Time for Sabbath

Sabbatical.

“People traditionally take a sabbaticals to fulfill a goal, build a skill, or do research.”

Career break.

“the key is to get away, renew, refresh.”

at 26? Sounds bonkers.

Sabbath.

“an ancient human need to build periods of rest and rejuvenation into a lifetime.”

Yup, I’ll take that. That is exactly what I need.

“What are you going to do for money, for fun?”

The words of a concerned ex colleague. There’s life outside of London, you know?

My decision was made. On July 24th I left London with the help of my step pop, who drove four hours and back that day to return my belongings to South West Wales. I have moved back to the house that I once saw as being ‘in the middle of nowhere’; six years ago, graduate, I was desperate to leave and go somewhere large.

Why did I leave? I miss my family. I want a new lifestyle. For various reasons I’ve lived apart from the bulk of my relatives for sixteen years. My grandparents are pretty much my parents. My Nana, my best friend. As much as she is up and about, mentally on form and still as opinionated as ever, Nana isn’t getting any younger. When mum died, Nana took up texting to keep in touch. I always remember her first text.

“Hello”

…at 22 I thought, who the fuck is this?! Nana’s version of the story, she felt so proud sending her first message. Not only that, she’d also quickly received a text message back. Oh, she’s replied!

“Who’s this?”

Not the most heartwarming response from your granddaughter.

Soon Nana had invented her own text abbreviations even the most tech savvy twenty something would be proud of.

My ‘niece’ was born not long before Christmas (my cousins bubba). One weekend with her in June and I fell in love. I am NOT a baby person (personally, I can’t think of anything worse to gain stretch marks from), however with Elle she became a big fat reminder of an alternative life out there. New born, fresh and an example of what else there is to live for.

So I’ve turned around, a six year circle. I can go anywhere. It’s as if I’ve graduated again but with a bigger skill set. I’m looking for a new base. I left for a new lifestyle and I’m excited to explore different areas to see exactly where they take me.