How Is Your Sabbatical?

When I was in the sauna, I asked myself what do I have to show for being on sabbatical for a month?

My initial response was nothing. I felt like I hadn’t accomplished anything. However, after more reflection, I realized that was not true. Actually, a lot has happened in the past thirty days.

Because I tend to focus more on the negatives, the problems, and the things that need fixing, I’m rewiring my brain to focus on the positive things. Currently, it’s still a little bit clunky. My immediate reaction is to write a list of all things I coulda, woulda, and shoulda done. Then, I remind myself to write a list of the positive changes I’m noticing. Here’s the list of the big and small wins from the past month:

1. I organized, planned, and prepared for my sister’s bachelorette party in Lake Geneva. Woop woop!
2. I delved deeper into stock trading and learned how to trade options.
3. I created a new routine that’s been working really well for me, where I spend more time in my body and less time in my head.
4. I completed a developmental edit of the draft of my book. I’m now working on the next draft.
5. I went to the dentist. Oral hygiene is important!
6. We celebrated my sister’s Barbie-themed bridal shower. So much fun!

I must also remind myself that it’s not all about outward accomplishments. It’s about inner shifts as well. For example, I learned that there’s a thing called food trauma, which helped explain the way I eat. I never really considered that there might be a reason why I dissect my food. I just thought that was the way I was. This also helped me understand why I don’t like restaurants.

I’m also learning that stock trading forces me to face my relationship with money. So, I’ve been spending lots of time unpacking my money beliefs. It’s also teaching me patience. I’ve had to be very patient and allow myself to learn and feel comfortable trading at my own pace.

Similarly, my book’s been teaching me the same message. I’ve needed to shift my focus from getting caught up in where I want to be or should be to focusing on what I have control over in the here and now. I have control over showing up consistently daily and doing the necessary work to help me achieve my goals. This looks like writing and taking trades in my SIM account. It’s focusing more on falling in love with the process rather than getting caught up in the end result.

I still have two more months in my sabbatical before I completely cut the cord. This is what I’m hoping to accomplish in the next two months:

• I want to improve my confidence in stock trading and take my first live trade.
• I want to focus on base hits, which are solid stock trades that do not rile up my nervous system.
• I want to complete the next draft of my book.
• I want to celebrate my husband’s birthday and book launch.
• I’m going to write my MOH speech for my sister’s wedding.
• I plan to make doing taxes pleasurable with lots of warm drinks and chocolate.

I’m excited to see what comes to fruition and what additional items are added to the list!