Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.
I told somebody a few weeks ago that I was going to take a mini-sabbatical.
He replied, "Aren't you too young to do that?"
The question made me uncomfortable. Within those few seconds before I had an answer, I went through every single emotion I felt during the last 6 months while coming to this decision for myself.
My thoughts were: Was I overstepping my sense of importance in the working world? Did I deserve to go on a sabbatical? I think I'm a hard worker... I'm pretty sure I am a hard worker. What exactly does the word 'sabbatical' even mean? What are you supposed to do during that time? I suppose I am still young... but do I have to be in my forties for this to be socially acceptable? What if I am deemed lazy when I return? Will I be relevant when I return? Is this right? Is this good?
I took a breath, looked at him and said, "No. I'm not too young. You see, the way I work is very different from others - I put a lot of myself into my work and have done so for the past 7 years. I need to do this for myself right now, otherwise, I will lose who I am and will no longer be able to contribute to the world in the way I would like to for the future."
So I did it.
It's my first time but I'm going to try to articulate the thoughts I have throughout this period. Brace yourselves - I have no idea what will happen.