Over the past couple of years, I learned that several of my colleagues and friends were able to experience sabbaticals. What caught me by surprise when I heard this news was whenever I heard about sabbaticals, it was connected to the academic world. I did not know those of us in the nonprofit world should consider this philosophy.
When I looked up the definition of what a sabbatical is, it is a period of extended leave or break from work. Why does this have to be limited to those just in academia or employees in the corporate world? The purpose of a sabbatical is to allow time for personal development, rest, research, travel, or other things that can help us pursue things that can help us grow without the daily responsibilities of our job for a moment without any quilt.
For those of us who are committed to giving back to the community, whether it is through nonprofit work, social activism, politics, or just caring about our community, planning a sabbatical for personal growth could be what is on the agenda. Most sabbaticals are for an extended period, but even if you do not have the financial means to do an extended time off, you can designate some time to step away from the hustle and bustle of life for whatever amount of time you can lay out.
A sabbatical differs from a vacation or just a day off here and there. The time is used to develop a structured, purposeful time to release, relax, rest, rejuvenate, restore, and understand who and what is your refuge. Basically, it is a time to be still in a fast-paced world brimming with demands and distractions. It is a time to listen to your inner voice and hear from God. Another word for it could be a Wellness Retreat.
Most of us keep going and going through all the expectations we put on ourselves and that we allow the world to put on us. The world never slows down, but we can. We must learn how to silence the noise externally and internally. Life throws us so many distractions that it can be difficult to lay down the various anxieties and concerns to be in control of everything.
This became relevant to me when I felt the weight of personal and professional pressures that were consuming me in so many ways. Not only am I a caregiver for two loved ones, but I also carry the responsibilities of a few things that affect the lives of others, and I just learned about the death of a dear friend that was a bit tragic. I knew it was time for a pause that was not just a vacation, but a time to be still, heal, and reset.
I decided to do a little research to find out what I could put in place to have my own sabbatical, even if it is for a short period of time. I investigated local hotels and alternative locations that I could book and stay for a few days, but I also realized it would be necessary for me to have the right mindset to prepare for such a journey and opportunity.
I knew I had to be willing to surrender any worries, personal plans, and my need to be in control if I was going to really get the best out of this adventure. I had to make sure I was prepared to also be open to whatever may come out of this magnificent opportunity. I realized this was exactly what I needed, so I talked to my husband, and I let him know I needed to get away for a bit to just unplug, and he gave me his blessings.
As I write this article, I am about to embark on my own sabbatical. It will only be for eight days, but I am excited about what is before me believing it will prepare me for 2025. I know there is so much still yet for me to discover that God has for me to do, and I believe when I am still and quiet I will hear what He has to say to me.
I would encourage each of you to think about scheduling your own form of a sabbatical. Who knows it could be a great time for you to quiet your soul and see what lies ahead for you as we all prepare to close out the last quarter of the year and prepare for 2025. It is never too early or too late to take care of yourself.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
