The Day I Stopped Chasing Butterflies 🦋

Blue butterflies fluttering through a warm garden with the title “The Day I Stopped Chasing Butterflies” by Nihshabd, symbolizing happiness, hope, and finding joy in simple moments.

What’s something you used to worry about but don’t anymore?

WordPress really made me stop and think today.

The Day I Stopped Chasing Butterflies wasn’t a title I planned.

It all began with one simple prompt:

“What’s something you used to worry about but don’t anymore?”

Poor WordPress.

It asked one tiny question…

…but life handed me a much longer answer. 😄

I think being a woman teaches you certain lessons much earlier than you expect. And honestly, not just women—life has a funny way of teaching all of us, whether we signed up for the class or not.

So here’s my little list…

Or maybe not a list.

More like a collection of things I quietly stopped carrying.

I stopped worrying so much about… people.

What will people think?

I spent years editing myself before speaking.

One day I realized most people weren’t even reading my script—they were busy rehearsing their own.

Turns out, people have their own lives, their own problems, and their own endless to-do lists. They’re not running a 24/7 surveillance team dedicated to me.

What a relief. 😄

Making everyone happy.

I tried. Really, I did.

Then I realized it’s like charging everyone’s phone while your own battery is at 2%.

Someone is always going to be unhappy.

These days, if I’m smiling, I call it a successful day.

Outgrowing people.

I used to believe every friendship had to last forever.

Now I know some people are chapters, not the whole book.

They came, they taught me something, and they moved on.

That’s not failure…

That’s life.


I stopped worrying so much about… myself.

There was a time when saying “I don’t know” felt like admitting defeat.

Now it feels like honesty.

Even Google occasionally says, “No results found.” 😄

I also stopped worrying about changing my mind.

If people say, “You’ve changed,” my first thought is…

“I certainly hope so.”

Software that never updates eventually crashes.

Humans aren’t any different.

And don’t even get me started on productivity.

I used to feel guilty for resting.

Now I know even my phone demands to be charged before it starts complaining.

Why should humans be any different?


And finally… I stopped worrying so much about life itself.

Every closed door once felt like the end of the world.

Now I just assume life saved me from walking into the wrong room.

What’s meant for me usually has a funny habit of finding me anyway.

I also made peace with silence.

Earlier, every quiet moment felt awkward.

Now silence often says more than words ever could.

And starting over?

That one doesn’t scare me anymore either.

Beginning again doesn’t mean starting from scratch.

Experience quietly packs its bags and comes along for the ride.

So no matter how many times life says,

“Start again…”

I know I’m never truly starting from zero.

Somewhere along the way…

I learned how to live.

Not because life suddenly became easier.

But because I slowly stopped expecting happiness to arrive one fine morning, ring the doorbell, and politely introduce itself.

I spent years chasing happiness.

Running after people.

Running after approval.

Running after expectations.

Running after that imaginary moment when everything would finally be perfect.

Then one day I realized something that changed everything.

If you want butterflies, you don’t spend your life chasing butterflies. You build a garden where butterflies would want to stay.

Maybe happiness works the same way.

The Day I Stopped Chasing Butterflies 🦋

So instead of chasing everyone and everything, I started creating a life that feels like home to me.

A little embroidery.

A little gardening.

Digital illustration.

Writing.

Music playing in the background.

Dancing in the kitchen while waiting for the tea to boil.

Painting when words aren’t enough.

Getting lost in a good suspense thriller.

Spending unhurried time with my family.

Playing Ludo together and laughing over the silliest things.

Years from now, I don’t think we’ll remember who won the Ludo game… but we’ll definitely remember who was sitting around the board. 🤍

Maybe every home deserves a tiny family ritual.

It doesn’t have to be anything grand.

A board game.

An evening cup of tea.

A short walk.

Even simply a little time together.

Sometimes, the smallest rituals become the biggest memories.

Tiny moments.

Simple joys.

Nothing extraordinary.

Yet somehow…

They make ordinary days feel beautiful.

Maybe that’s what happiness looked like all along.

Does that mean I never worry anymore?

Of course not.

(Okay okay… some things still sting. I’m not a saint. 😛)

But now I know where to return when life becomes too loud.

Sometimes I even wonder…

Have I finally achieved moksha?

Then someone cuts me off in traffic, my Wi-Fi stops working, or an online order gets delayed…

…and I’m immediately reminded—

Nope. Still very much attached to worldly things. 😂

Now I’m curious…

What’s something you used to worry about… but don’t anymore?

Or tell me this…

What do you do to worry a little less… and live a little more?🤍

I’d genuinely love to hear your answer in the comments. 🦋✨

.

