Savouring the Final Two months of Year-Long My Sabbatical

The Final Two Months of My Sabbatical

Can you believe there are just two months left of my sabbatical? When I think of it that way, it feels like there’s not much time remaining, but in reality, I know there’s plenty. Over the last few months, I’ve intentionally slowed down the pace of my life—and I’m feeling the benefits now.

It’s the holiday season, and I get to be home until January. This means more time with Tim, more “homey” things, and no papers or deadlines looming over my head.

As I enter the final stretch of this sabbatical, I’ve been reflecting on my personal intentions for this last chapter. I wanted to share some of them with you.

Shifting My Writing Focus

I probably won’t be writing much more about my sabbatical here. Instead, I’ve decided to move this journey into a bigger writing project. I need to live through the ending of this adventure first—then I can write about it more fully.

In the meantime, here are the priorities I’m leaning into as I finish this season well:

1. Embracing My Relationship with Tim

Tim and I are getting married in June! He is such a sweetheart. I know I haven’t written much about him here, but for now, I’m letting myself enjoy this season of love and partnership.

A few friends have reminded me to savour this time, and I’m realizing how important that is. It’s okay to embrace the joy and goodness of this moment as we prepare for a life together. There is a whole new future ahead of me and it feels important to listen for how the winds are changing.

2. Enjoying My Workouts and Well-Being

I’ve been making time for my physical health, and it has felt so healing. The building I’m living in during my MBA has a pool, and in the fall, I finally started using it regularly. It’s been amazing!

I started allowing myself to work out for as long or as short as I want and I’ve discovered that I quite enjoy working out. I often listen to audiobooks while exercising, and it’s become such a refreshing time for my body and soul. In the past, I’ve always had to squeeze in my workouts, and it’s been so refreshing to just allow movement to be an essential part of my day.

3. Restarting My 5 A.M. Writing Sessions

It’s been a long time since I’ve consistently woken up early to write, but I’ve been feeling the urge to get back into it. My current home in London, ON, feels like the perfect environment for morning writing sessions. When I wake up early to write, it completely changes the colour of my days, more than anything else I do. I’m excited to see what comes out in the pre-sunrise hours! What’s a sabbatical, for me, if I’m not writing? It’s one of the most restorative, healing and energizing things I know to do. It feels really good to have finally found enough peace in my soul and daily schedule to embark on new writing project.

4. Centering My Soul on God

Unwinding from the stress and pressure of finding the “perfect” job after my MBA has brought me so much peace. I feel more present and more connected to God’s power and spirit in my life.

In these final months, I’m surrendering deeper into that trust—more of God’s presence alive in me and through me. This means that I am extra conscious of not pushing things that don’t feel right. It means listening intently to the still small voice, and also actively seeking confirmation for the directions I sense.

My Priorities for Ending Well

As I reflect, here are my main intentions for these last two months:

• Leave space to embrace the new life emerging with Tim rather than crowding it out with unnecessary worries.

• Prioritize mental and physical health, leaving room for rest and joy.

• Make space for writing, honouring the stories waiting to be told.

• Deepen my spiritual renewal, keeping my heart centered on God’s promises.

Looking Ahead (But Not Too Soon)

At some point, my MBA will end, and I’ll move back to the Toronto area to start a new chapter of work and life. But that’s not where I am right now.

I’m intentionally not rushing into what’s next. I trust that the pieces for the next chapter of my career are quietly coming together, just beneath the surface.

Thank you for reading and for joining me on this journey! It means so much to share these reflections with you.

Infinite Love,
Anita