Whenever I tell people I’m taking a sabbatical, they either think I’m totally depressed and hate my job, some weird hippy college professor who still smokes weed on the weekends or not having sex for awhile (you’re thinking of celibate, Mr. Mensa!)
Not true.
I tried to think of a way to make this post funny because I try to think of a way to make everything funny, but it’s not really that funny. It’s just my life right now – for the next eight weeks – I was on vacation for the first two – as I take a mental break from doing the same thing for six years. That doesn’t mean I don’t like my job. In fact, I love what I do and I’m lucky that I was not only allowed but encouraged to take the time I wanted. But, being in the creative field is a brain strain sometimes and I needed a little time to recharge, learn some new things, sharpen my skills as a writer and just chill. Let’s be honest, I have a long time until I retire and I won’t be taking maternity leave any time soon unless a true miracle happens (not like that’s a vacation at all) so I needed a little something. Something new, something different. A reference point in my life where I can look back at think, yep…that’s when I made something happen for myself.
So, I have some plans, but I’m trying to keep myself open to saying “yes” to whatever comes along. I had the chance to take a wonderful trip to Disney with my family, see a friend get married in Colorado. I’ll be training for a half marathon. Writing and reading like crazy. Doing some projects around the house. Cooking. Probably catching up on my DVR and developing some new reality TV addictions (hi, Barter Kings and 7 Days of Sex!!) And, the best part, whatever else I feel like.
I have taken to talking to the dog, psyching myself up in the mirror to put on pants before 2 p.m., sat with my computer outside in 100 degree heat so I didn’t fall down the spiral of a Laguna Beach marathon, bought a pressure canner and drank a margarita during the day. There’s not really a road map for sabbaticals so I’m just going with my gut here.
Please check in on me from time to time to make sure I don’t become a weird hoarder or mute or start wearing matching clothes with the dog.
What about you guys? What would you do on a 10-week sabbatical?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
travel.
I’m doing the family travel thing for sure. I wish I could just jet off for somewhere more exotic, but I’m focusing on relaxation for now
All of the travel whilst all of the eating. Eat Pray Lovin’ it up basically.
Also, in a creative lull (or burn-out) it’s a good idea to just consume consume consume, whether that’s art, movies, music, food, reading, etc. :] In Dallas, it’s so easy to be a tourist. :]
Love this. I’ve definitely been in consumption mode…I feel like my brain is so full of new and exciting info!