At a recent retreat, one of the commitments I made was to gift myself a mini-sabbatical. This meant taking Mondays and Fridays off through July and August to do what I wished, and to free myself from work-related activities. As an entrepreneur, I often don’t take large blocks of time off during the summer as it’s when I typically design new programs, write or make website changes. So a mini-sabbatical sounded like a good idea.
Last Monday, the first day of my mini-sabbatical, was easy as we had moved the day before and had not retired till close to 3 am, so it was easy to sleep in and to not work. The first Friday was more challenging. I was “pulled” to check my email and to start writing down the design for my new group coaching program. That said, I found a nearby yoga studio online and tried out my first yoga class there. Amazingly I connected with a woman after class who has a similar background to mine, and who may become a new friend.
The first question I’ve started to ask myself on awakening is What will I do to nurture myself today? To me nurturing involves: doing yoga, meditating, going for walks in nature, being by, in, or on water, connecting with family and friends in person and virtually, and cooking a special meal for my Sweetie and myself. What do you do to nurture yourself? My mantra for 2016 is I am open to possibility, and I repeat it once or twice daily. I also am increasingly listening to and trusting in the messages my body sends me. Here’s a process my clients and I have found useful in making decisions – http://creativelivingcommunity.com/how-do-you-make-decisions/.
So far on my mini-sabbatical I’ve noticed I feel more relaxed, more creative, more energized, lighter, and I’m finding that new like-minded people and opportunities are coming my way.
What would a mini-sabbatical look and feel like for you? Perhaps you’ve tried one before? I’d love to hear your thoughts below. Feel free to share this with a friend, colleague or family member.
I love this post Pam! I just took a mini writing sabbatical in Washington, D.C. and spent half the time writing and the other half exploring the Capitol and nurturing myself deeply. I practiced yoga daily, walked everywhere, witnessed beauty and history from a place of awe and wonder and brought mindfulness into all I experienced. My blog this week is about the lessons learned from that time away and my intention to weave them into my self-nurturing practice now that I am back at home. I love your question: “What will I do to nurture myself today?” That is my guiding question and I am grateful for your wisdom and insight! Thank you!
Hi Kelley, Good for you for gifting yourself a mini writing sabbatical! For us driven women it is BIG to take time out to nurture ourselves, yet the benefits are amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience. Happy you resonated with the post 🙂
Good for you Pam! Sabbaticals are required to refresh, invigorate and renew our sense of well-being. Sounds like you are off to a good start. I am on a long sabbatical right now and it took a few weeks to get into the swing of it because I am a bit of a type A and a Leo to boot! Nurturing ourselves is important. Enjoy your Mondays and Fridays!
Hi Debra, Thanks for your positive feedback. Congratulations to you for taking time for yourself. Enjoy your sabbatical; you SOoo deserve it! Warm Hugs, Pam
I couldn’t wait to read this! Does that tell you anything? A couple of years ago I spent a month in Paris and my main focus was to write. Of course that was mixed with exploring the city, cooking, studying French and meeting up with friends. I’m longing for something like that again! I’ve been staying so focused on new creations that I need to back up and try out your idea. I know how important it is to take time to nurture—to be in the quiet. I’m good about doing that daily, but I’m feeling the call for more extended times as you described. I love “I’m open to possibility.” Taking a day each week to luxuriate in that… Yes. Thanks for a wonderful post, Pam, that has me moving!
Hi Laurie, Happy you connected with my post. Wow! A whole month in Paris. Lucky you! Best of luck following your heart and gifting yourself some time off soon to play. Warm Hugs, Pam
A very important blog Pam, I will share with my Twitter community, thanks! I love mini-sabbaticals and find that they refill my depleted energies from helping others. I took a mini retreat last month for 3 days in order to write and just be. It felt wonderful during and afterwards. Enjoy your time off this summer! I know it will pay off creatively and spiritually for you. xx
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for sharing your positive experience with mini-sabbaticals. Appreciate you sharing the post. Here’s to increased creativity and connection! Warm Hugs, Pam