Reflections on Pressing the Pause Button: Lessons from My Sabbatical

At the end of June, I announced that I was taking a sabbatical for the months of July and August. In that post, I shared what I wanted to let go of, what past transitions had taught me, and the concrete actions I planned to take to embrace my time away.

As it turned out, my sabbatical extended into September — a gentle reminder that sometimes, our souls need more time than our schedules allow.

What I Learned

  • I became acutely aware of what drains my energy and what fills me up. Time spent on my computer—especially scrolling through social media or reading emails—left me depleted.
  • Connecting with friends, both old and new, reminded me how vital genuine connection is to my well-being.
  • I cherished waking up without an alarm and easing into my day at a natural rhythm.
  • It took about two weeks before I truly felt “on sabbatical.” I had prior commitments to complete before I could fully let go.
  • Less screen time opened space for the things that truly bring me joy.
  • Moving forward, I’ll continue choosing activities that energize and uplift me.
  • I’m entering a new season—one where I will do less but be more focused.
  • As a mission-driven woman at a crossroads, it felt strange to experience low energy and a lack of passion. Yet, I’ve come to trust that like a seed germinating in the dark, something new is quietly taking root within me.

What I Let Go Of

  • I purged paper files and clothing—simple yet satisfying acts of release. (More still to come!)
  • I unsubscribed from lists and voices that no longer align with who I am becoming.

What Surprised Me

  • I had intended to journal daily but soon realized I wasn’t called to.
  • I didn’t feel inspired to write creatively, which was unexpected.
  • My energy felt low—except when I was in nature: paddleboarding, swimming, walking, or simply sitting among the trees.
  • Limiting myself to three hours a day on the computer was challenging—but enlightening.

Why I’m Sharing This

If you’re a mission-driven woman at a crossroads, know that you’re not alone.
Even those of us who guide others through transition have moments of uncertainty and fatigue. Sometimes, the most courageous thing we can do is pause—to rest, to listen, to allow what’s next to unfold in its own time.

I invite you to reach out and share:
✨ What resonated with you in this post?
✨ What type of support would help you most as you navigate your own crossroads?

You can email me at pam@creativelivingcommunity.com.
And if you know another woman who might benefit from these reflections, please share this post—and the earlier one about beginning my sabbatical—with her.