6 life lessons from a mini sabbatical

There are two types of tired - when you need sleep and when you need peace. A lazy weekend or early night can fix the first one; but it takes a little longer to reset and recharge. So I booked off time to do just that. It took awhile to get my head around the idea, as I always envisioned a sabbatical spent backpacking around South America; doing another ski season or on some other great adventure. But thanks to covid travel restrictions I had to keep it local - and what an absolute joy it has been. ?

Here are a few of the things that have really stood out for me, and that I’ve learnt along the way. I don’t think any of them are novel ideas or ahah moments, but each one has resulted in a subtle shift in my perspective on things, so I hope this list will be a reminder to keep them up going forward.?

Balance isn’t all it’s talked up to be?

The past six weeks have made me realise just how much I missed the mark when it comes to balance. Yes, I used to fit in eight hours of sleep most nights; exercise almost every day; make time for friends and family; cook wholesome food; and give my all to my two businesses and EOA.?But I didn’t make time to just be; to listen to the waves, feel the sun on my face at midday or take each day as it comes. I’ve finally learnt to embrace stillness and to say no when I need to.?

Home is where your pets are?

I know what you’re thinking… and no, I’m not turning in to a crazy cat lady (just yet) - but some of the best moments of my sabbatical were spent playing with my cat Luna, or curling up to read my book with her on my lap. She is full of life, love and mischief; and I can’t wait to see her when I’ve been away. Over the past three years she’s managed to turn me in to a real home body - a feat no human has ever managed!?

I’m also besotted with my mum’s two dogs - who always come bounding out to greet me when I arrive. Little Charlie proceeded to follow me around for the whole week I was there - treating me like his long lost friend! Their constant presence, happy faces and unconditional love create such a sense of comfort, and always make me content to just stay put.?

Family time is hard to beat?

I was lucky enough to have a week with each of my parents during my sabbatical - at Mjejane Game Reserve with my dad, and at my childhood home in Zimbabwe with my mum. I spent quality time with three sets of aunts and uncles - ranging from tea and cake by the fire to hiking up Ngoma Kurira in the winter sunshine - and also had a weekend with my teenage cousins. It reminded me that just creating space to hang out, play cards and tell stories creates a bond that lasts a lifetime.?

Make today count?

Seeing my dad sick with covid recently was really scary, and the relief I felt when he started to feel better reminded me how important it is to have quality time with the people we love. Whether it’s time with family, friends, on holiday or even just in day-to-day life, I want to be better at being completely present - the rest of the world can wait. ?

Less is more

My last bit of wisdom applies to words on a page, clothes in your cupboard or things on your to do list - and the advice is to just halve them! I have loved taking a more minimalist approach to life and am going to do my best to keep it up! So on that note, I’ll wrap this up, and step back in to the real world once again… but this time I’ll do it with the sense of harmony and vitality that I was searching for. I’m so looking forward to delving back in to life behind the Yellow Door tomorrow, and celebrating our seventh birthday with Dom and our team.?