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Yesterday, we packed up the ADDO office, the one we’ve called home for over a decade.
I still remember walking through those doors for the first time. The original space was small (we expanded over time), but even that small office held the promise of possibility, purpose, and the seed of a dream that would grow far beyond those walls.That office became more than a workspace. It was a launchpad for ideas, laughter, hard conversations, and countless moments that shaped who we are today.As I looked around one last time I felt gratitude, nostalgia, excitement, even sadness. That’s what happens when one season ends and another begins.
The Seasons of Life and Leadership
Life and leadership both move in seasons. Some are full of growth and energy. Others are quieter and meant for rest, reflection, and reimagining.Change can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential. Each season prepares us for the next. The big mistake we often make: Either rushing through one season to get to the next OR clinging too tightly to what’s ending.Wisdom lies in honoring each season by doing three things:
- learn from it,
- celebrate it,
- then step boldly forward.
When a chapter closes, pause and reflect. Look back on where you’ve been and what you’ve learned.For us at ADDO, that means remembering the leaders we’ve had the opportunity to serve, the partnerships that started with a single idea, and the teammates who gave their hearts to our mission.We celebrate those wins.We capture the lessons.We tell the stories. But, we can’t get stuck there.Reflection is powerful, but too much nostalgia can hold you back.
If you stare too long at what was, you’ll miss what could be.
After you’ve looked back, look forward.Ask yourself:
- What’s next?
- Who do we want to become?
- What new doors is God opening?
Good reflection should always lead to direction.
The healthiest leaders I know live in the balance: They remember the past with gratitude and move into the future with hope.
