The story came to me in clarity… and returned to help me find my way.
How the Dragonfly Book Came to Be — Part Two
There’s an irony woven through the story of how the Dragonfly book came to be — something I didn’t fully understand until recently.
About twenty years ago, long before the Dragonfly story appeared, I was inspired by a series of spiritual books to try to write a book of my own. I had the beginning, the ending, the themes, and several pieces in between. I could see the idea clearly — but I could never move beyond those early fragments. No matter how hard I tried, the story refused to take shape. Eventually, I let it go, convinced it wasn’t meant to be.
That’s part of why the Dragonfly story arriving so effortlessly felt so surprising. The book I expected to write never came together… and the one I never planned arrived whole.
But here’s the part I never saw coming:
After the Dragonfly book was finished — after it existed in the world as a real, physical book — something inside me opened. Suddenly, the story I gave up on twenty years ago began to come alive again. The ideas flowed in a way they never had before. The structure revealed itself. Connections formed. It felt as though the light had finally turned on.
And I realized something I hadn’t understood before: maybe the Dragonfly book had to come first. Maybe I needed to move through that story to unlock the next one. Maybe it had to arrive exactly when it did — both times — to help me in ways I didn’t fully grasp in the moment.
There were slow and frustrating moments in the publishing process, but I never doubted that bringing this book into the world was right. The hardest moments came later, when the launch felt so quiet and uncertain. I couldn’t understand how something that had arrived like such a gift could take so long to find its readers.
Winning the IAN award felt like a small spark — a reminder that the book is beginning to find its place.
Recently I had a thought: “Don’t ask for the gift — the gift finds you.” From the beginning, that’s what this story has felt like. After everything this past year, that feeling means even more. I trust it will continue finding the people it’s meant for, quietly and in its own time.
If this little story helped me find my way forward, I hope it might do the same for someone else.
One day, a dragonfly landed in my imagination… and a story found me.
How the Dragonfly Book Came to Be — Part One
Fourteen years ago, I wrote The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly — something I never expected to create. I’ve always loved reading, especially about spirituality, but writing a children’s story about it with insects as the characters wasn’t anything I ever imagined. Yet one day, while I was bicycling, the entire idea arrived. Clear. Peaceful. Complete. I didn’t outline anything. I simply started writing, and the story flowed out as if it were already waiting.
At that time, I was in a rare moment of calm and mental clarity. Looking back, I think that openness allowed the story to come through so effortlessly. It felt less like I created it and more like I was just putting into words something that found me.
When the book was finished, I sent it to a few publishers. Nothing came back — not even rejection letters. So I tucked it away. For years, I shared it occasionally with friends, and they always responded positively, but I still didn’t pursue it further.
Less than two years ago, I gave it to a friend who read it and said, “You really need to do something with this.” And for whatever reason, that simple sentence stayed with me. Even though self-publishing seemed financially impractical, something in me said: do it anyway. So I did.
Self-publishing turned out to be far more detailed and involved than I expected. From signing the contract to receiving my first shipment of books took over a year. But even with all the steps and back-and-forth communication, the book gave me something meaningful to focus on during a difficult period. It gave me direction and purpose when I needed both.
When the finished books finally arrived, I realized that working on this story had quietly pulled me forward. It helped me make decisions and changes I’m not sure I would have made otherwise.
And that’s only half the story.
Part Two coming next.
2025 IAN Book of the Year Award Recipient
I’m excited to announce that The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly has been recognized in the 2025 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book of the Year Awards.
This year, the book received two honors:
🏆 Winner —Fiction/Non Fiction Children’s Middle Grade, Ages 9 - 12
🏅 Finalist —Fiction Spiritual
IAN is an international awards program that highlights the work of independent authors, small presses, and university presses. Their annual competition spans a wide range of genres, and it was especially meaningful to see The Dragonfly recognized in both a children’s category and a spiritual fiction category—reflecting its crossover appeal and the story’s deeper themes.
