My first official day of sabbatical was April Fools day. I awoke, whenever I did, no alarm (!), and started what would be 90 days of slow mornings, rambling afternoons, and gracious evenings doing whatever I wanted. I took a last look at my desk, and read a sticky note with a quote on it: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been”, from Mary Ann Evans (a.k.a., George Eliot).
Here are some highlights from my sabbatical.
I might have been a responsible adult
I started my sabbatical by systematically ticking off items on a list of adult to-dos that I was always saying I never had time for. I saw a lawyer about my Will, and made numerous “what if” choices about mostly unlikely scenarios. I got a safety deposit box to house things I inherited after my mother passed away in 2020. I rode a secure elevator down to the bank vault, and felt very heist-y. I went on a real wellness kick, instituting morning walks, eating better, and going to bed earlier. I shared meals I cooked with friends and family, edited my closet and my outsized shoe collection, and reorganized my spice cupboard. I repotted several plants, and none of them died. I gardened in my childhood backyard, planting pretty blooms, and tending to my mom’s roses. Necessary tasks for unburdening myself of the mundane administration of our lives that we always have to try to jam into a day that is already jammed with responsibilities.
I felt such relief.
I might have been a writer
I managed to read over 20 books. I luxuriated in reading books cover-to-cover. My brain had a deeper capacity to absorb stories, and my eyes didn’t tire of the page. I read everything from cookbooks (yes, I’m that person) to fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and zines. Reading not only expanded my knowledge but also provided moments of introspection and self-reflection.
I felt a certain nostalgia for when I was in university and had the pleasure of reading extensively for English literature credits. It reminded me that I have a degree in professional writing. And so, I did a bunch of writing. Some journaling, some story writing, some poems. I went back and read some of my writing from years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few pieces I still liked. I reminded myself of the pleasure of writing for purely creative purposes, and just because I felt like it.
I reminded myself that I’m a little good at it too.
I might have been an artist
I have been fortunate that art has always been a part of my life. My family is full of artists, and I’ve had a practice of making art in lots of forms. With sabbatical time, I decided to re-learn a long-forgotten technique: lino block printing. I took a weekend intensive with artist Karen Klee-Atlin, at Open Studio, where I regularly do my printmaking. I was pleased to make an edition of prints inspired by our Design Meetup at Lake Como, earlier this year.
I also rediscovered hand-building ceramics. I made a bunch of funky vessels, and experimented with painted designs, and wild glazes. Tactile making is so satisfying. So much so, that I had to find a way to keep doing it, even after sabbatical. I was lucky to find a place in a class with artist Julie Moon, whom I’ve admired for years. Finding new avenues for continued creative expression is integral to my mental well-being, and my ability to recharge.
Making art makes me happy. My sabbatical reminded me of this truth, and gave me time to reestablish my art practice.
I might have been Scottish
No, I’m definitely not Scottish, but I had a lot of fun visiting Edinburgh (along with thousands of Swifties). My cousin and her husband live in Edinburgh, so I was very lucky to be hosted by people with local knowledge. I stayed at their flat in Leith. It overlooks a cemetery, and in the distance you can see the ocean.
The weather was unusually beautiful and rain-free for most of my stay (apparently Taylor Swift controls the weather), so I maximized my time outdoors. My cousin took me on a hike along the east coast in Fife, stopping in little villages, and meeting the locals. We ate the most delicious strawberries, and had lunch on the seaside where we saw dolphins. I did a picturesque tour of nearby scenic spots, taking in views of rivers, mountains, and old growth forests, with waterfalls. I spent time walking the city as well, seeing Stockbridge, Water of Leith/Dean Village, Holyrood Park, Calton Hill, the National Gallery, Edinburgh Printmakers, and of course, the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. I danced at a Ceilidh, bought books at independent book shops, drank scotch, but did not eat any Haggis.
It was a lovely time reconnecting with my cousin, and learning about her life (we grew up on different continents, and didn’t see eachother often). I’ll certainly be back to discover more about this beautiful place of history, mixed with natural beauty, and coastal vibes.
I ended the trip with a weekend in London, visiting my favorite places. I checked out Hatchard’s, Liberty, Arket, and had some great food at Borough Market, St. John (Smithfield), and Palomar. But my real favorite place in London is the Tate Modern. There were two great exhibitions: Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider, and Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind. I loved both exhibitions, and my senses were thoroughly stimulated.
Travel is transforming. I wish everyone could do it.
I might have a great team
In fact, I do have a great team. I could disconnect fully because of the immense trust I have for my teammates. They covered my tasks and duties expertly, and kept all the high-priority work on track. I can’t thank them enough. Thank you, @vrileythurman, and thank you, @totocastiglione. You’re the BEST.
I also must thank Automattic. I’m grateful for my job and to work at a company that values my whole life. Burnout is so common, and this sabbatical benefit is an antidote. The whole company understands the need for rest and I’m returning to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
I might have been myself
During my sabbatical, I felt a lot of things. I felt relief, I felt reconnected to things I enjoy most. I felt so much more myself. Being relieved of all the mental energy, effort and concentration it takes to do my job left so much space for life.
Life moves pretty fast, but my sabbatical felt slow and long and relaxing. What a gift to find, after 3 months, that I am, in fact, who I might have been all along.
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