Taking a 40 Hour Sabbatical is simple.
I knew I wanted to travel and be outdoors for my 40 hours. I wasn't sure exactly what that entailed, but I knew I had to explore somewhere unfamiliar and check a new experience off my extensive bucket list. I set a goal once I graduated college to challenge myself more, to push my limits, and force myself out of my comfort zone. If I wanted to do something, I was going to do it, even if it scared me. With that in mind, I decided upon a five day solo trip to Asheville, NC., where I stayed in a tent cabin owned by a local couple. I hiked every day, explored all that the city had to offer, took a few brewery tours and even made it to see Grace Potter at a local venue in town on my last night. All. On. My. Own.
What I learned on this trip I will carry with me forever. I spent an entire week alone in the woods, with limited access to everyone back home. For once, I was able to unplug and focus on the present. For the first time in a long time, I had uninterrupted time to do anything I wanted. I had no plan at all, just that I was going to do anything and everything I could while I was out there. I came back feeling more independent and not afraid to explore things on my own. I had time to reflect during my daily hikes and long drives up the Blue Ridge Parkway. I even met some interesting people during my trip. At the end of the week, the biggest lesson I learned was that the things that scare us most will probably reward us most in the end.
From that week forward, I've had a new appreciation for all adventures and experiences, big or small. Trying new things has become an important part of my life. This trip not only allowed me to experience new things on my own, but it inspired me continue to explore and experience everything this world has to offer. I've set goals for future travels and plan on seeing the entire US before I turn 30 years old. This experience humbled me, gave me a higher sense of everything around me, and served as a reminder to soak it all in while I can!
I am an Orlando dweller with a taste for travel, coffee, good beer (extra hoppy!) and adventure. I follow great music wherever it takes me, be it Asheville, Memphis or Nashville. I'm always down for a quick game of kickball, and will never say no to a Starbucks invite or T-Swift jam sesh.
"Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You cannot get there by bus, only by hard work, risking and by not quite knowing what you are doing. What you will discover will be wonderful; yourself."
Alan Alda