A heartfelt thank you to artist Aletha Heyman @letjieheyman for her beautiful illustrations, and to my family and friends for their support along the way.
Also, many thanks to the Independent Author Network and the judging panel for this recognition.
The Red Dragonfly — A Mirror of Potential and Power
More than just a creature of natural beauty, the dragonfly has held deep spiritual significance since ancient Egypt.
Across cultures, it symbolizes transformation, self-discovery, and the lightness of being.
Whether seen skimming the water’s edge or appearing as a recurring sign, the dragonfly invites us to:
• Embrace change and personal growth
• Trust our inner wisdom
• Live fully in the present
• Find strength in challenges
• Stay adaptable and free
• Reconnect with nature’s balance and harmony
• Carry hope forward
The red dragonflies, in particular, embody courage, strength, mysticism, and transformation.
They burn bright like fire — a force of life and vitality — yet they also warn of what happens when passion turns to domination, and confidence becomes control.
In The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly, the red dragonfly mirrors the shadow side of humanity — where ambition replaces empathy and the hunger for power eclipses purpose.
Once filled with the same potential for growth and light as every other dragonfly, he chose control over connection, pride over peace.
He reminds us that even the most radiant spirit can lose its way when it forgets its true nature.
The same fire that fuels transformation can also burn the wings of those who fly too close to their own reflection.
The Bittern — A Lesson in Empathy
In remembering empathy, we rediscover our own humanity.
In the story, the Bittern is a weary bird living only by instinct. Hungry and exhausted, he catches the little dragonfly, ready to eat him as he has so many others. But when the dragonfly pleads for his life and shares his purpose—to discover the meaning of existence—the Bittern pauses. Something in the dragonfly’s words awakens a long-forgotten part of himself, a part that once wondered about the same things. For a moment, survival gives way to remembrance—and the Bittern feels empathy.
He releases the dragonfly and even carries him to safety, saying that he understands the journey and hopes they may meet again. In that moment, he rediscovers his own soul.
“There is more to life than just eating or being eaten.”
The Bittern reminds us that empathy is born when we stop seeing others only through the lens of our own needs. In a world that often feels consumed by struggle—where so many are simply trying to survive—it’s easy to forget that everyone we meet carries unseen battles and unspoken dreams. Like the Bittern, we are asked to look beyond instinct, beyond fear, and listen to one another’s stories.
When we do, something shifts within us. We begin to remember our shared humanity, the quiet truth that connects us all.
I think we all have the potential to be any—or all—of the characters in the story.
What we call death is never an ending — only the beginning of another journey.
One of the things I’ve always loved about stories is how they speak to us on many levels.
The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly can be read simply as the story of a dragonfly’s adventure — his encounters, discoveries, and the beauty of his world. But beneath the surface, there are quieter layers — reflections on awakening, transformation, and the search for meaning in our own lives.
Over time, readers have shared many interpretations of the ending — some even felt it was sad or final. And that’s perfectly all right. Every person brings their own perspective to a story, and each interpretation is meaningful in its own way.
Yet in truth, the story isn’t about death at all. It’s about the death of illusion — the quiet dissolving of old ideas and limitations, and the awakening that follows.
Death comes in many forms. It can be the loss of a life, a dream, a belief, or a version of ourselves. But every death, in its truest sense, is also an awakening — the moment when one form gives way so that another can begin. It is never an end, only transformation.
For the little dragonfly, what may appear to be an ending is, in fact, a release — the shedding of what was, and the return to light. His journey represents the same truth we all face in different ways: that every ending, seen clearly, is a passage into greater awareness.
The story was written to be experienced on many levels: one that entertains, one that reflects, and one that quietly transforms. Its deeper meanings aren’t hidden; they simply reveal themselves in their own time, to each reader in their own way.
That’s the beauty of storytelling — it meets us exactly where we are.
What Happened to the Toad?
Aside from this story, the toad is often overlooked these days—just another common creature.
Yet across ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, and China, the toad has long been seen as a powerful spiritual symbol.
