a NOLA girl in a Big world

5 weeks of country hopping and spending some much needed time with the people I love, was EXACTLY what my soul needed. My social battery was filled and my heart was over flowing with love and gratitude. And even with all the appreciation I have for my family and friends – who made this sabbatical magical – time alone was necessary.

I knew I wanted to go to a place that was familiar and I wouldn’t feel the need to GO, GO, GO. and that place for me … Washington D.C.

I’ve spent enough time, to have my “spots” and to not have to think to much about what to do or where to go. I went to my favorite places for breakfast – Busboys and Poets – and my favorite places for dinner – Founding Farms and Dog Haus. They aren’t fancy. But they are good and what I know.

I spent HOURS in the Smithsonian’s. HOURS. I spent HOURS in art museums. I spent HOURS in bed, watching women’s basketball. I spent 4 full days alone. It was needed.

Extroverts thrive in chaos and with people. I fall into that category. And I can honestly say, alone time was NOT easy. But like I said before, necessary. My body needed a bit of a reset. A bit of a come to Jesus moment if you will.

On the last day, I saw a group of girls taking photos by the cherry blossoms, so I asked if they wouldn’t mind snapping a photo of me. Being that it’s the year of women, they said yes and we had a laugh about getting the perfect angle and about how more strangers should help those around them, make memories for a lifetime.

I got my cherry blossom shot. I got to wander in my second favorite city. I got to be with myself.

I’m heading home. And I’m thrilled to spend my last week of sabbatical, in New Orleans. To get back into routine. To get back to being with my family and friends. To get back, to being a bit different. A bit better.

AND, if given the opportunity, I would do it all over again. My heart, my body, my head and my SOUL, needed these 7 weeks. It thrived during these 7 weeks. I’m a better person because of these 7 weeks.

So my advice – SAY YES – to any and all opportunities that allow you to step away, recharge, and reconnect to what makes you – YOU.