Recently I’ve been seeing things with ‘new eyes.’  Let me explain.  When one goes about things the same way, day after day, week after week and year after year, you start to be blind to the possibilities that surround and possibly elude you.

About a year ago I made a life changing decision.  I decided to quit my full time job and finish my masters degree.  Some people thought I was crazy.  Some applauded my decision.  A few thought it was related to my diagnosis, but they were wrong.  My decision was made before I knew I had DCIS.

This past year has been a mid-life sabbatical of sort. OK, I also happened to turn 50 last summer, so maybe that had something to do with it.  I prefer not to look at it as a mid-life crisis, but who really knows when they are in a mid-life crisis anyway?

But really, don’t we all need a sabbatical at least once in our lives?  Why is it only acceptable for a college professor to take a year off to do research or be away from teaching?  After the past ten months, I’m now an advocate for everyone to take a life sabbatical to rediscover yourself.  Take time to look around and experience a personal awakening.  About yourself. About your career choice. About your contributions to the community.  And where you are headed.

I am blessed to be married to a wonderful husband who gave me the latitude to rediscover my new sense of self and time to help me find my new ‘normal.’  Whatever is ahead, I’ll be a better person and ready to blaze a new trail into an unknown future.  May everyone be able to see with new eyes.  It is worth a look.