Out of Office notes.
the sabbatical I've been working toward
I gave myself permission a few years ago to dream about stepping away from work and particular life responsibilities for an extended period of time while creating life-expanding experiences for myself. In 2020, this lead to horse packing in Wyoming and road tripping in Oregon while pausing work for a month.
Work and life was (for the most part) here when I got back. I learned to like the idea that I'm not integral to everything. I could pause doing so that I could practice being. I could actually liberate myself from exhaustion. I could separate myself from relentless capitalism. I could remember how to exist in the moment. I could linger over beauty and awe.
I learned to call it sabbatical because it was as much part of my work as an artist as when I was home in the studio. Sabbatical can mean anything really. It’s what I call it when I subtract work and add meaningful experiences. I do no paid work, no publishing, no selling, no deadlines. This special time is set aside for play and creativity. It's typically a lot of fun, but it's not endless pleasure. I’ve found the best way for me to do this is through extended solo travel where I can continually take risks, make bold choices, and seek connection. It stretches me like nothing else does. In the end, this equation usually equals retreat, reflection, and renewal.
This is how I come home feeling more like myself. I grow and don't look back. And then, when I’m ready, I’ll go back to my work. I don't have to, but I’ll want to. I don't only want to be able to do the work and make the art, I want to be pleased and happy to do my work.
Sabbatical always has things to teach me about myself and the way I work and rest, and I think they’re valuable enough lessons to share. I’ll expand on these ideas when I return with more “Out of Office Notes”.
For now, they can wait. All of my work can wait.
For the next month, I’m OOO on sabbatical. It's time for me to restore. I made it to the finish line of this season and now it’s time to rest and explore and see what's next. And let me be the first to tell you, I worked so hard to get here but I had a TON of help. If you’re someone who contributed to my sabbatical through buying or sharing my artwork, making direct donations, hosting me in your home, gifting me trip essentials and experiences, holding down the house while I leave it, or simply entertaining my planning and excitement these last few months, thank you thank you thank you!
I have big plans for the next month. I’m headed to my sister’s bachelorette party in the Texas hill country to celebrate her engagement with her closest people, and then all over Italy for an array of activities and experiences to include seeing old friends, a yoga and creativity retreat, and exploring new (very old) places.
I'm stepping out of productivity and striving and stepping into possibility and humanity. I’m prioritizing my own needs – primarily my creative and spiritual health. I’m going a little more analog and I’m slowing the pace so I can hear the answers to questions like:
What do I want to make?
Where do I want to go?
Who do I want to be?
And, maybe most importantly, what do I want to eat?
See you on the other side. Ciao!
P.S. You can follow along for intentionally infrequent trip photos on Instagram and Facebook. I’ll be sharing travel writing, photos, and “Out of Office Notes” when l get back. You will find that here on Wandering Home.