Until the next whisper…
—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd by Rajeshwari

.

If this whisper stayed with you, you may also enjoy reading If I Had to Be an Animal for a Week | A Butterfly’s Lesson

Comments

62 responses to “The Day I Stopped Chasing Butterflies 🦋”

  1. Hazel Avatar

    I go out if I feel worried about something. Nature soothes me for that. We’ll building garden of joy, Rajeshwari, to reap joy. Hugs!

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Hazel! 🤍Nature truly is a wonderful healer. 🦋✨

      1. Hazel Avatar

        Exactly. My pleasure, Rajeshwari

  2. Kanishka Pathak Avatar

    It was fantastic😍😍 You didn’t just write an article you held up a mirror to experiences so many of us quietly carry🙏 My favorite takeaway was that happiness isn’t something we chase…it’s something we cultivate….😌Thank you for such a heartfelt and beautifully written reflection……you pretty butterfly 🌷🪷

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Kanishka! 🤍 I’m so happy the message resonated with you. And “you pretty butterfly”… that has to be one of the sweetest compliments I’ve received. 🦋✨🥹

      1. Kanishka Pathak Avatar

        Glad that it made you smile 😌

  3. winningsetbacks Avatar

    You said it all. A quiet acceptance of life and living it to the best of our ability I enjoyed the rode to the very end. Thanks

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      That is such a beautiful thing to hear. 🤍Thank you for walking this little journey with me. 🦋✨

  4. SRIKANTH Avatar

    This is so beautifully written, Rajeshwari. The line about building a garden instead of chasing butterflies really hit home—it’s such a powerful shift in perspective. I used to worry endlessly about not being ‘enough’—not productive enough, not put-together enough, not worthy enough. But like you, I’ve slowly learned that peace doesn’t come from achieving everything; it comes from appreciating the small rituals. For me, it’s my morning coffee with no phone, and just sitting with my thoughts. Thank you for reminding us that happiness isn’t a destination—it’s the quiet moments we’re already living. And I LOVE the Ludo bit! Those are the memories that truly last. Sending you so much love and gratitude for this gentle reminder. 🦋🤍”

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Aww… thank you so much Srikanth ji for this beautiful comment. 🥹🤍 It truly touched my heart. I loved reading about your little morning coffee ritual it sounds so peaceful. You’re absolutely right… happiness quietly finds us in these simple moments. And I’m so happy the butterfly metaphor (and the Ludo bit 😄) resonated with you. Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart with me. Sending lots of love your way. 🦋✨

      1. SRIKANTH Avatar

        Thank you so much, Rajeshwari! Your sweet words truly warmed my heart. I’m so grateful for your kindness and support. Sending you lots of love and happiness right back. 🤍🦋✨

      2. nihshabdblog Avatar

        Srikanth ji, You just made me smile. 😊🤍 It’s always a joy connecting with kind souls like you. Until the next post! 🦋✨

  5. sriwrites Avatar

    Superb. It feels like it belongs in a book 🙂

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      That means the world to me. 🥹🤍Thank you for seeing my words that way.🦋✨

  6. iamfoolz Avatar
    iamfoolz

    Building a life you enjoy is far more rewarding than chasing every passing thing. Thank you for this thoughtful read.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much. 🤍 I’m so glad that message resonated with you. It truly means a lot. 🦋✨

      1. iamfoolz Avatar
        iamfoolz

        You are welcome, my friend

  7. Aptivi Avatar

    Good morning Rajeshwari ☀️

    Living our life to the best of our abilities is essential. So beautifully written! 👍

    Have a wonderful day! ☺️

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Good evening! 🌙😊 Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad the message resonated with you. 🤍Wishing you a peaceful evening. 🦋✨

      1. Aptivi Avatar

        You’re most welcome, Rajeshwari ☺️💜
        Thank you so much for your kind wishes!

  8. Mukund Karadkhedkar Avatar

    Beautiful write up. The transformation from worried to a carefree woman is well described. I loved the title. It can also be compared with the butterflies in the stomach when you are stressed up. Thanks for sharing

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Mukund ji🤍 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love your connection with “butterflies in the stomach” what a thoughtful perspective! Thank you for reading so beautifully. 🦋✨

      1. Mukund Karadkhedkar Avatar

        My pleasure 😇

  9. Chitrangada Sharan Avatar

    There is a saying that if you enjoy watching the butterflies, build and nurture a garden.
    I agree with all your points. We overthink about ourselves and others.
    Life is a precious gift and we should live it that way.
    I do believe that creativity of any kind is therapeutic.
    Thank you for this wonderful post.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Chitrangada for your beautiful thoughts. 🤍 I couldn’t agree more creativity has such a gentle way of healing us. I’m so glad the post resonated with you. Thank you for reading with such warmth. 🦋✨