It appears in folklore and myth as both hero and villain—and like many symbolic creatures, its meaning begins with transformation.
Toads represent:
🌀 Transformation & renewal
🌿 Humility and simplicity
💫 Wisdom & patience
🌱 Healing & connection to the earth
🍀 Opportunity & abundance
✨ Hidden beauty & inner worth
All this… in a humble toad.
The toad has its own kind of beauty.
But with so much promise, how did the toad in the story become the greedy and gluttonous toad?
Who—or what—does the toad represent in our world today?
Taking far beyond any true need.
Consuming without care.
When did ego begin to overshadow the true self?
Freedom comes in many forms.
To Be a Dragonfly — Rising from the Mire to the Light
Last week I was looking out my sliders into the backyard of my apartment. It was late afternoon, and the sun was at its height. I noticed a bunch of flying insects but thought, It’s October — it can’t be dragonflies, especially that many. It rained the next couple of days at that time, and I didn’t see anything in the yard. But the next bright afternoon, they were back — and they were dragonflies. A large swarm. I couldn’t believe it. I don’t remember ever seeing them like that before, especially in October. I’d like to think they were there for me — that maybe it was a sign. I could really use one right now. As I think most of us could.
It was beautiful watching them — dozens of dragonflies flying freely in the sunlight. I wondered what that must feel like, to experience that kind of freedom. A day or two later, they were gone.
I started thinking about the life of a dragonfly and how short it really is in that final, flying form. On average, they spend less than 10% of their lives as the dragonflies we see — if they even make it to that stage. Most of their existence is spent as nymphs, living in the mud and murky water below the surface.
Isn’t that a lot like us? What percentage of our lives do we spend in the mire — never reaching that moment of freedom? Like the nymphs, we often live below the surface, not realizing what we’re meant to be. We live on instinct, unaware of our potential, sometimes even accepting that as enough.
I aspire to one day be a dragonfly — to experience that kind of freedom. Too often, we get so entrenched in the mire that we forget our potential, or convince ourselves it’s unreachable, or that we’re not worthy of it. But the truth is, that freedom is there for all of us. To be our true selves. It’s what we were meant to have — no matter our sex, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or any other label placed on us.
We are all human. We are connected. At the core, we are the same.
Review by Shari LaRosa, LCSW @kindmindauthor
This Extraordinary Journey.. was an extraordinary story, very captivating and I couldn't put it down until I finished. I found myself applying the experiences to my own life and appreciated the moments of deep reflection. The human characteristics of the animals encouraged me to think about those within my own world, one's own values and the way fate can intervene. I love the illustrations and felt the story was truly unforgettable. I will always look at dragonflies now and see a touch of magic and be reminded that we all have a purpose!
Who is the butterfly?
🦋 The Soul of the Butterfly 🦋
Butterflies, with their delicate wings and vibrant colors, have long captivated human hearts. Beyond their physical beauty, they carry profound spiritual meaning across cultures.
Their life cycle—from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly—mirrors transformation, rebirth, and spiritual growth.
In ancient Greece, the word for butterfly, psyche, also meant “soul,” linking these creatures to the eternal journey of the spirit.
Across traditions, butterflies symbolize:
✨ Divine Guidance
✨ The Soul’s Journey & Eternal Life
✨ Transformation & Personal Growth
✨ Rebirth & Renewal
✨ Spiritual Awakening
✨ Freedom & Liberation
✨ Resilience & Endurance
✨ Love & Connection
✨ Hope & Optimism
✨ Joy & Lightness
✨ Creativity & Expression
✨ Beauty & Grace
But in our story, we must ask—how does a creature with so much beauty and potential become the beautiful, yet narcissistic, butterfly? What changed her? 🦋
✨ Why the Dragonfly? ✨
For thousands of years—from ancient Egypt to today—the dragonfly has been a symbol of transformation and spirit. They’re not just beautiful creatures, but guides with powerful meaning that inspired The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly.
🪷 Ancient Survivors – Dragonflies have existed for millions of years.
