Gather your resources

There is no such thing a restart

To Those Who Wander,

It’s such a human instinct to fear failure. That sting of rejection—whether it’s a missed job promotion, a delayed project, or a dream opportunity that slips through our fingers—can leave us feeling humiliated and exhausted. We pour our energy into something over and over again, only to face the disappointment of starting over.

I’ve been in that space recently, making decisions this past fall that slowed the pace of my own venture. At times, it’s felt frustrating, even defeating. But I’m learning that what feels like a setback can actually be an opportunity to realign with the vision that drives us forward. Sometimes, we have to make choices that don’t feel immediately “wise” to stay true to the bigger picture.

Here’s the thing I’ve come to believe: there’s no such thing as a restart.

That may sound bold, but hear me out. The idea of “restarting” implies that we’re going back to square one, as though all the effort, lessons, and growth along the way count for nothing. Life doesn’t work like that. It’s not a game with winners and losers, but a journey full of unexpected events—many beyond our control.

When we shift our perspective, we realize we’re not starting over; we’re gathering resources. Every experience—every rejection, every hiccup—offers something valuable. It might be a lesson, an insight, or even just the grit we develop to keep going. As I’ve coached artists, I’ve seen this truth play out time and time again: we are gatherers. We take inspiration from what we experience, meditate on its meaning, and carry its substance forward into our next steps.

If something doesn’t work out, it’s not a failure—it’s a redirection. It’s an opportunity to adjust and grow, not to restart as if we’ve learned nothing. Even in the disappointments, there are resources to carry forward.

For me, this season of adjustment has felt like a step back at times. But I’m reminded of something my dad often says, quoting Alfred from Batman: “Why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves back up again.”

I’m taking this time to gather my resources. Over the years, I’ve worked on projects nationally and internationally, created art I’ve kept hidden, and heard incredible stories from people around the world. Now, as some of my work shifts, it’s time to revisit these pieces of my journey. I’m diving back into my photography, revisiting the nonprofit work I documented, and reflecting on the details of my current projects.

It’s not a restart—it’s a continuation, a realignment, and a moment to gather strength for what’s ahead. I look forward to sharing these gatherings here over time, mixing up my old and new projects. Gathering my resources to share so you can gather too.

Keep Gathering
AA