A Sabbatical from My Sabbatical: How a detour turned out to be the best path
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
I just got back to the Pacific Northwest for the summer and I've already been asked several times, "So when do you leave again?"
For those of you who haven't been following along, my goal has been to visit fifty countries during my 50th year. When I launched last October, I had a solid plan. I would explore Eastern Europe, come home for Christmas, spend the spring traveling through Central and South America, come back for my youngest son's college graduation, and wrap up the year in Northern Europe during the summer. If everything went according to plan, I might even squeeze in part of Africa in the fall.
It was ambitious, but completely doable. Or so I thought.
The night before I left in October, my daughter stopped by the studio to say goodbye. "Mom, I know you leave tomorrow for your big trip, but I have something I need to tell you." I stopped packing and looked up, concerned. She continued, "We're pregnant."
With huge relief and complete elation, I jumped up and rushed over to hug and kiss her. I was so excited for her, Josh, and Axel!
Then reality hit me. "Wait...when are you due?"
"June 3rd."
My mind immediately started doing the math because June was right around the time I had planned to leave again for the final stretch of my fifty countries tour.
I jokingly said, "Seriously? You two had all the time in the world to get pregnant and you picked the one year I'm gone?"
We both laughed but I was already recalibrating my plan to figure out how I could be here for the arrival of Baby. Right after the baby was born, Northern Europe and then maybe a trip to Asia before the year’s end in October.
But as the months went by, I started looking at things differently.
Part of it was practical. Travel has become a little less predictable lately. I recently heard a woman’s story about how her flight plans got completely turned upside down because of disruptions in the Middle East. She ended up having to purchase a last-minute ticket for nearly $5,000. I'm operating on a beer budget in the travel department, so a surprise $5,000 plane ticket could completely derail my future plans.
But there’s more…
There’s long days at the river.
Pickleball.
Painting in my studio.
Hiking.
Day trips to the beach and campfire summer nights.
Anyone who knows me, knows that the Pacific Northwest is my favorite place on the planet during the summer. There are beautiful places all over the world, but there is something about these few months here that feels magical. It is the anchor that keeps me here. If we didn’t have the summers, I’d have moved a long time ago. Summer evenings in the Pacific Northwest with my friends and family would be a big loss.
And now, and most importantly, a new grandson.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn't want to rush through this season just so I could stay on schedule. What am I accomplishing here if I’m just checking off boxes without truly enjoying the most important people and things in my life?
So I've decided to take a sabbatical from my sabbatical.
This summer I'm here…in the good ole’ USA!
I'm going to spend time with my family, get as many baby snuggles as possible, play pickleball, paint, float the river, hike, sit around fire pits, and soak up everything I love about being home. The countries will still be there in a few months but this precious time with my brand new grandson won’t.
Over the last eight months, I've made it to thirty-three countries. I've completed the first leg of the race and I’ve had some incredible experiences along the way.
I’m still going to fifty countries. I’m still going to meet my goal. I've just decided to give myself a little grace and finish by the end of this year instead of forcing myself to be done by October.
The goal hasn't changed. The timeline has. I think that's a lesson worth remembering.
Sometimes we become so attached to our plans that we forget to pay attention to what life is putting right in front of us. Goals are important. Following through is important. But so is recognizing when something unexpected deserves your attention.
Sometimes life’s detours are better than the original plan. For me, that's this new grandson and a beautiful summer here in the PNW.
One unexpected benefit of being home is that I actually get to spend more time creating with all of you. Unlike most summers, I'll be offering painting classes throughout June and July with several opportunities to gather, paint, laugh, and make some memories together. Don’t miss out on this special summer time together!
Art For Adults Classes (Art-Women-Wine) Gather with a wonderful group of men/women in creating whatever painting you’d like to make. Ready to give it a try? This June and July, we're offering a summer special of 8 classes for only $250! Catch us every Tuesday evening from 6:30–9:00 PM.
Paint & Sip Events Join me at some of our favorite local wineries for a fun evening of painting, wine, and great company.
Art Van-Go Kids Camps- Keep your kids doing something creative and fun all summer long. These camps are already filling up, so sign up now!
As I head into this unexpected summer at home, I'm reminded that following through on your goals doesn't always mean sticking rigidly to the original plan. Sometimes it means adjusting the route while keeping the destination.
It's okay to give yourself a little grace. It's okay to step away from something wonderful so you can fully enjoy something even more wonderful.
The adventure isn't over, it’s just extended!
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