By: Elizabeth Rose Cunningham
As a child, I loved life on our farm. My brothers and I ran the hills and played outside for hours. I remember chasing butterflies with them. We laughed, stumbling and falling, only to get back up with arms stretched out in front of us, continuing the adventure. Once in awhile we would catch one and put it in a mason jar, only to release it because it looked happier flying free. A few years later, at school, for the first time I watched the transformation of the caterpillar changing into a butterfly. The metamorphosis was powerful!
Many years later, while on vacation, my husband and I visited a butterfly conservatory. We were surrounded by butterflies from all over the world. In awe, I felt as though I had been transported to a magical garden with butterflies of every color, size and shape. Standing with my head thrown back and arms outstretched, I felt like a child again. I was totally immersed in the beauty surrounding me. Everywhere I looked, butterflies soared above and around me, looking like airborne fairies. Some were tucked in the lush bushes and flowers. Others, in their splendid beauty, landed on me, and I had the pleasure of enjoying the sheer delicacy of their wings and their extraordinary beauty. It reminded me of a quote by Maya Angelou, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
In the past three years, I have become a GiGi four times. Oh, my heart! These babies have brought me such fulfillment and joy to my life. In my heart, I knew it was a priority to be able to run and play with my grand babies. Just a year before my grandchildren were born, I remarried and became a pastor’s wife. My full-time job as Director of Aftercare at a funeral home was a blessing in many ways; however, my deteriorating health forced me to realize I was going to have to make some changes in the way I was doing life.
I knew I was unable to do this by myself, and I asked God for His wisdom. I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to begin. My transformation had begun in my mind. I was the caterpillar, and God had every intention of turning me into one of His winged beauties. He led me to natural, plant-based health products, and I began to get healthy on the inside. My food cravings went away, acid reflux and irregularity were gone and I slept like a baby. The joint pain in my hands disappeared, and my hair and skin became more vibrant. I had energy to enjoy life again! It was not a fast change, and I was determined to do whatever I needed to do to feel like “me” again. I got more active in my life, did regular moderate exercise and I began to lose weight. Months went by and I lost 30 pounds!
A few months ago, I was at the beach with my family. I was flying a kite with Bradley, my grandson, who is 3 years old. He said, “Run, Gigi, run.” The year before, that wouldn’t have been possible. We both ran with the kite flying high in the air, laughing and enjoying the exhilaration of the moment. On our way back down the beach, I was silently saying, “Thank you, God.”
Today, I am that GiGi who can run and play with my grandchildren. Since I left my full-time job to build a business with Plexus Worldwide, I help others transform their lives with better health and provide a way for many to earn income while working from home. I’d love to take this opportunity to share the things that have helped me in this personal, powerful change.
In the bookshelf, you will find my book “Porch Swings and Fireflies: Creating Life After Loss.” I felt led to write the book after overcoming several years of extreme financial hardship and the loss of my husband of 29 years in a tragic accident. It is my heart and ministry to help others experience life-changing transformation.
As an author and inspirational speaker, it is Elizabeth’s desire to inspire others to motivate themselves to let go of worries and fears, negative emotions and the pain and loss of the past. In sharing her story, she encourages others to find the courage to live with purpose and passion. In letting go, we allow God to open us up to the magnificent life experiences that are waiting for us. Contact Elizabeth at: elizabethroselyl@aol.com or on Facebook at: Elizabeth Rose Cunningham, FB group: Live Your Life HEALTHYPLEXUS or visit her website at: www.shopmyplexus.com/elizabethrc