I am about 6 weeks into my post-tenure sabbatical, and I am recalibrating. What does it look like to have 1 job (as a scholar) instead of 14 (as a professor, advisor, administrator, mentor, equity consultant, advocate, grader, etc)? Over the next year, I plan to finish a second draft of my first book and find a new publisher for it. I also have 2 other research projects I am working on (Haitian oral histories and Black presence at Lake Forest College), and the public history invites continue to roll in. So yes, I will still be busy.

At the same time, I know I need to prioritize rest. Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry reminds me that rest is necessary and revolutionary, especially in these times. And truly, I am exhausted. Since 2010, I have been running the graduate school and career race non stop, while also trying to figure out who I am between my 20s and early 30s. So much has changed in the last 14 years, and I want to use this sabbatical to honor that journey. The best way to do that is rest.

So, I also plan to spend days lounging, watching my favorite shows (the Power universe has me in a chokehold), taking long walks with my baby beagle, napping, cooking, communing, and not living on a strict schedule (which is so hard for my Virgo self!). I know that the recipe to reducing my stress is by resting and protecting my time. So if you see me over this next year, remind me to rest!