  10. Goin' the extra...aaamile Avatar

    This post now was SOLID, ekdam kadak hai boss! Loved it. It crunched harder with every line I read…maybe I’m just in the mood today. My post was pretty crunchy itself if not fiery 🔥🚒
    Question:
    Since you’ve stopped chasing 🦋🦋 are they now chasing you? Coz the little i know of butterflies are that, they come sit on a person who they feel are calm…you might have not attained moksha as yet, but maybe you’re on your way?
    Maybe someday you’d like to live in Monk-style and then you can write a book “The Monk who wrote blogs” 😉😉
    I know…I know I have some imagination, but I have days like that 😅 where I’m extra special 😂😂😂

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Hahaha… you had me laughing all the way through this! 😂🦋 I haven’t reached moksha yet the Wi-Fi still disconnects, traffic still annoys me, and I still lose at Ludo. 😄 But maybe the butterflies are getting a little less scared of me these days! And The Monk Who Wrote Blogs… now that’s a title I might have to borrow one day. 😉 Thank you for making me smile with your wonderfully “extra special” imagination! 🦋✨

  11. Goin' the extra...aaamile Avatar

    Gosh! My comments are getting longer and longer 🤭🙂‍↕️☺️😜🦋

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Sangat ka asar ho raha hai 😅🦋✨

  12. Lalitha Avatar

    Looks like we are two sides of the same coin Rajeshwariji!

    I remember seeing your notification and hitting the like without even reading it. If I had read yours in the morning I probably wouldn’t have written mine! 🤣🤣 Thank goodness I am patient…enough! 🤓

    What a beautiful rendition of not chasing happiness! It’s weird, isn’t it? The moment we stop chasing, all that we chased falls into our laps in ways we never imagined! Some call it acceptance, some patience. Some say it’s surrender, some faith. Whatever it is, it is what makes it all possible.

    Worrying ultimately is the fear of losing control… fear of what ifs…fear of a future that we are not sure of…fear of the unknown…once that is out of the picture, butterflies will come to us, no matter what!

    Thank you for such a sweet journey through all your chasing. The title couldn’t be more apt. If we wish to be happy, we need to be the well that overflows with it. No amount of chasing is going to give us that which we have within us in abundance!

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Aww… this made me smile from beginning to end. 🥹🤍 I think the prompt simply chose two hearts thinking along the same path. 😊 I loved your reflections on surrender, faith, and the fear of losing control they add such beautiful depth to the conversation. Thank you Lalitha for walking this journey with me and for leaving such a thoughtful comment. Sending you a warm hug. 🦋✨

  13. Rupali Avatar

    A good one. Enjoy life.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Rupali 🦋✨

  14. Swamigalkodi Astrology Avatar

    Every worry is an investment of emotional capital. The story becomes an argument for wiser investing—placing time, energy, and love into things that quietly compound: relationships, rituals, creativity, and inner stability, while letting unprofitable anxieties expire.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      What a beautiful way to put it. 🤍 “Emotional capital” is a phrase I’ll remember. Thank you for reading so deeply and adding such a thoughtful perspective to the conversation. 🦋✨

  15. Vijay Srivastava Avatar

    Rajeshwari ji, this is such a delightful blend of wisdom, warmth, and self-awareness. The metaphor of not chasing butterflies but creating a garden where they choose to stay is especially beautiful it quietly transforms the idea of happiness from something to pursue into something to cultivate.

    Perhaps growing wiser is simply learning what deserves our energy, what deserves our acceptance, and what deserves to be released. And yes, the Wi-Fi failing is probably life’s humble reminder that moksha is still a work in progress! 😄

    A beautiful reminder to stop chasing life and start living it.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Aww… thank you so much Vijay ji for this beautiful reflection. 🥹🤍 I truly loved reading it. Your thought about growing wiser by knowing what deserves our energy, our acceptance, and what we can gently let go is so beautifully said. And yes… the Wi-Fi is still doing its best to remind me that moksha is a work in progress! 😄 Thank you for adding such warmth and wisdom to the conversation. 🦋✨

  16. Glowith – Glow Every Day, Grow Every Way Avatar

    Beautifully written. Sometimes the best happiness is found in the simplest moments. 🦋🤍

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Maha🤍🦋 I couldn’t agree more. The simplest moments often become the ones we carry in our hearts the longest. So glad it resonated with you. 🦋✨

  17. Kevin James Wholley Avatar
    Kevin James Wholley

    Good list and perspective

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much! I’m glad the perspective resonated with you. 🦋✨

  18. samaysakshi Avatar

    Great post as you always share.

