Flight of the Bumblebee: Exuding Resilience Above All Odds

There’s a little-known fact about the bumblebee—it shouldn’t be able to fly. Its wings are too small for its body, and its flight defies the laws of aerodynamics. But here’s the secret: The bumblebee doesn’t know it’s not supposed to fly. It just does what it was meant to do. It rises, and it works.

That’s us, isn’t it? Women who rise despite the odds, despite what others think we’re capable of. Much like the bumblebee, we’ve learned to keep flying, even when the world says we’re not supposed to.

The Determination Within

For as long as I can remember, my mother has always called me her “bumblebee.” She’d tell me that when I was intently focused on a task, she could see a particular expression in my face—the look of a bumblebee. I personally never saw the resemblance (never actually got that close to a bumblebee), but now I think my mother’s observation makes perfect sense. Could it be that what she saw in me was that unshakable determination—the refusal to quit, no matter the obstacles ahead?

Presumably, like the bumblebee, I’ve pushed through moments where others thought I couldn’t make it—because I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to. When I got ready to enter high school, I didn’t know girls who looked like me weren’t expected to twirl a baton. Apparently, being a cheerleader (which I had been in junior high) or on flagline were more realistic options for some to consider. But I had been twirling since I was five and had taken lessons for years.

Yes, I had danced and played piano, too, but twirling was the thing I was most passionate about, and I was just waiting for my chance. That chance wouldn’t come until 9th grade (1988), but by then, I would be ready. I had been practicing for nearly 10 years.

Defying Expectations

Regardless of whether others thought I should try out, whether I would make the line, or whether I would even fit in if I did—I was determined. I was determined to fulfill the dream I had carried since I was a little girl growing up in the backwoods of Mansfield, Louisiana. Maybe it was because I didn’t have any neighbors in those early years, so I wasn’t easily drawn into comparison. Whatever I saw or read about, I believed I could do it . . . if I wanted to.

Because . . . when you’re a bumblebee, you don’t know you’re not supposed to fly.

A Defining Moment: Resilience Recognized

I was recently engaged with a panel of women and asked to sum up my legacy in one word. For further clarity, what word would I want to come to mind when others think of me that I hope they could also adopt?

I paused for a moment, searching for something surface-level . . . but impressive.

At first, I thought of “mission-driven.” That’s strong.

“Mission-driven” is also a term I highlight on my professional resume that encompasses my experiences as a high-performing, result-focused leader with a military, non-profit, advocacy, and publishing background. But “mission-driven” didn’t feel like the essence of what truly defines who I am. It is also not solely what I want others to take from me. There is more to life than focusing on tasks. Plus, “mission-driven” is a hyphenated word. My word had to be singular.

Hmmm. . . “What defines me?” I thought.

Then, instantly (as small chatter ensued), it hit me. The word that came to my heart was RESILIENCE.

With a quick Google search or referencing Merriam-Webster Dictionary, you’ll find this definition –

Resilience – re·sil·ience – /rəˈzilēəns/ – an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change; the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties

Yes, resilience was my word. It described me perfectly. No, I am not perfect, but I have been able to both survive and thrive against the odds. I haven’t overcome everything, but I’ve never turned back. So, in my own words,

“I’ve learned to navigate unknown and unfamiliar spaces and circumstances successfully.”

This trait of resilience has been with me my whole life, even when I didn’t recognize it as such–when life seemed heavier than the wings I had for carry it. I believe it is that same type of resilience that drives the bumblebee, that manages to rise and take flight despite the odds stacked against it.

The Resilience We Share

As women, we carry resilience in our hearts every day. Think about the obstacles we’ve faced—how many times have we been told what we shouldn’t expect because of who we are? That we shouldn’t get our hopes up? Now think about this . . . How many challenges have we overcome because we refused to quit?

Whether it was pursuing a career in a male-dominated field, balancing life as a single mother, or taking on a leadership role in a space that told us we didn’t belong because we were not enough, or in some cases “TOO MUCH”, we kept pursuing. Rising. Flying.

Like the bumblebee, we don’t always fit the “perfect” mold according to the world’s standards. But we make it work. We continue to rise because we know we have a goal and we have a purpose. That’s resilience—learning how to keep moving forward, even when you’re not sure “HOW” or “IF” you will make it.