🌊 Born in Water – They begin life as nymphs beneath the surface, sometimes for years, before transforming.
🕊 Brief but Brilliant – Adults live only weeks, yet fly in six directions with unmatched grace.
👁 Visionaries – Nearly 360° eyesight lets them perceive the world in ways we can’t.
💔 Under Threat – Many species are endangered, reminding us how fragile nature’s balance is.
✨ Their journey mirrors our own: short, radiant, and filled with purpose. Across cultures, dragonflies are seen as:
· Change & Transformation
· Adaptability & Flexibility
· Self-Realization & Inner Growth
· Messengers of Hope
· Guides for Emotional Healing
· Symbols of Strength
· Living in the Present Moment
· Guardians of Dreams
· Harbingers of Good Luck
· Keepers of Nature’s Balance
No wonder they inspire us to grow, adapt, and shine while we can. 💫
A tribute to Jane Goodall
🌿✨ A Tribute to Jane Goodall ✨🌿
Jane Goodall was a light in this world—gentle yet powerful. To me, she embodied what it means to be a hero: compassionate, courageous, and endlessly devoted to something greater than herself.
When I was younger, I felt most alive outdoors. I was endlessly curious about the natural world, fascinated and filled with wonder. Over time, through life’s demands, I drifted away from that deep connection I once had. Lately, I realize how much I miss it.
Jane’s life’s work reminds us how vital that connection is—not just for our own wellbeing, but for the future of the planet. Too often, people are consumed by daily demands, egos, or simply the struggle to survive, and we forget that we are part of nature, not separate from it.
Her voice and her legacy call us to remember. To slow down. To care. To reconnect.
🌿 Some of Jane’s Words to Remember
“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
“Here we are, the most clever species ever to have lived. So how is it we can destroy the only planet we have?”
“Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.”
“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.”
“We are part of the animal kingdom, not separated from it.”
“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Thank you, Jane, for showing us what compassion, courage, and wisdom look like. The world is brighter because of the light you left behind. 🌍💚
Now at Barnes & Noble, Naples location
The book is now in stock at the local Barnes & Noble in Naples. See it on the New and Noteworthy shelves.
Instagram Review by @ameliessa_books
See post for more details: https://www.instagram.com/p/DOFcp37xE2J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
✨ A tiny dragonfly with big questions.
🌿 A magical valley untouched by humans.
🦋 A journey full of challenges, wisdom, and hope.
The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly by John Fuller @spiritualjourneyofadragonfly is a tender and meaningful story for young readers, but also for anyone who wonders about life, love, and purpose.
It reminds us that even the smallest creatures can ask the biggest questions and find answers that light the way. 💫
The Mantis
🌿 Who is the Mantis in the Willow? 🌿
Across the world and through the centuries, the praying mantis has been honored in myth, religion, and folklore.
Its name comes from the Greek mantis, meaning “prophet” or “seer.” In Ancient Greece and Egypt, it was seen as a guardian of the afterlife and a guiding light for lost souls.
The mantis carries deep spiritual meaning—faith, self-awareness, and a connection to the divine. Its still, prayer-like pose calls us to pause, breathe, and listen for the quiet guidance within.
It embodies:
🌱 Connection to Nature
🌱 Balance & Harmony
🌱 Stillness & Patience
🌱 Courage & Fearlessness
🌱 Protection & Guardianship
🌱 Focus & Clarity
🌱 Mindfulness in Action
🌱 Intuition & Inner Guidance
🌱 Transformation & Growth
🌱 Spiritual Awakening & Connection to the Divine
The Mantis reminds us that this same divine connection lives in each of us—waiting to be found in moments of stillness. ✨
The Butterfly
🦋 The Soul of the Butterfly 🦋
Butterflies, with their delicate wings and vibrant colors, have long captivated human hearts. Beyond their physical beauty, they carry profound spiritual meaning across cultures.
Their life cycle—from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly—mirrors transformation, rebirth, and spiritual growth.
