5 Quick Reflections and Photos from My Summer Sabbatical
It’s been quite some time since my last post! As promised, I left my job to spend the summer traveling and re-energizing before starting a doctoral program. I had a great time living and working in Jacksonville. My year there allowed me to excel as a fundraiser, grow as a professional, and readjust to this Florida heat.
Soaking up the Cali sun on the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk.
My “summer sabbatical” (aka unemployment) was just what I needed before starting my doctoral study. In addition to a few weeks in DC and Florida, I visited California for the first time.
After a week in Los Angeles with my line sister Lauren, I rode the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Los Angles to Oakland to spend time with my good friend Pat in San Francisco and spend a few days in wine country. Taking the train is half the cost of a plane trip but twice the length. I planned to do a lot of reading and writing but spent most of the time taking in the amazing landscape and chatting with my neighbor.
Took my first dip in the Pacific near the Santa Monica Pier.
The ride was filled with breathtaking views, from the three hours of gorgeous coastline to the slow twist through the auburn mountains, on to the lush green valleys. My head and heart were full after two months of travel, reflection, reading, quality time with loved ones, and a bit of soul searching.
Views from the Golden Coast
I shared some of my reflections with my line sisters. We take turns sending weekly updates on or lives and plans. We’ve started using GroupMe for faster updates, so the weekly emails capture our deeper thoughts and reflections. It’s been almost six years since we bonded as sisters, and I’m still continuously impressed and inspired by their grace, resilience, faith and achievements.
Toga party with my line sister Lauren. She and her fiancé Mike were amazing hosts and tour guides!
My week fell in late July as I was finishing up my sabbatical, so there were plenty of lessons and ruminations on work, religion, romance, travel, and current events. Here are five quick highlights. Tag me if you quote me!
Blessed with clear skies for this up close and personal encounter with the Golden Gate Bridge. So much joy!
On Toxic Environments:
“Don’t always trust the system. Don’t always trust the people. Usually, you are your own best advocate. Don’t get so caught up in the glitz or the cause or the people or the money or the comfort that you lose YOU. If you are fighting to simply be you, you may be better off using your energy to find somewhere else where you can be you, be appreciated, and actually be productive.”
Quick selfie at the Lyon Street Steps. You have to get in a light workout to take in the beautiful landscaping, architecture, and city views from this spot.
On Equality:
“Little did I know, my weekend trip to San Francisco was the same weekend as Pride and the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality. It was so great being there at this momentous time. This thought all weekend was: ‘This is love. These are good people. These are Americans who deserve equal rights. And I am all for all of those things.’ “
My favorite sign all weekend! FYI: Notorious RBG = Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 🙂
On Diversity:
“Diversity matters. Inclusion matters. Black lives matter. Black leadership matters. I don’t want to have a ‘seat at the table’ if I’m there by myself. I don’t want to have a seat at the table if you aren’t feeding me well.”
I made sure to visit a Black-owned winery. Esterlina Vineyards is owned and operated by the Sterling family. I had an amazing convo with two of the brothers about the company’s history, philanthropy, and trajectory.
“God always gives provision where he gives vision. Trust Him. You may not always see the entire staircase, but you can take the next step He orders for you. Hold on to your God given dreams and desires and know that He will bring them to pass as long as you continue to seek HIM first.”
On Love:
“Love is a beautiful thing. Love those who love you. Love those who don’t too- from a distance. Spread love whenever you can, but don’t forget to turn it inward. As Black women, self care is a MUST. Self care is a radical act when society tells us we aren’t worth love and affection.”
Stay tuned for an update on my doctoral journey!
My friends and family were all worried about but fascinated by my AirBnB choice in Napa: a barn + treehouse. The accommodations and hosts were great!
Thanks for sharing sabbatical with us. Your 5 reflections are awesome, but the three truly touched me were Diversity, Trusting God, and Love.
You stated,“Diversity matters. Inclusion matters. Black lives matter”. This touched me the most because if more people thought this way; our country and world would be so much stronger. It reminds me as I teach my daughter of her heritage, that the world is a melting pot of diverse people. That we must include everyone. There is so much to learn and experience from others, and I don’t ever want her to miss out on that experienced.
Intertwining diversity, trusting God’s purpose for your life, and love makes us better human beings.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Chante! It means so much to have your support. I am doing my best to live my truth and pursue God’s purpose for my life. And be a great example for Symi!
I enjoyed viewing your journey. Inspiring,I must share it with others. How ironic for your school assignment to be on mindset. I think you are going to do great things.God has you.
Much love❤?