Chana Widawski decided to take a yearlong break to mark her 50th birthday. Feeling exhausted from work, she bid farewell to her job and embarked on a sabbatical to New York. This transformative period shifted her focus towards cherishing life experiences over simply earning a living.
As the realities of burnout and approaching the milestone of turning 50 loomed, Chana recognized the need for a sabbatical. With a desire to take a pause from her work as a social worker and bustling city life in New York, she yearned for travel and rejuvenation, leading her to make the decision to take a break.
Though uncommon in her field and American society in general, Chana’s personal experiences of loss and working closely with bereaved families emphasized the brevity of life. Transitioning from envisioning the break to actually implementing it posed challenges, but she eventually handed in her resignation, marking the beginning of her sabbatical.
In January 2023, Chana embarked on her journey, unburdened by familial responsibilities and free to explore the next chapter of her life with a fresh perspective. Opting to travel solo and explore at her own pace, she utilized accumulated airline points to kickstart her adventures with a one-way flight to India.
By relinquishing the significant expense of accommodation through a friend’s help and embracing a frugal lifestyle centered on conscientious choices, such as cycling, camping, volunteering, and secondhand attire, Chana navigated her global travels with an open heart.
Drawing from her background in social work, Chana immersed herself in communities worldwide, from volunteering on a farm in Nepal to participating in cultural ceremonies and bonding with locals. Through slow, intentional travel spanning various regions, she encountered unexpected connections and enriching experiences that shaped her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Traveling alone.On my 50th birthday, I received no hugs, calls, or messages. My phone sat in a drawer at the scenic Kopan Monastery in Nepal as I spent 10 days in silence, connecting with people from around the world, engaging in learning, meditating, reflecting, and simply existing. It was a perfect experience.My time off turned out to be more than just a pause; it reshaped my outlook on life.Two years later, I find myself back in New York. I still adore the city but remain disenchanted with the competitive environment and urban landscape.
