The Queer-Spirit Guide
This month, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and share wisdom gleaned from my sabbatical, butterfly medicine, and more. Feel free to follow along if you want to learn more about my story! #UltimateBlogChallenge https://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/
Want to chat with me directly? Join the LivingLUNAs Discord: https://discord.gg/5UkGZb9kYp
