Finding the Time for What Matters: An End of Sabbatical Reflection

For four months, I have enjoyed the wonderful blessing of a sabbatical from my university job. I have been writing a book length memoir. At first, the memoir started out being about my sister, who died in her early twenties. As I began to really get into the project, however, things changed. Cathy is still very much at the center of this story. But now, it seems that I am writing about coming of age--and learning important spiritual truths.

I have discovered these themes as I have gotten into rewriting. In writing a second and third draft, I began to come to terms with issues that happened in my life over thirty years ago. I began to see why I reacted to people in the unhealthy way I sometimes did, and I learned forgiveness. It's been interesting to remember things and to discover what I have forgotten.

But the real point here may have most to do with the wealth of time I have been able to spend just writing without having to hurry or make room for other concerns. For four months, I have been able to write for at least five hours every day. That has been a great deal of time to spread out and open things up. I have been able to really get into issues in depth and revise things. I think that my style has begun to change a little again.

Normally, I have to write only in spare hours while away from my job, like everyone else. This is always a challenge, especially when so much of that time has to be taken up by lesson plans and paper grading. It is a challenge to be disciplined enough to write when and where I have a spare hour. Sometimes, I am unable to really concentrate during those random times when I can work. I find that I have chosen smaller projects that are doable.

But the last four months have been a valuable time to write, reflect, and read. I have stayed pretty close to a regular routine, and now I am working through a fourth draft of my story. It has been gaining momentum, and I can't imagine letting go of this practice once the sabbatical is over. I think I plan to look for ways to continue to work. This may mean less time on social media. It may mean less time spent talking and binge watching TV shows. But I think it will be worth it.

I don't have a bucket list. I don't want to sky dive or shoot a bear before I die. I am just thankful to be alive and to have this opportunity to write.

I hope that everyone else is finding time for doing the things they value the most.