    It is life that makes us mature, if we are ready to learn and stop worrying for petty things, we must have faith in almighty and keep enjoying our life the way it unfolds.

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much. 🤍I couldn’t agree more. Life has a gentle way of teaching us what truly matters. The moment we stop worrying about the little things, trust in the Almighty, and embrace life as it unfolds, we find a peace that was always waiting for us. 🙏🌸🦋

  19. Esther O'Neill Avatar

    Treasured every word of this post

    In the UK’s summer of heat and dust, driest since 1836, more butterflies than we’ve seen for many years.
    About two years ago, local farmers stopped releasing slurry into becks – dialect word for brook,. stream,. etc,-
    Fish are back, crayfish too, and otters to enjoy eating them. , Two days ago, we accidently distrurbed a young otter,

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you for sharing this. 🤍 What a lovely reminder that when we care for nature, it quietly finds its way back to us. 🦋✨

  20. Nusrat Khan Avatar

    Enjoy your garden
    Enjoy your life

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much Nusrat ji🤍🦋✨

  21. Keshav Porwal Avatar
    Keshav Porwal

    YOUTH IMPACT Feature Pitch: 15-Year-Old Author Independently Publishes His 6th Book For Free

    Dear Editors,
    I hope this email finds you well.
    I am a regular reader of your inspiring features on young Indian changemakers, which is why I wanted to share my journey with you.

    My name is Keshav Porwal, and I am a 15-year-old student and independent author from India.

    I recently released my newest book series, “Dwarka: The Lost City of Lord Krishna” (Part I & II III COMING SOON ), on digital platforms. This marks my sixth self-published book.What makes my writing journey unique is my core mission: I refuse to sell my work for profit. Because I want to reach and inspire students worldwide who lack guidance, I distribute all of my e-books completely for free. Writing quietly in English alongside my schoolwork has been my “secret superpower”—in fact, neither my school teachers nor my classmates know that I have written books ranging from the Indian examination system to deep historical research.

    Given your platform’s incredible focus on youth impact and inspiring Indian creators, I believe my story of balancing high school with non-commercial, extensive book publishing would deeply resonate with your audience.I am readily available for a phone, virtual sit-down, or email interview at your convenience.

    Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

    Warm regards,
    Keshav Porwal
    Author & Student

    View Full Media Kit & Books: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BhyT5hjQbYNb4LKk6XMxAy1qbgPVSY_h

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you for sharing your journey, Keshav. Wishing you all the very best with your books and your inspiring mission. Keep writing and keep shining! 🌷📚

      1. Keshav Porwal Avatar
        Keshav Porwal

        Can you feature or promote me and my ebooks please

      2. nihshabdblog Avatar

        Thank you, Keshav! 🤍 I’ve received everything you shared yesterday. I’ll take some time to go through it properly, and if it’s a good fit for my blog and audience, I’d be delighted to feature it. I’ll let you know. 😊

      3. Keshav Porwal Avatar
        Keshav Porwal

        Ok waiting for your response eagerly

      4. Keshav Porwal Avatar
        Keshav Porwal

        Is there any update can you share your email id for further process

  22. datta Avatar

    “Software that never updates eventually crashes.”

    “If you want butterflies, you don’t spend your life chasing butterflies. You build a garden where butterflies would want to stay.”

    — Superb! 💖

    🌝

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you! 🤍 It makes me so happy to know those lines found a place in your heart. 🦋✨

  23. Gbtutunjian Avatar

    Well said

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Thank you so much for reading. 🤍 I truly appreciate it.🦋✨

      1. Gbtutunjian Avatar

        You do write very well.

  24. DimmaJo Blog Avatar

    I was in the same shoes as you, Nihshab. But I’m glad I don’t care about it anymore. Thank you for sharing this amazing post 👏

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      Aww… thank you so much. 🤍 I’m so glad we’ve both found a little more peace along the way. Here’s to carrying fewer worries and a lot more joy. 🦋✨

  25. umadasila Avatar

    I came for the butterflies and stayed for the life lessons. 😄 Turns out the real glow-up is replacing “What will people think?” with “Where’s the tea?” ☕🦋 Beautifully written Rajeshwari ! 💛😍

    1. nihshabdblog Avatar

      He he ..This comment made me smile! 😄 I’m so glad the butterflies led you to the life lessons. Thank you! 🤍🦋✨

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