Taking a 40 Hour Sabbatical is simple.
My original idea for my 40 Hour Sabbatical was to learn how to scuba dive. It was something that I have always wanted to do and been terrified to learn because I'm not a strong swimmer. My love for animals and the exploration of the outdoors was the biggest reason I wanted to learn. Also, my significant other of over 10 years, Greg, has been certified since he was a kid. I've watched with jealousy as he was able to dive with friends and family exploring a world that many people aren't able to. Many times I've said, "I'm gonna learn" but the excuse of not having enough time was always there for me to use when really I was just scared.
During the dive training I learned that not only was diving way easier than I ever expected, I also learned I'm much stronger than I give myself credit for. There were a few moments that really tripped me up regarding skills you have to prove capable of under water and the written test (tests always freak me out!). After practice and studying, not only did I pass my test with a solid A, I also feel extremely confident that I can handle myself 50 feet under water as well as walking down the street.
Now that I know about this whole new world that I can explore, I'm excited and anxious to start! I've already gone on a few dives and each has left me wanting more. Now that I have accomplished something that I've always wanted to learn and been too afraid, I feel more confident and wonder what's next. Not only has my experience impacted me, but a couple of my close friends. After making my decision to learn to dive, I was joined with two others. Going through this experience has given us a closer bond and something new to go out and do together!
By day, I'm a graphic designer with an eye for type and a taste for tea. Outside the office, you can find me on the yoga mat, fangirling over Sherlock, or just snuggling with my cuddle pug. And if I didn't answer the first time you called, not to worry, I was just daydreaming about hiking in Yosemite.
"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