The Value of Taking a Break

There is so much value in taking time for you. Even if it appears to others that you’re “hanging out” (pun intended lol) taking a pause in life and purposefully seeking a sabbatical, gap year, or just flat out break can be so impactful for your health, direction, well being and overall self. In almost every culture but American, this is seen as self care and a normal part of life. While I was meant to be traveling full time this year on a worldwide trip that had to be suspended due to covid, I’m so grateful to have been able to take time off this year and focus on me. I encourage you to take a break, “hang out” for a while, drift, and be ok with it at some point in life (prior to our 60’s). You’ll be amazed at what you find. Mostly, it will be your truest, most creative self. If right now you find yourself in a stuck position with covid and are having to take this break involuntarily, try possibly reframing your mindset about it. Try looking at it as an opportunity to do all of the things you’ve put off enjoying, learning, exploring, seeing, and becoming (or unbecoming). Also if you’re thinking its not possible right now due to finances, responsibilities etc... I am a firm believer and proof that when you make something a goal and an important value to you, you can achieve it. I worked for this luxury of time and anyone is just as capable. Encouragement proof on the value of “hanging out:” just this year alone I’ve traveled to 6 countries, learned and mastered another language, read 39 books, taken classes on skills I’ve always wanted to learn, learned tons of new hobbies, road tripped across western America, slayed my demons, conquered fears, lost and found myself fully, rediscovered my purpose and truest self, invested in meaningful deep relationships, climbed countless volcanos and mountains, seen sights I had only ever dreamt of previously, learned to meditate, grown deeper empathy, I could go on and this list makes me smile and be filled with gratitude. Hope to catch more of us “hanging out” and being ok with it in the future. The rest of the world is onto something lost on us Americans and its time we figure it out for ourselves, guilt free.