Symbols of Growth and Change
Having symbols of growth and change nearby can help some people feel secure as they navigate the obstacles life throws at them. For us, those symbols are reminders of the transformations we all undergo when we work to realize our potential. They are not about perfection. They are about movement through space and time. They are about our imperfect lives, which we strive to make better. We have loved a few familiar symbols of growth and change for a long time. We have also come across some new (to us) symbols that are too good to pass up. Here is our list of beautiful personal-growth symbols, with a few words on what we like about them.
Floral Jewelry as a Symbol of Growth and Transformation
- Jewelry adorned with flowers is nothing new. For centuries, nature has inspired jewelry, from the delicate leaves of Edwardian pieces to the vibrant forms and colors of Art Nouveau. But we don’t want just what’s been around forever. We want to incorporate truly meaningful designs—representing connections to our family, friends, and radically (but beautifully) ordinary lives—into our jewelry. So we’ve come up with a floral collection where every piece is a symbol of something deeper and more intimate than just what looks good and might have “resale value” down the road.
Butterflies as the Ultimate Symbol of Transformation
- Butterflies Within our collection of symbols for growth and healing, butterflies hold a special place. They are the literal and most potent symbols of transformation. Catering to the room and board of a caterpillar ship, we completely liquify in the cocoon stage to become something entirely different! But even if the “process” has another word for it—like “growth” or “development”—it is ours alone, and that is what makes it special, even if it “hurts a little.”
The Leaf as a Symbol of Self and Growth
- The natural world has always provided us with powerful examples of growth, transformation, and renewal. For symbols of personal development, there is perhaps nothing better than the leaf. In some cultures, the leaf is seen as a reflection of the self. Each has its own character and beauty, but every leaf is still part of a community that grows together and thrives together in the tree’s canopy.
Turtles and Tortoises: Slow Growth and Immortality
Turtles and tortoises—like many animals—are associated with a variety of potent symbols. Their hard shells stand for knowledge and wisdom gained over a long life. In many cultures, turtles and tortoises are symbols of immortality. A creature that moves slowly, the turtle also reminds us of the importance of personal growth. Unlike many figures in that race-oriented part of our culture, the turtle encourages us to “go at our own pace.” Turtle figures are also reminders that life is a series of transitions and that we can learn to accept those transitions—life, death, rebirth—with grace and confidence.