Good. Consider yourself lucky.

You know the feeling. Senses spark. Focus narrows. Heartbeats quicken. Far from our comfort zones, stomachs begin to jump and flutter.

Perhaps it’s almost time for the big presentation. Or, you’re about to walk into an interview. Maybe it’s moments from going live on-air—or perhaps your deadline is ‘tick-tocking’ away on the clock. The butterflies within you are dancing so fiercely you wonder if others can hear them.

But embrace these butterflies.

Consider if each day, all day, life is calm. Tranquil. No fluctuation of emotion and nothing out-of-the-ordinary to spark the spirit. While it may sound Utopian to some, it wouldn’t be ideal in the long-run.

Why?

Because an absence of butterflies says perhaps we’re not challenging ourselves. Not pushing our capabilities. Not growing. And stagnancy in life can be crippling.

Indeed, there are times when we require quiet respite. We all endure challenging seasons, right? So rest when necessary.

Then jump back into the game and attract some new butterflies.

After all, deadlines continue to wave in. To-do’s predictably multiply. And my book is still due. And while these tasks feel heavy at times—as your list weighs heavily as well—I challenge us all toward change in both action and thought process.

What weighs on you most? Take action on that item. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Focus. Dig in. Just 20 minutes a day. As you proceed you’ll notice the weight of burdens lift, transforming into light, fluttering butterflies. When it’s time for your next 20-minute session (which likely will extend once you’re grooved in), the weight won’t be heavy. Rather, pride and the thrill of accomplishment and productivity will ignite within.

Embrace the butterflies.

And when the flutters fly away? Find another challenge. Put yourself out there. Test the waters and see what else you can do. Buy a plane ticket, get in the car, on the bike, or lace up the running shoes and go. Explore. And challenge yourself.

Butterflies remind us we’re alive. Like the caterpillar blossoms to beauty in flight, so too are we intended to grow, change, improve and fly.

Don’t just chase after the butterflies. Embrace them.