About a month ago, I was sitting outside sketching a dragonfly when one appeared, circled around me a few times, and then flew off. It felt like more than a coincidence, I knew it was my next painting. In many cultures, the dragonfly carries deep meaning. While interpretations vary, one common thread is transformation.
Like the butterfly, dragonflies go through an incredible metamorphosis—shifting from an aquatic creature to a beautiful, winged work of art. Their transformation isn’t just about appearance; it’s also about environment. They shed their outer exoskeleton when it no longer fits, growing in stages that reflect both physical change and adaptation to new surroundings.
This resonated with me. I’ve been in a season of change, and the dragonfly reminded me that struggle isn’t wasted for it builds the strength we’ll need tomorrow. As Robert Tew said, “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up.” 
Change is never easy. As Buddhists remind us, impermanence is part of life, everything shifts. It’s not the change itself, but our resistance to it, that brings suffering.
So, if you’re navigating your own changes right now, hold on. This too shall pass (maybe like a kidney stone, but it will pass!).
