By Darlene M Richardson
Vacation, hiatus, get-a-way, retreat, or sabbatical anyway you word it, a sabbatical is something people take to recharge, regroup and refresh their lives. In an age where employees are coping with added pressures by devoting extra hours to prove their worth to their employers, sabbaticals are needed.
Others who may need time off include business owners, parents, and caregivers who struggle with the inability to delegate tasks and let go. Most people are now constantly connected through various wireless technologies making it harder to disconnect, unplug and get-a-way.
Sabbaticals are extended vacations lasting from approximately one month to as much as eighteen months. People are motivated to take sabbaticals for purposes such as rest and relaxation, study, travel, volunteer, soul search, build relationships, and heal. Initially, taking a sabbatical may not seem feasible. In order to purposefully and successfully take time off you must have the will to make your dream sabbatical a reality.
Ask yourself these questions, what do you really want for your life and why do you want to take a sabbatical? Think about what you would like to accomplish then set your purpose and develop your goals.
Write down your vision for what your sabbatical will look like. It is extremely important that you are as specific as possible. This helps you think about what you want and leads you to knowing how to proceed with planning.
Truly believe that you can take a sabbatical. Cast down those feelings of fear and doubt. Don’t listen to the people who tell you, you can’t do it, even if it’s the voice in your head. If you find that challenges present themselves, know that they can be overcome. There are many people in your situation who have achieved their dream sabbatical.
Start putting things in place. Review your company’s policies on taking a leave of absence. Budget and save for your sabbatical. This may mean making adjustments to your lifestyle. Tell your friends of your plans who would then hold you to your word and support you in your process.
Sabbatical planning should not be taken lightly. You should definitely include the following in your planning process. Simplify your life and way of living. Lighten your load and let go physically and mentally so that you will be in a better position to focus completely on fulfilling your purpose during your time off. I propose that you start planning now, if you feel this is for you. Enjoy your sabbatical and repeat as needed.
Darlene Richardson is Principal of Exhale Incorporated (http://www.exhaleincorporated.com). She is guiding individuals and groups on their journey to optimal wellness. Darlene is sharing with those who are ready to take time for themselves and working with those who are thirsty for positive change in their life. Darlene can be contacted at 901.754.1153.
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