Sabbatical - Month 2

This month has been about embracing the flow of life more intuitively. I’ve loosened up on how rigidly I schedule my workouts, meditation, journaling, etc., and allowed myself to engage in activities based on what feels right at the moment. This flexibility has led to a deeper trust in myself to prioritize activities that are important to me, such as maintaining my fitness, but on a more instinctual timetable.

A Healthier Approach to Productivity

I’ve cultivated a healthier relationship with productivity, confining my to-do list engagement to a few hours on Mondays and Thursdays. This structure has remarkably enhanced my weekends, filled with artist dates, quality moments with Sonya, kids, and friends, and a general sense of freedom from productivity pressures. The ability to push tasks to the next week without stress has been a liberating shift in my mindset.

Rediscovering Coding with Scribe

This month, I asked myself, “What activities brought me joy as a child?” That led me back to coding, a passion I had shelved under the label of “startup work”. I decided to code purely for the pleasure of it, creating something uniquely for myself. This project birthed Scribe, an app designed to streamline my communication with my kids. Scribe allows me to record videos, transcribes the audio, uses AI to clean it up, removing “ums, uhs,” and more, and compiles an email with both the transcription and a link to the video. It’s aimed at sharing moments and thoughts with my kids in a manageable, heartfelt way. Dedicating a couple of afternoons to develop this prototype, I was reminded of the joy coding brings me, untethered from the pressures of startup life. I’m excited to use this app on my drives after dropping the kids off at school.

Valuing Family and Self-Reflection

The trip to Calgary to visit Aminder and them was a highlight, offering a pause from the everyday and a chance to witness the growing bond between our children. I also learn so much about parenting from Aminder and Am; I’m super grateful to go through this parenting journey together. Yet, upon returning, I faced a sense of unease over what I perceived as an unproductive week in terms of the other fun things I was hoping to do. Sonya helped me realize two things: 1. I’m taking on too many things; 2. I’m unnecessarily evaluating my time too often. The latter half of the month saw me embracing a more measured approach, focusing on fewer tasks and finding peace in prioritization. I do believe that reflection is important, but weekly is not the right measurement unit for me. Instead, monthly feels more right, so here I am writing to reflect now :)

Embracing the Present

The philosophy of "4000 Weeks" has shifted my perspective on time and productivity, encouraging a more relaxed approach to life. This book has helped me appreciate the unpredictability and richness of life, reinforcing the value of being present and open to experiences. I am feeling way less tension and pressure of not having enough time. I’m more comfortable living life and trusting the path that I’m on will lead somewhere. And no matter how much we try to plan things, we can’t control anything about the future. We can try, but nothing is ever guaranteed. And the best things in my life that have happened to me were all things I couldn’t have planned for.

Being Open to New Experiences

This month, I had an unexpected opportunity to explore the world of energy and chakras. A reflexologist, after having some extra time, offered to read my chakras. Traditionally grounded in a more pragmatic and material mindset, I've been cautious about diving into these concepts. However, recognizing that many people I admire find value in the non-material world, I decided to embrace an open attitude. Just as I explored Human Design last month, getting my chakras read this month has been another step in opening myself to different perspectives and tools that could foster personal growth. It turned out to be an insightful experience, offering a new lens through which to view my journey.

Moments of Gratitude

• Engaging with Zuri’s School Life: Joining Zuri on a school field trip was a reminder of the unique opportunities this sabbatical affords me. Observing her interact in her social sphere was a joy I would not have wanted to miss.
• A Fresh Take on Personal Style: The wardrobe overhaul was more than just updating my clothes; it reintroduced me to the fun of dressing up. The guidance of a stylist has transformed this daily routine into an enjoyable expression of my personal style.
• Navigating Boundaries: Learning to communicate my limits, especially to fellow founders seeking advice, has been a subtle yet profound victory. It’s about respecting my own time and energy, ensuring I remain true to my sabbatical’s intent.
• Cherishing Friendships and Family: The joy of hanging out with friends in person—playing golf, sharing lunches, experiencing cold plunges at Othership, and hiking—has been unparalleled. It’s incredibly fulfilling to have friends with kids of similar ages, allowing for the kids to entertain each other while we adults relish our time together. Additionally, the quality time and fun that Sonya and I continue to share is something I’m deeply thankful for, supported wonderfully by our parents who enable us to enjoy weekends away.
• Wellness and Self-Care Discoveries: Finding an amazing RMT has been a game-changer in addressing my jaw tightness. Delving into the root cause of this tension with my therapist has been an enlightening journey I’m eager to continue exploring. Moreover, a reflexology session revealed insights about my body’s condition with astonishing accuracy, prompting me to consider a liver detox/cleanse based on the valuable takeaways.
• Musical Inspirations: The Charlotte Cardin concert was an unexpected delight. Discovered through Spotify, her music quickly resonated with me, leading to a spontaneous decision to attend her concert in Toronto. Witnessing her and her band perform with such joy, talent, and authenticity was a truly incredible experience, highlighting the unexpected joys that come from following my interests and impulses.

This month has been a journey of rediscovery, relaxation, and realignment. From coding for the sheer joy of it to simplifying my approach to productivity and embracing moments with family, each step has been a lesson in living more authentically. Adding to this, opening myself up to new perspectives and experiences has enriched this journey, making each discovery a valuable piece of my ongoing exploration. The sabbatical continues to be a time of growth, learning, and unexpected joys.

Past Reflections: Month 1