Rumi’s words have a way of sticking with you. “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” is one of those quotes that feels like it’s nudging you gently, but firmly, to rise above. It’s so simple, but it carries so much weight. I think that’s why it’s so widely shared. But there’s a depth to it that gets lost sometimes when it’s posted without context—and I think that depth makes it even more powerful.

When Rumi wrote this, he wasn’t only talking about achieving your dreams or personal growth in the way we often interpret it. He meant that we are inherently capable of transcending our limitations, whether they’re self-imposed or external. In Rumi’s world, “wings” weren’t just a metaphor for potential; they were symbols of our ability to connect with something greater, to rise above the material and into the spiritual.

At first glance, it might feel like he’s talking about romantic love. And in a way, he is—but not necessarily in the way we think of it. Rumi often uses the language of love to describe the divine connection, the kind of love that lifts you out of yourself and into something more expansive. It’s easy to read his words and think about relationships, and that’s valid too. Love in all its forms has the power to transform us. But with Rumi, there’s often a deeper layer if you’re willing to look.

Think about the times in your life when you felt stuck, like you were crawling instead of flying. Maybe it was fear, doubt, or the weight of everyday life holding you down. Rumi’s words are a reminder that those moments don’t define you. You have wings—even if you’ve forgotten how to use them.

Another line of Rumi’s that fits here is, “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.” He’s urging us to embrace the flow of life, to trust that we’re meant to rise, even when it’s hard. It’s allowing yourself to grow into who you’re meant to be.

If you’ve ever shared or loved this quote, that’s beautiful. But I’d encourage you to take a moment to sit with it. What does it mean in your life, right now? Where are your wings, and what’s keeping you from using them? You don’t need to be a scholar or dive into Sufi texts to find meaning—just bring your own experience and an open heart. Rumi’s magic is that his words meet you where you are.

There’s no “right” way to connect with Rumi, but going a little deeper can turn a quote into something that changes how you see yourself, your challenges, and your own capacity to rise. That’s the kind of flight worth taking.