Pausing at the top

This past year, I took a career sabbatical for the first time. The reactions were striking:

"That's brave." "How will you find work after?" "How can you justify that?" "I wish I could, but I'm too scared."

This fear contrasted sharply with what I experienced - a year of profound growth and discovery.

Here's just a bit of what I learnt:

- ⏰ My relationship with time transformed. Without days packed with meetings, I found space to think, explore, create, and heal.

- 👁️ I expanded my perspective. Seven countries, breathtaking landscapes, unexpected flavours, and new friendships reminded me to stay curious.

- 🤝 I deepened connections. Quality time with loved ones revealed as much about myself as it did about others, reminding me how essential human connection is.

- 🛠️ I discovered the joy of creation (and DIY!). Painting, sanding, drilling - making spaces better with my own hands proved surprisingly empowering.

This sabbatical taught me that learning is lifelong, unexpected, and marvellous. Would I change my decision? Never. Will I let fear dictate my future choices? The chances are slimmer now than ever before - and that's an exciting place to be.