- Intellego Newsletter
- Posts
- Sabbatical
🎼 📖 Read Intellego #017 by listening to:
My Story
It has been one year since I resigned. Like a wrestler in combat, I tapped out, surrendered. I no longer endured the constant stress, the mental and physical exhaustion. I left behind prestige, financial stability, and a career envied and desired by many to take care of my health. It was time to reconnect with my true self.
Do you wanna go away for a year? How will you pay your bills? Is it possible? Don’t you think it’s a bold move? I kept asking myself these questions. Do you know the exact moment when you’re in front of a crossroads? You gotta to decide.
Despite my desire to stay, life compelled me to let go of the control and venture into new possibilities. It was time to tap into a version of myself I did not know exist.
As I mentioned in edition 004, I was so drained and self-absorbed because of my burnout experience that I’ve lost perspective. Yes, I needed a break to regain momentum, recalibrate, reborn.
How can you achieve a sustainable lifestyle keeping the same toxic habits? In order to create a better version of yourself, seek and be the change. In my case, I implemented radical shifts to my routine to acquire peace of mind.
The first time I heard the term sabbatical was back in 2012 when I watched the movie “Eat, Pray, Love”. At the first glance, I thought it was just another romantic comedy out there. But it became an itinerary for self-discovery. Just a few movies continue resonating with me as years passed by. This film was one of them.
“I used to have this appetite for life and it’s just gone… I want to go to some place where I can marvel at something.”
This quote from the movie could not resonate more. Have you lost touch with whom you are? Then risk everything. Dare to say no. Be radical.
Allow yourself to experiment. Don’t be afraid to walk away and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Flow, feel, taste, experience, live, love. Combat resistance and fear. Let yourself go. Let people and places lose you.
No matter what you’re trying to accomplish in life, or what career path you’re trying to take, sometimes you get caught up and lose perspective on what’s important. Eventually, we will have to look at the mirror and, more important, to look within.
If you could clear up all that noise and space in your mind, would you do it? You have a doorway open. A brand new life and opportunities are waiting for you. Why not give it a shot? You won’t regret it.
No job is worth your mental health. Take care of yourself. You’re your best investment. Be the sun of your life. Bet on yourself and your dreams every day.
Have you ever lost yourself? You don't recognize yourself in the mirror, right? Don’t worry, it’s a phase. Perhaps you need a change, a break, a time off.
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Nourish Body and Soul
Focus on pleasure. The joy of eating. The culinary indulgence and the Italians' passion for delicious food are good examples here. Think of activities that make you happy.
It can be a walk, French toast, coffee, ice cream, painting, dancing, swimming, reading a book, visiting an art gallery, meeting friends, attending a course or learning a new language. You choose.
Discover those hidden treasures or forgotten passions that make your heart full. Feed your soul with good food, companies, and activities. Remember, quality over quantity. Establish limits and know what is valuable to you. Allow yourself to experience simple pleasures without guilt.
On a sabbatical, this translates to stepping away from the often rigid, self-denying routines of professional life to rediscover the joy in everyday experiences. It’s about giving yourself permission to indulge in and savor life’s pleasures, which can lead to a renewed zest for life.
Explore writing classes, journaling techniques, cooking classes, wine tasting, or the broader culinary arts not just as a hobby but as a form of emotional therapy and cultural exploration.
Such activities can reignite passion and enthusiasm, which are often dulled by routine and stress, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
"Nourishment isn't solely about food. It’s about what sustains us emotionally and creatively."
Spiritual Exploration and Inner Peace
Rest is as important as work.
Dive deep into a spiritual quest. Take a holistic approach. Study mindfulness, physics, art, philosophy, history. Understand the science behind happiness, high-performance, and human behavior.
The focus shifts from the external joy of eating to the internal process of self-reflection and spiritual cleansing. Don’t be afraid to deal with your monsters. Internal tourism is a need, especially in the digital age.