The uncertainty? That’s the human proclivity. Trust. We’ll make. We always do.

Persistence, Resourcefulness, and Purpose: The Bumblebee’s Secret

In my second year of blogging, I wrote an article entitled Bloom Wherever You Grow, Dandelion! In it, I shared the stark similarities that persistent dandelions have to strong women. Likewise, there’s something about the bumblebee that mirrors the strength of women, too.

The bumblebee perseveres against the laws of gravity, using what it has to get the job done. It’s resourceful, finding a way to make what it’s been given work, even when it doesn’t meet perfection. Moreover, the bumblebee is driven by a sense of purpose—it knows that flying is a required duty for the work it’s meant to perform. So . . . It does it. Period.

As women, we carry those same qualities. We persevere, even when things seem impossible. We make things work, even when it feels like we don’t have exactly what we need or what others have said is required. And, most importantly, we are driven by purpose. Our purpose and calling fuel us to rise above, even when others doubt us or when the challenge ahead feels heavy and overwhelming.

Ignorance is Bliss

It is amazing to me that this whole analogy is based around “awareness of the unaware.”

“What are you saying, Dawn?”

Bottomline. The bumblebee is successful at flying because it does not know the science against it.

What’s the saying?

“Ignorance is bliss.”

That saying holds merit because, in some cases, not knowing keeps you from being caught up in the stress of it all. I feel like that’s been me from my early days of wanting to be a twirler. Just like I didn’t know that the construct of a majorette who looked like me was unfathomable for some, I kept that same energy most of my life.

I didn’t know that single mothers weren’t supposed to get advanced degrees, become military officers, or buy homes. But I did what was necessary to have a good career and at the same time raise a child who wouldn’t have to feel deprived because of certain absences in his life.

I didn’t know that people who had to leave a successful career were not expected to reinvent themselves and thrive in new areas. But I found a way forward. In fact, you reading this is a part of that.

I didn’t know that self-published authors weren’t supposed to become award winners. Oops! My bad.

When I was determined to do something . . . I just kept flying. Because, like the bumblebee, I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to.

You Have Everything Within You: Embrace Your Resilience

Friend, like the bumblebee, you’ve been built for resilience, so quiet the noise.

Don’t listen to the nay-sayers. Or maybe it’s not the noise from the outside that’s getting to you. It could actually be your own negative thinking or imposter syndrome telling you you’re not supposed to make it or be in certain spaces. You may hear that you don’t have what it takes or that it’s too hard for someone with your humble beginnings, your history, or your past. But, I want you to remember this: Like the dandelion and bumblebee, you have everything within you to thrive and to fly.

You’ve already done what some thought you never would. Whether it was overcoming the challenges of motherhood, pursuing a degree and career when everyone doubted you, or standing tall in the face of hardship. Listen, you have a history of flying against the winds. And winds were meant to strengthen us and propel us to our destination.

You Are a Bumblebee: Keep Flying

Friend, you are a bumblebee.

Whether it was breaking through barriers in your career, raising a family while pursuing your dreams, or simply showing up when the world said you couldn’t. You proved that women can do the impossible. Like the bumblebee, you have work to do, and the world will never fully understand why you keep rising, but that’s not your concern. Your flight matters.

The secret is simple: Like the bumblebee, you don’t let the world dictate your path. You rise because you have a purpose. You keep flying because the work you have been called to do is bigger than anything holding you down.

Sis, you may not be able to see it from where you are, but keep flying. You’re not just flapping your wings; you’re showing other women it’s possible. Keep embracing that inner resilience. The odds may seem to be against you, but your purpose will continue to carry you through. Eventually, everyone will know what the buzz was all about.

Always here to bring the sunshine,

~Dawn

Let’s Continue to Fly

Let’s create some buzz! I would love to hear your thoughts.

Do you see yourself as a bumblebee? Comment below, share this post with a woman who needs to hear this message, and let’s continue to spread our wings together.

And if you’re looking for a powerful voice for your next event, podcast, or panel discussion, I’m now booking summer speaking engagements and author events. Contact me today and set things in motion.

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