I can't kill bugs. Unless there is an indisputable reason for me to do so, everything that crawls, flies or burrows underground will live.
I will not deny any fly, beetle, spider or centipede their rightful place on earth simply because I do not value their existence. If they are in my house, I will escort them out the door. If they are lunching on my roses, I will flick them off. It is not for me to decide what gets to live and what has to die.
In my early days I'd run for the swatter. Walk over anthills or crush a Japanese beetle beneath the sole of my shoe. They were bugs and unimportant.
Upon closer observation of these tiny creatures, I marveled at their enormous capabilities. How did spiders spin their beautiful webs without any knowledge of geometric design? How did bees know what role to play in service of the queen? And why were ants so well organized when I always had a closet to arrange?
With wisdom born from maturity, I have transitioned to a place of reverence and respect. Every living creature regardless of size or species holds value and purpose.
As the caterpillar leaves its chrysalis behind, a butterfly slowly emerges. I too have replaced indifference with humility. I view the world through a transformative lens with an ever growing sense of awe and wonder.
Alice Barbera
