It’s been a while.

If you’ve been following The Iron Butterfly for a bit, you know this space has always been about the balance between strength and grace. But for the past several months, the “Iron” part of that equation took over. Between the whirlwind of graduating from high school, moving into college, the weight of new commitments, and the sheer intensity of a changing life, the blog went quiet.

I used to feel guilty about the silence. But I’ve realized that a butterfly doesn’t disappear when it’s in the cocoon; it’s just doing the heavy, messy, necessary work of transformation.

I’m emerging from that chrysalis a little different than I was before—and I’m ready to share what that’s been like.

What I Learned While I Wasn’t Writing

They say college is a time for “finding yourself,” but I think it’s more about forging yourself. Here are a few things I’ve picked up while the screen was dark:

• The Power of the Pause: Sometimes, you have to stop producing to start growing. Taking a break from the blog wasn’t “quitting”; it was creating space to actually have something worth saying.
• Resilience is Quiet: We often think of strength as a loud, “iron” force. But I’ve learned that sometimes resilience is just showing up to a 10:00 PM study session or 7:00 AM workouts when you’d rather be anywhere else.
• Growth is Uncomfortable: Change isn’t a smooth flight; it’s a bit of a struggle to get your wings out. If things feel hard right now, it’s probably because you’re evolving.

The “Iron” Update: Life Lately

Since we last spoke, here is the quick-fire version of the “new normal”:

• Currently Studying: Navigating the highs and lows of my first year of college (and learning that coffee is a food group).
• The Athlete Life: This has been the ultimate test of “Iron.” Stepping onto a college team is a significant shift from high school athletics. The expectations are higher, the competition is fiercer, and the physical and mental demands are on a totally different level. It’s a challenge that requires a new kind of discipline, but honestly? I absolutely love it. There is something incredible about pushing your limits every single day and my coach and my team have become my people.
• The Current Vibe: Focusing on discipline, routines, and building a foundation for the future.
• The Butterfly Shift: Expect the blog to feel a little more reflective of this stage. More about the intersection of student-athlete life, personal growth, and staying grounded through big changes.

---

Moving Forward

I’m not the same person who wrote the last post on this blog, and that’s a good thing. The Iron Butterfly is still about being unyielding in our spirit and beautiful in our growth, but the flight path might look a little different now.

I’m so glad to be back in this space with you all. I’ve missed this community and the chance to process the world through these words.

“The wings of transformation are born of patience and struggle.”

What have you been forging lately? Whether you’ve been through a big move, a new team, or just a season of quiet growth, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s catch up.