“Make each decade rich with experiences. and perhaps you can live a handful of lives before you are done.” – James Clear, Atomic Habits
I love dragonflies. Watching them dance in the evening or sparkle in the sun is magic. They are pure inspiration – not just because of their beauty, but because of how they evolve. Unlike butterflies, which transform in a single moment, dragonflies shed their skin over and over, growing stronger each time. From egg to larva to nymph to teneral, their journey is one of continual change. Even when they take their first flight, their wings are shaky, their colors pale. It takes years for some to become the glorious Golden Winged Dragonfly.
Like dragonflies, we don’t transform overnight. Growth isn’t a single event – it’s a process. Some changes we welcome. Others challenge us. But whether we realize it or not, we are always evolving.
Who were you ten years ago? What did you dream of? Are those dreams the same now?
I’ve surprised myself with the things that excite me today. Things I once feared bring purpose and joy. And I see this in the people around me, too.
One friend, a catering colleague, is stepping into the unknown. She’s spent decades hustling, always in motion. Now, she’s pivoting into something new, a new chapter – one she’s still discovering. Another cherished friend had change forced upon him. He planned a lifetime in the military and was succeeding wildly. Then, an IED changed everything. But through soul-searching, he found a new path – one that allows him to lead and inspire in a different way. He’s now on his third career before 40, proving that reinvention is possible, even when it’s not by choice. He inspires me constantly.
And then there’s my friend who faced an unexpected divorce. She once knew herself as a wife, a mother and an author. Now, she’s a financial planner – something she never imagined for herself. She has struggled and thrived, sometimes simultaneously, discovering strength she didn’t know she had.
So, where are you right now? Does it still fit? It’s fun and challenging to let your curiosity off leash, to see where your passion can lead you. Explore what excites your soul, and do it often!
The most remarkable women I know are those who embrace new chapters. They don’t just navigate change – they rise with it, lifting others along the way. They change worlds. They remind us that every stage and every molt brings us closer to who we’re meant to be.
I’m not ready for an epilogue. There are chapters and chapters still waiting and I can’t wait to turn the page.
Or as the ever-wise Ariana Grande put it:
“Look at what I got. Look at what Thank you, next. I’m so grateful.”
About Kelly Lake, Managing Partner, The LUX Group
Kelly has been with LUX since its beginning in 1995, and comes from a long history in the food industry. One of Kelly’s first dates with her husband, John, was working side by side at a wedding with him and his sister, Pat Slade. Kelly’s passion and love for the business shines through every day working with employees, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to being a managing partner, she is heavily involved with the sister company, LUX Hospitality Group.
Kelly loves working with different aspects of her community. You can find her spending time with unsheltered neighbors and volunteering on neighborhood boards and committees.
*Any reference obtained from this blog to a specific initiative, issue or topic does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the Salt Lake Chamber. The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect those of the Salt Lake Chamber.
