Author: Emily Beeksma

You know that phrase, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”? Looking back on my mini sabbatical, that’s the phrase that comes to mind. I had all of these grand plans to knock out dozens of projects in and around the house, wake up early every day and work out, read a few books, etc. Don’t get me wrong – I did complete some of these things, but what I came to realize I needed most out of this time off was rest. This year has thrown me (and all of us, am I right?) for a loop, and I didn’t realize how much it affected me until I had time to slow down and rest. I had time to check in on myself and on others who were feeling the weight of the pandemic, too.

Another thing that will stay with me from this mini sabbatical is my time volunteering at Meals on Wheels. I have done the delivery route with FD for a few years, but there was something about the joy on their faces this time around that really made it an impactful experience for me. Even a short conversation with a stranger had the weight to make their day and mine, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

Thank you to Kris for allowing me this time off to rest and reflect, and to Rob, David, and John who covered for me while I was away. Now, more than ever, I feel very thankful to be working at FD.

I’ve been trying to come up with the words to complete my last blog (hence the reason I’m writing this at 12 a.m.), but the only things that are coming to my mind are words of gratitude for being able to take this sabbatical. Because of it, I was able to make up lost time with my family, reconnect with a friend, go on some new adventures, de-stress, and find (or at least kick-start) peace/healing in areas of my life that desperately needed it.

It makes me think back to the end of year meeting when David talked about the extent to which we overwork ourselves; often without even realizing it. I know that in my case, I didn’t realize I needed to slow down and take a breath until I had no other choice but to slow down and take a breath.

Tomorrow I “head back to the real world.” Of course part of me will miss being able to spend the whole day reading or taking mandatory naps (are 15 minute nap breaks a thing, now? 😉 ), but I’m looking forward to getting back into a daily routine and incorporating aspects of my sabbatical into every day life.

Back in January, I went to go visit my friend Natalie while she was in San Antonio for her brother’s Air Force basic training graduation. We’ve been friends since junior high and it had been 10+ years since I had seen her, so I figured it was the perfect opportunity to go see her. At the end of the weekend she kept telling me “You NEED to come visit me in Hawaii! I won’t be there much longer!” Eventually she wore me down (okay… she didn’t have to try that hard) and I booked my tickets.

Flash forward to today! I’ve been in Hawaii for 4 days now and it’s going to be so difficult leaving. Everything about this island is breathtaking. Yesterday we drove up to North Shore with the windows down, music blaring, sun on my face, and I swear I haven’t felt that relaxed in months.

But more than that, it’s been amazing to reconnect with Natalie. This trip has been 10 years in the making, and she’s one of those friends who you can easily catch up with – even after long periods of time.

I travel home on Thursday evening, and it’ll be great to have a few days to rest and decompress before coming back to work. I’ve missed you guys!

What. A. Week. I haven’t blogged as much as I intended to, which I’m kicking myself for, but I haven’t touched my computer all week! So now… it’s time for some catching up.

This past week, my mom and I volunteered at the Foodbank in Dayton, OH.

We were asked to help with a wide range of duties while we were there, ranging from sorting donated food, to hand addressing envelopes to donors, to writing encouraging cards to children in need who would soon receive “Good-to-Go Backpacks.” Each week, volunteers at the Foodbank have these backpacks that they fill full of food. These packs are then given to schools and agencies, who in turn, give them to children they see have a hunger need. The children receive the backpacks on Friday, and it sustains them over the weekend.

Every person we came into contact with at the Foodbank was incredibly kind, generous, and willing to answer any questions that us rookie volunteers had. My mom enjoyed it so much that she is now talking about getting my youngest brother, Ian, involved with volunteering as well.

Wednesday evening held a much anticipated Beeksma family outing… and it didn’t disappoint. We ended up doing an escape room (and managed to escape with only a few curse words and no hurt feelings, so I’d call that a success). Afterward, we all went out to dinner and I honestly can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard. Did I mention how nice it’s been to have the family back together?

On Friday, my mom and I took a last minute road trip to Alabama to visit my grandparents. My grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month and just started undergoing chemotherapy. I haven’t seen my grandparents in years, and it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to drive down and surprise them. It was a short and sweet weekend trip, but every chance they got they thanked us for making the trip. It easily made the 18 hour car ride (round trip) worth it. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity if it wasn’t for this sabbatical, and for that I’m forever grateful.

I have a few more days left in Ohio and then I’m back on Texas soil… for a day. I’m very excited for this upcoming week of travel and the opportunity for me to finally catch up on something else – my reading.

-E

*taps microphone* “…is this thing on?” I’m not even sure how to start this first blog… but, hello. Welcome.

I feel like I’ve been living off the grid, both in real life and on social media (for the most part). It’s been nice – and much needed. Recently, I’ve found myself incessantly checking social media. Often 10 minutes after already mindlessly scrolling through my Facebook/Twitter/Instagram feed. So earlier this week, I sat down and thought about why I feel the need to be so connected, so dependent on these sites. Why am I so consumed with following others’ lives? Am I envious of their belongings, their relationships, their overall well-being? That seemed like the most likely answer, and I knew it wasn’t healthy. So, I decided to give up social media for the remainder of my sabbatical. I’ve definitely had issues sticking to it 100% – it’s not easy, okay?!

But I’ve had some luck with deleting the apps off of my phone and keeping myself distracted in other ways – reading! I’ve finished 1 of the 4 books I bought to read during my sabbatical: You Are a Badass – How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. Mini book review: I loved it. I’m not going to lie, at first I was a little hesitant to read a self-help/motivational book, but this one has just the right amount of motivation, humor and relatability that makes you want to go out and make changes to impact your life – and others’. One of the chapters that stuck with me most is about giving. Pretty appropriate, considering I start my service project this week!

“…giving is one of our greatest joys. It’s also one of the most fearless and powerful gestures there is. When we trust that we live in an abundant universe and allow ourselves to give freely, we raise our frequency, strengthen our faith, and feel awesome, thereby putting ourselves in flow and the position to receive abundant amounts in return.”

It’s also been amazing to spend so much time with my family. My brother and I flew up here on Thursday, and my parents are just a little excited to have everyone under one roof 🙂 We’re lucky if we are all able to get together for Christmas, so getting two weeks with them has been the biggest blessing. I’ve been enjoying every minute of it.

Until next time,
Emily