When my cancer journey began four years ago, I started noticing dragonflies. Sometimes real dragonflies landed next to me or flew near my path. Others showed up in serendipitous images. Dragonflies still appear when I need a glimmer of joy and encouragement. I learned the dragonfly represents resilience, adaptability, grace, and unity. This reminder carried me through my most difficult days. It was also the inspiration for my first tattoo. I purposely placed the dragonfly on my arm where I can see it during my ongoing treatments.

My surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments are further away in my rear-view mirror. However, since I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, every six months I receive an infusion that keeps cancer from spreading to my bones. As I drive into a cancer-free life I look at these appointments as self-care in the curative chapter of my story.

I continue to draw from the inspiration I have gained through my observations and experiences. At a recent appointment, this dragonfly bookmark caught my eye. It helped me feel centered and reminded me to look at the bigger picture. There is much to learn about love and leadership from spending time in a cancer treatment center.

Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love. – Rumi

From the moment I arrive for my appointments, I always notice how everyone is approached with kindness and respect. Patients are immediately greeted by friendly volunteers offering assistance and direction. I especially appreciate the volunteers with the snack and drink carts. Their hospitality brightens the room, and the gesture indicates everyone’s basic needs are recognized.

The front desk staff is sincere and welcoming. This first interaction positively influences the rest of the process. Checking in is a routine task with a significant impact. I remember how difficult it once was for me to say my name as I was accepting my diagnois. It makes a difference when people are treated with dignity and gentleness as they state their identity.

Cancer does not discriminate. The waiting room is filled with a diverse collection of people from varying ages, backgrounds, genders, and life stories. It is quiet despite the number of patients and caregivers. In our silence, we are united through cancer, coping with individual challenges.

We exchange friendly glances, smiles and understanding nods. Occasionally, the silence is broken by the ringing of a bell, followed by joyful cheers. The bell signifies someone has reached a milestone in their journey. My heart jumps. My throat tightens. My eyes mist. It is an involuntary response to the celebrative sound of a stranger’s resilience and adaptability.

It is always the end of a treatment for one person, and the beginning of many treatments for another. I observe a young woman wiping away tears. She is comforted by a loved one. We need empathy and support when facing the unexpected and unfamiliar. Compassion plays a significant role in how we cope, heal, and how we treat others along our path. The nurses also lead by this example. From being understanding listeners, to offering a warm blanket, their mindful gestures make the uncomfortable more tolerable. In turn, they are treated with mutual respect by patients.

A cancer treatment center is a beautiful representation of our interconnectedness where we can witness and experience the rippling effects of kindness. It exemplifies how supporting people’s basic needs is essential to our collective wellbeing. Treating others with gentleness and reverence positively strengthens our physical, mental, and emotional health. If we could apply this same level of respect and mindfulness towards healthcare, education, immigration, and all our diverse and marginalized populations, what a healthier and kinder world it would be.

Sadly, fear and greed are influencing a self-centered and unwelcoming mindset in our country that views diversity, equity, and inclusion as threats, and empathy as a weakness. To offset this negative mentality, we must personally demonstrate dignity, respect, and hospitality in places like waiting rooms, classrooms, and grocery stores. And we must advocate for people who are being torn away from their families and struggling to live safely in unity with others.

Dragonflies have extraordinary vision. They can see in all directions simultaneously, in a multitude of colors. The dragonfly is an inspiring symbol reminding us to look beyond our ourselves and to think and act with grace towards the common good. What a healthy difference we can see when we look and lead through the eyes of love.