Sabbatical

Preliminary Note:
This sort of post is one that you would usually find in January, not the beginning of March.  A post about goal setting; or about re-purposing ones life and life practices; or about heartfelt resolutions; or refocus are commonplace at the beginning of a new year.  No, this is not actually one of those posts, although it might seem like it.  

I know that I am not alone when I say that I have struggled, at transition times in my life, with my purpose, and, then, staying on task once I have reached a decision about what my purpose is. You know: when you lost a job, became an empty nester, severed a relationship or had to care for an aging parent, not to mention those reevaluation points in your online business life cycle. I have questioned myself when goals are not met, sales were sagging, or life took a turn not expected.  A few of us do have a singular purpose and do progress along steadily toward the reward, but not most of us.  Most of us are still trying to find a singularly satisfying  purpose.

Life is organic, and can take on a life of it's own, at times.  We weave a curvy path in our days and look back and wonder what we were doing.  We try to make sense of it all, we scour the web and blogisphere for tips about organization, goals, and the like.  So why am I talking about all of this?

Actually I have decided to take a "Sabbatical".  One dictionary puts it: "an extended period of leave from one's customary work . . . to acquire new skills or training (or to rest)" source.   I have come to a point, and don't get me wrong here, life is not bad and I acknowledge that am blessed, but I am sensing a needed transition to come.

So in order to discover what my future holds, in a pro-active effort, I am setting aside most all that I am currently involved in, to focus on some new projects.  Undone projects that have been nagging at the margins of my life; I am making room for them, now.  No more procrastination.  No more excuses.  No more false hope in things that don't matter.

For how long?  I really don't know, but I am taking a break in order to achieve a new perspective.  What will stop:

1)  I am closing my original Etsy shop.  I have been active since 2008 and need a break.
2)  I will no longer be active in this blog, although I will chronicle my sabbatical "year" in a new blog, if anyone is interested in following it.  (Thanks for following this blog in the past---I appreciate you and your comments!)
3)  I will be stepping out of some of my favorite teams for the duration, although I love them and appreciate all my friends!  I just cannot put in the effort needed to be a satisfactory team member.  I will be following your blogs, though, as I can.

What will start?

1)  Finishing my Children's book and illustrations
2)  Embarking on a book plan with my husband
3)  Taking Watercolor art classes

I have other personal, spiritual and business goals for this Sabbath time, but you can read about them in the new blog!

Thanks for being loyal readers, 

and I hope to come back with new enthusiasm 

and a new product after my break!