#sabbaticalsobha, Lessons in Living, Not Just Working.

Working in academia has its challenges, but one of the blessings I am lucky to have is the opportunity for a sabbatical once every seven years. This last academic year was my sabbatical year. It was very different from my first experience in 2017, when I was a recipient of the Fulbright Specialist Award and traveled to Seoul to teach, followed by teaching in Mexico.

This sabbatical started very differently. First off, I was coming off of a very intense personal year dealing with an aging parent who has Alzheimer’s. Luckily, by the time the semester ended, my mom was settled and doing as well as could be hoped for.

I went into sabbatical knowing that I would focus on the doctoral program I had started. I anticipated it would be a lot of work. I set a goal to defend my proposal by the end of the academic year, and I am pleased to say I have.

I was also able to share my proposed research at several conferences this year, as well as attend several conferences.

I’ve also been able to travel. After taking two summer classes last year, I kicked off my sabbatical with a trip to Italy, which was wonderful! And then during the break in January, I was in India participating in festivities celebrating my sister’s engagement.

I was able to see some theatre, attend a soccer game, and attend some concerts as well! As well as catch up with some friends!

I was also very focused on my studies, and some days it almost seemed there wasn’t enough time in the day to keep up. But how lucky was I to be a full-time student again after 20 years of being in school? Through my doctoral program, I’ve made some new friends and been introduced to some outstanding professors who have helped me find my voice in writing.

And of course, I’ve been lucky to enjoy time at home with our pups.

This sabbatical started the year I turned 50! And while I turned 50 in March, the reflective part of the momentous birthday stayed with me throughout.

As I approach the part of my journey where I will return to work and focus on my dissertation, I thought I’d share what I’ve slowly come to realize: I need to prioritize protecting my peace. Here are a few things I realized I need to do…

Sleep is sacred. Rest Is a Strategy
Rest is necessary for productivity. Sleep became my superpower, not my sacrifice. I get more done even if I sleep that extra hour. I finally understood what it means to work from rest, not for rest. I also learned I think better when I’m rested. And sometimes this means that not everything I set out to accomplish that day gets done. And it’s ok. I’m still standing and I still get shit done.

NO is one of the most important words

Saying NO is a full sentence, and it is an important word to protect my own mental health. “No” became my greatest ally. It made space for when I wanted to say yes.

I Have Nothing to Prove
This is a hard one indeed. However, I began to realize that living for external validation is exhausting. I’ve stopped auditioning for other people’s approval. It’s not always easy.

Asking for Help is Strength, Not Weakness
Admitting “I can’t do it all” and “perfection isn’t necessary” allowed me to loosen the tight grip I didn’t realize I had on my own self-worth.

Keep Your People Close

Keep your support network close, I mean the ones who are in it with you. Support isn’t just about agreeing with you or listening to you vent, it’s also about knowing that people have invested in you.

Move

It became really easy to sit in front of my computer all day and well into the night. Especially at those times of the semester when I had papers due and I was heading toward defending my proposal. I have the “sabbatical pounds” to show for it. But it’s important to move your body to move your energy, especially when you are stuck. Dance Party. Walk. Stretch. It shifts your mindset.

Boundaries Aren’t Walls, They’re Gates
I’ve learned how to guard my energy, not just give it away freely. Protecting my peace is a daily practice.

Release What Doesn’t Serve You
People, habits, thought patterns—if it’s draining me, it’s no longer welcome. I’ve learned to let go with love.

As I approach the new academic year, with work, and hopefully completing my doctoral journey, I know this will not be as easy, but it feels so good to share!