Lessons in Living, from Dragonflies and My Mom

This is the first in a quiet series of reflections I’ll be sharing throughout the year — things I’m learning as I continue living, healing, and finding light where I can.

Lesson One: Life Continues After Loss

As this year comes to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about something my dad asked of me a long time ago.

When he passed in 2002, he made me promise him one thing — that I would live. At the time, I didn’t really understand what he meant. Back then, living felt like doing what needed to be done — getting up, going to work, being responsible, showing up for everyone else.

I promised him that I would do as he asked, but it took years for me to realize that I didn’t understand what he meant. I really got it all wrong.

While being the dutiful daughter and sister, I forgot about me.

My mom gained her wings this past June, and in her own way, she echoed that same message. She didn’t want me to simply carry on. Instead, she wanted me to enjoy my life — to find moments of light, to keep creating, and to keep going, but gently.

The Moment Everything Shifted

Before dragonflies & honey existed, I was actually considering a completely different project. It had another name and a different purpose. I thought I had a plan. I thought I knew where I was headed.

I had an interaction with a group of dragonflies — one of those quiet moments you can’t explain away or ignore. It stopped me in my tracks. It felt like reassurance. Like alignment. Like a soft but very clear nudge saying, this is it.

That moment changed everything.
The direction shifted.
The name appeared.
And dragonflies & honey came into being — not forced, not rushed, but felt.

So as I step into this new year, I’m choosing to move differently.

I’m accepting the things I need to accept.
Making changes where they’re needed.
Holding onto my peace with intention.
And remembering to smile — not just outwardly, but inwardly too.

I’m learning that I don’t only have to be the responsible sister.
I get to have a life.
I get to enjoy it.
And I get to move at my own pace.

This next chapter isn’t about proving anything or pushing harder.
It’s about lessons in living — sometimes quietly, always honestly, and purposefully fuller — for me.

And that feels like exactly what both of my parents wanted all along. 🍯🪽

— dragonflies & honey

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