The Power of a Sabbatical: Lessons from My Time Off

This past month, I had the rare opportunity to step away from my daily grind, head overseas with my husband, and dive into a journey filled with meaningful moments. From small-town Spain to the electric energy of Nashville, and then to something profoundly personal, moving my parents closer to family, each adventure within this sabbatical taught me something new. I hope you enjoy reading what I believe is the Power of a Sabbatical: Lessons from my Time Off

1. Community and Belonging Are Soul Food

Our first stop was Biar, a charming Spanish town of just 5,000 people where every day felt like a slow Sunday. The streets were alive with small-town magic—cafés, bars, and central squares full of locals meeting up, laughing, and sharing their days. Villena, just a short drive away, felt equally special. Over the years, our friends have woven themselves into this community, and we got to feel that warmth firsthand. We were welcomed with hugs, laughter, shared wine, and endless plates of hamon. We felt like family, not visitors, and it’s something I’ll hold close forever. It reminded me that true connection isn’t in the fancy stuff; it’s in being surrounded by people who make you feel like you belong.

2. The Value of Slowing Down

In places like Alicante and Madrid, we got a taste of bigger city life, with all its art, culture, and incredible food. Yet even there, life felt slower and more intentional. Meals were an event to be savored, not rushed, and conversations were deep and meaningful. It was a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t have to be a race. When you give yourself permission to slow down, you notice so much more—and you recharge on a deeper level.

3. Being Around Passionate People Is Inspiring

Midway through my sabbatical, I headed to Nashville with nine close girlfriends. We stayed in an Airbnb on Broadway, where the heart of Nashville beats with constant music. Every night was packed with live performances by musicians pouring their souls out, chasing dreams, and creating something real. Watching them, I felt inspired by their courage to do what they love despite the challenges. Surrounding yourself with passionate people is electric—it makes you want to lean into your dreams and go for it. 

Of course, our Nashville trip wasn’t just about the music. We laughed, shared stories, explored Franklin, and enjoyed incredible food (shout-out to 1 Kitchen!).. I left Nashville feeling grateful for these friendships, which make me feel grounded and joyful every day.

4. Caring for Family Brings Unexpected Joy

The last part of my sabbatical was deeply personal: helping my parents move from the home they’d lived in for 30 years to a nearby retirement center. It took time, patience, and countless conversations, but seeing them ready for this next chapter has been more rewarding than I expected. As part of the sandwich generation, we are still responsible and caring for our children, but we now have our parents who need us too. There’s a strange mix of emotions that comes with caring for your parents when you’ve always relied on them. It was an honor to help, and their gratitude filled me with joy. Life can be so funny—there’s so much truth in the idea that joy comes more from giving than receiving. This time in life reminds me that happiness isn’t about things but, more importantly, people.

5. Sabbaticals Are a Gift—And We All Deserve One

Not everyone has the chance to take time off, and I feel incredibly grateful that I could. But this time away taught me that everyone deserves the chance to step back, reconnect, and recharge. If you’re an employer, consider offering some form of extended leave; your team will come back refreshed, refocused, and ready to contribute even more. And if you’re thinking about taking a break yourself, don’t hesitate—you’ll come back with a clearer perspective, recharged and realigned to what matters. 

The Takeaway: Be Bolder, Embrace the New

Life is full of opportunities to grow, connect, and explore, but sometimes, you have to be bold enough to step away from the familiar and dive into the unknown. Whether getting lost in a new culture, chasing your dreams alongside passionate people, or caring for loved ones, every moment is a chance to enrich your life. My sabbatical wasn’t just a break; it was a reminder to be intentional about what matters most, slow down, savor, and always prioritize experiences over things.

So, here’s to embracing new adventures, nurturing relationships, and making bold choices that align with our deepest values. Take that leap, go after those dreams, and allow yourself to slow down when necessary. Life is waiting for you, bolder and more beautiful than ever. - Mary Killelea, Founder of 2B Bolder