Appreciate the value of solitude, meditation, and prayer as tools for deeper self-knowledge and healing. The practice of mindfulness and meditation can lead to significant insights into your desires, fears, and overall life purpose.
Incorporating spiritual exploration into a sabbatical doesn’t mean a religious journey. It could be as simple as daily meditation, exercising, reading books, attending spiritual retreats, or exploring various religious philosophies if you’re inclined.
Turning inward can significantly decrease the noise of everyday life. It allows yourself to realign with your values and core beliefs. As a result, you gain clarity.
Introspection can foster a profound sense of peace and stability, which is invaluable in managing life’s inevitable stresses.
You rather be right or at peace? I choose the second. What are the things valuable to you? Yes, those minor aspects of life that we take for granted. Family, close friends, job, food, health, education, travels, pets... What are you grateful for today? I’m sure you have at least one thing in mind.
“Without grit, there is no pearl. Even the hardest of times can yield beautiful lessons, results, and meaning.”
Build Relationships and Connections
Build bonds
Like in reverse chemical reactions, seek a dynamic equilibrium. Find the balance between loving and letting go. I do not mean the arithmetic average of things.
Find what matters to you, makes your heart beat, brings meaning to your life. It could be anything: a book, a career, a relationship, an exchange program, a hobby, a mission, a business.
The takeaway here is a rediscovery of self-responsibility, self-love, and building meaningful connections with others. As human beings, we seek companionship and sense of belonging, whether it’s through romance, friendship, or community engagement.
During a sabbatical, rebuilding or strengthening your relationships is vital. Time away from work offers the unique opportunity to invest in family, meet new people, or engage in community service.
These interactions can significantly enhance emotional well-being and provide a support system that sustains you long after the sabbatical ends.
Developing empathy, gratitude and nurturing relationships can lead to increased happiness and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”
The Integrative Benefits of Sabbaticals
Benefits of taking a sabbatical extend far beyond the individual perception. Upon returning, many report feeling more engaged, productive, and innovative, with fresh ideas and renewed passion for their work.
The experience often leads to enhanced life skills, such as improved problem-solving, adaptability, and communication.
A sabbatical is more than just a break. It’s a transformative journey that offers the time and space necessary for meaningful engagement with the world, ourselves, and our crafts.
It can give you a healthy amount of time to enhance your academic qualifications, pursue new interests, do volunteer work, travel, address physical concerns, or re-prioritize your life and career. It’s also an opportunity to manage the effects of professional burnout.
I will not lie. It requires courage and planning. However, by stepping back, we can leap forward, returning to our professional and personal lives reinvigorated and equipped with new skills and visions for our futures.
Here are three pillars that played a crucial role in my self-actualization. Together, they encapsulate a well-rounded approach to personal development:
Indulgence: relish life’s pleasure, replenish energy and reignite joy
Introspection: practice self-examination, gratitude, and mindfulness
Connection: cultivate meaningful relationships
For those considering a sabbatical, don’t miss the opportunity. Go for it. I understand that taking this step may seem counterintuitive in today’s context. But when you look back in a year, the benefits are tremendous.
So, be courageous, plan, be kind to yourself and take a break. Life is short, live wisely.
“There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.”
PS: I ask your prayers to Brazilian population. Severe floods devastated entire cities last week. If you can donate, please see details here. Thank you!
Talk to you next week.
Light and peace,
—FMV
🧠 My Mental Download:
📕 (1) What I'm reading:
🎧 (2) What I'm listening to:
📺 (3) What I'm re-watching:
🤿 Keep diving and exploring:
💡 Intellego is the process of gaining insights to better understand the world.
✍️ Letter is written by Fabíola Maia-Veres every Tuesday at 7pm.
🐝 Newsletter is configured and sent by BeeHiiv.
💬 📝 How did it go?
Any comments, critics, or suggestions? Reply to this email or reach out on Instagram or LinkedIn. Your feedback fuels my writing.