In ancient Greece, the word for butterfly, psyche, also meant “soul,” linking these creatures to the eternal journey of the spirit.
Across traditions, butterflies symbolize:
✨ Divine Guidance
✨ The Soul’s Journey & Eternal Life
✨ Transformation & Personal Growth
✨ Rebirth & Renewal
✨ Spiritual Awakening
✨ Freedom & Liberation
✨ Resilience & Endurance
✨ Love & Connection
✨ Hope & Optimism
✨ Joy & Lightness
✨ Creativity & Expression
✨ Beauty & Grace
But in our story, we must ask—how does a creature with so much beauty and potential become the beautiful, yet narcissistic, butterfly? What changed her? 🦋
The Red Dragonfly
✨ The Deeper Meaning of the Dragonfly ✨
More than just a creature of natural beauty, the dragonfly has held deep spiritual significance since ancient Egypt. Across cultures, it symbolizes transformation, self-discovery, and the lightness of being.
Whether seen skimming the water’s edge or appearing as a recurring sign, the dragonfly invites us to:
Embrace change and personal growth
Trust our inner wisdom
Live fully in the present
Find strength in challenges
Stay adaptable and free
Reconnect with nature’s balance and harmony
Carry hope forward
The red dragonfly, in particular, stands for courage, strength, mysticism, and transformation.
But in the story… how does a creature with such beauty, depth, and spiritual power become the egotistical and power-hungry red dragonfly?
What changed him?
The greedy and gluttonous toad
The Toad: Not So Ordinary After All
The toad is often overlooked these days—just another common creature. But across ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, and China, the toad has long been seen as a powerful spiritual symbol. It shows up in folklore and stories as both hero and villain, and like many symbolic creatures, its meaning starts with transformation.
Toads represent:
🌀 Transformation & renewal
🌿 Wisdom, patience & resilience
🌱 Fertility, abundance & healing
✨ Hidden beauty & inner worth
🍀 Prosperity, luck & opportunity
All that… in a humble toad.
If that surprises you, you’re not alone. But once you read more about their symbolism, it starts to make sense. The toad has its own kind of beauty.
So, here’s a thought:
How does a creature with so much potential become the greedy, gluttonous toad in the story?
I think we’ve all met a few like that along the way.
What do you think?
THE LOTUS
🌸 The Lotus Flower: Ancient Symbol, Timeless Wisdom 🌸
Did you know lotus flowers have existed for over 145 million years—and even survived the Ice Age? Their seeds can lie dormant for more than a thousand years without water.
In many Asian cultures, parts of the lotus are consumed or used medicinally. But beyond its practical uses, the lotus has held deep spiritual significance since ancient Egypt and throughout many Eastern cultures and religions.
🌿 This sacred flower symbolizes spiritual growth, renewal, and rebirth. It encourages us to release what no longer serves us and trust in the universe’s support.
🌿 It represents our inner sanctum—a sacred space of self-awareness and divine connection.
🌿 It reminds us that fragile strength is not weakness, but a badge of honor earned through life’s trials.
🌿 It embodies cosmic harmony and balance, guiding us toward peace, clarity, and purpose.
🌿 And it helps us transcend the ego, opening the door to soul freedom and a deeper consciousness.
Let the lotus inspire your journey of personal growth. 🌺✨
The friendly grasshopper
🦗 Grasshoppers have been around for 250 million years.
One of the oldest herbivorous insects, they go through powerful life stages—just like dragonflies.
They’re not as trendy in today’s culture, but grasshoppers carry deep spiritual meaning. Across cultures, their symbolism is rooted in their behavior and life cycle.
That’s why there’s a grasshopper in the story. 🧡
🌀 They represent:
• Personal growth
• Transformation
• New beginnings
• Trusting your intuition
• Balance, patience & presence
• Death & rebirth
• Prosperity and luck
We all carry pieces of each character in the story. The grasshopper reminds us that change is powerful—and necessary.
I found so much meaning in their symbolism, and this is just a small glimpse. Go look them up—you might be surprised what resonates with you.