Sabbatical. That word sounds so appealing to me. I’ve been thinking about it since talking with two coaching clients recently. One took a six-month sabbatical, but she wasn’t totally “off” because she had a special project she’d instigated to complete for her company by the end of it. Carolyn offloaded some of her role to others to break from her norm and get the project done. She’s glad she pushed for it but still feels like she needs a real break.
David is looking forward to a sabbatical in 2022, if he can last that long. He’s eligible for a six-month paid sabbatical when he reaches his 10-year anniversary in May, which is an awesome benefit, but he’s lost enthusiasm for his work. Since new leadership took over, he’s not keen on where the company is headed in its culture and approach to client relations. He wonders what impact staying another seven months will have on him, his family, and his team as he struggles to stay positive about the way things are headed.
Time away from your norm, even in small amounts, is vital for wellbeing. Going, going, going continually takes a toll on the quality of your mental, physical, emotional health.
I’m an advocate for brief breaks, as you know. That’s why I’ve emailed a photo every Wednesday since April 2020 to give your brain a break from whatever you’re working on.
I’ve also sent my 200th weekly Sunday message. Now, I’m thinking it’s time for a break from my norm. Over the years, I’ve saved oodles of quotes and want to share some with you. Starting today, I’ll send you a quote instead of a message each Sunday for the next couple of months. It will hopefully stimulate your thinking, maybe even move you into action.
Here’s the first one:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life… Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” Steve Jobs, 2005 Stanford University commencement address
I hope it hits you the way it does me every time I read it.
Taking photos and sharing them with you is a real joy for me. I’m going to continue sending my Brief Break photos on Wednesdays because so many of you have said you enjoy them. If you’d like to see all of them, they’re at my blog.
