No I’m not a teacher or university professor taking a Sabbatical in the traditional sense – paid leave usually for a year after seven years of good service.
I’ve been working for far more than seven years; more like 55 years if you count childhood babysitting. My first official “job” at Sears Roebuck’s credit department as I worked my way through college was more than 50 years ago.
In all that time, it’s been constant schooling, work and a lot of stress.
So I’ve decided that with the generous support of the new owners of my former place of residence on the financial level and with the patient support of Orisa and Egun (like it’s about time girl!)I’m taking a break. I’m taking a…
Sabbatical: any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.
I don’t know exactly what my time away from my normal life is going to look like. In fact, that’s kind of the point.
I was headed to seminary to become an Interfaith Minister but decided against that (not quite right for me and I didn’t have the energy to do it anyway right now).
I did think about planning lots of trips but unless I took him with me, I’d have to board my dog which I only will do when necessary and traveling with him can be less than restful.
So for now, I’m doing my best to take it one day at a time with a bit of planning.
That’s not as easy as it sounds, especially for someone who’s life has been all about planning and making sure she was keeping her life together.
But I’m making progress. I’m trying not to succumb to the anxiety that’s attached to not having a plan. I’m working on my mindfulness practice and being in the moment. I’m sitting and letting myself be inspired but not acting impulsively (it’s not always easy to tell the difference).
Notice the frequent use of “doing my best”, “trying” “working on..”
This Sabbatical is a work in progress each and every day to step out of my (dis)comfort zone. After all, I’m not getting any younger and I don’t have all day. Or do I?