The Right Combination

My college mailbox—number 1518—was tucked into the Holland Union Building at Dickinson College. For years, it was a small but meaningful part of my life. I loved checking it, anticipating letters from family, friends, and the occasional slip notifying me of a package. It represented connection, possibility, and the small joys of student life.

Later in life, I had recurring dreams about that mailbox—but in the dreams, I couldn’t remember the combination. I’d be standing in front of it, frustrated, unable to open it. Looking back, I think the mailbox became a symbol of those moments when I felt stuck in real life: trying to unlock progress, solve a problem, or break through a barrier.

So it came as a surprise—and a bit of poetic symmetry—when I received an email from the college saying they were auctioning off the old mailboxes. And yes: number 1518 was available.

This time, I could open it.

Something about physically unlocking that box brought an emotional sense of closure. What had once been a symbol of frustration became a source of satisfaction and reflection. It reminded me that we all carry unresolved threads from earlier parts of our lives—and that when we find a way to revisit them, we can often make peace with them.

How leaders can turn reflection into progress:

• Revisit unfinished conversations or goals. Closure isn’t just personal—it’s professional, too. Follow up on that lingering project or relationship that deserves another look.
• Create symbolic moments of resolution. Retire old practices with intention, celebrate milestones, or acknowledge transitions meaningfully—they help teams feel complete and ready for what’s next.
• Honor emotional touchpoints in your story. Reflecting on what shaped you—and sharing that with your team—can build empathy, authenticity, and deeper leadership presence.