Butterflies

I went to the zoo the other day. I walked through the butterfly garden, and was struck with a feeling of overwhelming transfixation: Butterflies are a visual representation of growth and development in the most elegant and beautiful way. I have always been amazed how a caterpillar creates its barriers, shuts itself off and emerges stronger, developed and with new found wings.

It got me thinking about the times in life we find our wings: sometimes ones which we didn't know we had. I often write about how music soundtracks different emotions and parts of life, and on this topic, there are certain songs I find that trigger moments for me to fly. Whether this is because they have a memory attached to them or have inspiring lyrics - or even sometimes it is just down to a major chord progression - there are many ways a song will make it onto my 'Find Your Wings' playlist.

One of those songs that I'd like to hone in on in particular is 'Hurricane' by The Vamps. I have a long standing joke that these boys have been my long terms relationship since the 2012, but this song in particular has given me the motivation boost walking into new jobs, clawing my way back after relationships and friendship breakdowns and is my go-to pick me up song. Not only does this song boost me in an emotional motivation sense, I have watched The Vamps grow their wings over the years through this song too: I remember seeing this performed when I saw them for the first time in 2016 at the O2, and then had a full circle moment seeing them at the Hammersmith Apollo in 2024 for their 10 year anniversary tour of 'Meet The Vamps'. As I stood, looking around the Apollo, I felt such a sense of pride. A sense of pride looking back at how much I have achieved and grown as a person since I first saw them: at how grateful I am for all the memories I have had as a result of them, how much has changed since I first saw them and how proud I am of the person I have grown into, much like the butterfly.

Sometimes it takes one song to trigger a multitude of memories, emotions and an acknowledgement of the person you have developed into, because of everything you have been through that cocoons you: until one day you emerge even stronger than ever. And learn to spread your wings.