This summer I took a “mini personal sabbatical”. If you’re not quite sure what a sabbatical is, let me you. In the traditional since, a sabbatical is when a person takes an extended period of time away from work (1 year+) with paid leave (sometimes unpaid). Sabbatical’s are well known in academia. Tenured professors in large institutions or who complete a lot of research take time away from the university with approval for their leadership.
Here’s the truth: I haven’t worked in academia for 20 years, nor am I published researcher. I’m a clinician and young professor, with ideas and a drive to expand beyond the limits of the classroom, and teach the importance of holistic and collaborative care to my students.
I’ve been teaching a few years now; but as you know, in addition to working in academia, I’m a nurse practitioner, an entrepreneur and most importantly a wife and a mom. I wear a lot of hats; and I do a lot of things. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed managing it all.
Since I begin teaching, I have worked year-round; I have taught spring, summer, and fall and also worked my NP job year-round. Towards the end of the spring 2020 semester faculty were contacted about teaching in the summer. I initially responded that I was available and willing to teach.
BUT Friend let me tell you……after I hit submit on that e-mail, I felt a heaviness in my spirit. I kept thinking to myself, “Steph you’re doing too much, COVID-19 is rampant, your business has taken a huge hit (negatively), and your husband and daughter need you.” After about 5 days of poor sleep habits and constantly having this conversation with myself, I talked with my spouse and said, “I don’t want to teach this summer, I need a break.” He said he understood, and it was fine with him.
I took another couple of days to think about it and e-mailed my leadership that I wanted to withdraw my ability to teach courses during summer 2020. I didn’t know where I was going to make up my salary, but I knew that God would provide. I knew that I had to protect my peace. I had to advocate for myself, just as I advocate for my patients and my students. Advocating for me, was relaxing, breathing, practicing restorative yoga, diving deep into my meditation practice and self-study.
I took 3 months off from teaching and poured my time and energy into resting, connecting with my husband, and pivoting my business. I was able to work 2-3 days a week at my practice and did not have any concerns about my income. My spirit was restored; I was able to contribute to my family, and able to support my business.
Are you tired? Are you stressed out? Are you overwhelmed? Do you need to rest? Are you clueless on what it means to rest and restore?
If you answered yes to at least 1 of those questions, it is time to refill your cup. Maybe, you can’t, take a mini personal sabbatical or a long professional sabbatical; but what you can do is learn to relax and restore.
Join me for Resilient Moms: Self-Care Series
Resilient Moms is a 4 week livestream group relaxation series where you will learn the foundations of deep stretching through yin yoga and learn to rest through restorative yoga and meditation. Now is the time to:
Breathe
Destress &
Relax
Here’s the deal:
You are powerful and resilient. Friend it is time to step into your power and join in this 4-week series where you will focus on your own self-care and have space to breathe.
You will receive weekly guides and access to a private Facebook group for support and encouragement to commit to your self-care journey. If you miss a week don’t worry, you will receive a link with the recorded session.
Dates: Sunday 5PM-6:15PM, 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27
Investment: $95
Use discount code “resilient” for 20% off this series.
If you’re not a mom but need to rest and restore you can join as well.
You deserve rest. You deserve peace of mind. You deserve to relax. Be A Yes to your own self-care and join me in the practice of rest and resiliency.
