Do you know how it feels when you are single for a while, and at first it is weird, but after one point it becomes so very normal it is easier being alone? It is the same with sabbatical. At first, it is very weird being free but after a while, it becomes so easy being at home, that it is probably time to start searching for a job. 😀

I wrote a list of things I wanted to do at the beginning and it is time to do a final review of my plans and what I have and haven’t achieved:

• take care of the garden 
• go to a farm and buy yogurts 
• read a book or two
• write your master thesis
• travel
• meet with friends
• work-out
• rest and relax
• go for coffee in the city center
• think about things you’d like to do in life
• go for a trip
• go to the store and buy fresh food (again…being completely serious)
• enjoy in the sun
• write a blog so you don’t get lazy
• bake and cook;
• ride your bike
• hang photos;  just bought an awesome world map, so I am one step closer to decorating our walls
• go to the farmers market
• learn German; Starting a course next week, I also added conversational Spanish to the equation 😮

So, there are still a few things from the list I haven’t crossed off and I am not going to. But all in all, I think I’ve managed quite well to stick to my plans.

The most important thing I learned in these past three months is that taking time for yourself is essential. If you don’t, something will remind you of it – either your body or your mind or your relationships with other people or worst case scenario – all of these things.

Setting yourself free from time to time to think, re-think, evaluate and gain new ideas can be difficult – especially the first steps and figuring things out financially since paid sabbatical is still not a very popular idea with the employers in Slovenia. But it is something I will never ever regret doing. Looking back I think it was the best option for me. I had the most amazing three months of freedom and de-stress. First in a long while and after many many years. It made me re-evaluate my way of doing things and feeling things, especially work-wise and it cleared my mind for things that lie ahead.

So, it will soon be over and I’ll be left with most amazing memories of travel, bravery, love, friendship, and great food. 😀 The next few trips I’ll do will probably be for work, but I will still keep you updated with my travels and other new challenges that lie ahead.

Cheers from my favorite happy place – I finished my sabbatical in style – we went to the seaside for the last weekend of freedom and sunshine, amazing food and great company. 🙂