Taking the Scenic Route: A Journey of Healing & Transformation

Monument Valley

Burnout is real and so is turning 52—a crossroads where exhaustion meets enlightenment, where the weight of years worked collides with the urgency to reclaim time for myself.

As I neared both, I knew it was time for something radical—a break, a reset, a complete shift in perspective. In my line of work, sabbaticals aren’t exactly the norm, but I knew I had to do it anyway. A sabbatical didn’t feel like the right word, though. This was a reclamation, a yearlong return to self, a deliberate pause to unlearn survival mode and learn to simply be.

In February 2024, I stepped away from the daily grind to calm my nervous system, to listen to my body, and to fully understand what it meant to live beyond the expectations of others. Diagnosed with ADHD that same year, I realized my brain had always worked differently. But with that realization came empowerment—I saw how my neurodivergence had been both a gift and a struggle. And most of all, I saw me with clarity and love. This past year was about embracing that love and learning the art of letting go—letting people be who they are, while I stayed true to myself.

One of the most transformative experiences was taking my family on the road trip of a lifetime. We traced the iconic Route 66, marveling at the Hoover Dam, standing in awe at the Grand Canyon, chasing the mysteries of Roswell, and soaking in the lights of Hollywood. Our journey ended in Santa Monica, California, watching the waves crash against the shore as we reflected on how far we had come—not just on this trip, but in life. On the way home, we took in the breathtaking Colorado mountains, feeling their ancient wisdom guide us back.

A highlight of the trip was our unforgettable stop in Memphis, Tennessee, where we stayed at the Elvis Graceland RV and visited the Elvis Visitors Center—not once, but twice. The first time, I didn’t make it in to do the full tour, but less than a year later, I was back. This time, I stayed at the Graceland Guest House, completed the full tour, and returned once again to the Visitors Center. Standing in the presence of Graceland, absorbing the history and legacy of Elvis, was an experience that touched my soul in ways I hadn't expected.

From there, we raced up to Arkansas for another extraordinary moment—the total solar eclipse. This was more than just an astronomical event; it was a deeply spiritual and healing experience. As the sky darkened and the world stilled, I felt my heart and spirit fill with an energy beyond words. The eclipse reminded me of the vastness of the universe, of my place within it, and of the powerful transformations we are capable of when we embrace change.

Another unforgettable part of our journey was our drive through Monument Valley. This sacred and breathtaking landscape is something one must experience with their own being. We arrived at night, and the eerie stillness of the towering rock formations under the dark sky left an impression that was both humbling and surreal. Walking to the restrooms in the quiet of night felt like stepping into another world—one filled with ancient spirits and untold stories. But the morning revealed an entirely different sight—one so magnificent, my eyes could hardly believe the beauty before me. The towering mesas and sweeping desert, painted by the first rays of sunlight, filled me with an indescribable sense of awe. We stopped at a small shop owned by a local Native artisan, where we bought souvenirs and shared a heartfelt connection. She welcomed us with warmth, and in that brief exchange, I felt a kinship that will bring me back to Monument Valley one day—again.

Since then, I’ve embraced change. I’ve let go of patterns that no longer serve me and stepped into a life that truly feels like mine. Though we didn’t make it fully back to our home community, we made it home to our land base, our home territory, we are only minutes away—a symbolic representation of how close I am to where I truly belong, in every sense of the word.

Stepping away from the traditional structure of work taught me an invaluable lesson: Life isn’t about the race, the hustle, or the expectations placed upon us. It’s about presence. About making space for yourself, for your dreams, and for joy. As I get older, I can see the patterns of my past clearly, and moving forward, the only pattern I am committed to is putting me first. If I want to do something, I will. If I don’t, I won’t. And that freedom? It’s the greatest gift I could have given myself.

And the journey doesn’t stop here. As part of this commitment to self-care and self-love, my next adventure is already on the horizon—Belize. Exactly a year after my Route 66 trip, I find myself preparing to fly to this breathtaking paradise. Last year, I declared that I would take an annual vacation, and now, here I am, making that promise to myself a reality. I truly can Belize it! This trip couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, a continuation of my journey of healing, renewal, and embracing life in its fullest.

For anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or like life is slipping through their fingers, I offer this: Take the break. Even if your field doesn’t grant sabbaticals, give yourself the permission to pause. Call it a reset, a recalibration, or a radical act of self-love—whatever it takes to remind yourself that you are worthy of rest, of healing, of joy. Because at the end of the day, we don’t know when our exit from this physical place will come. But while we are here, we should live—not just survive.

This year was mine. And now, I move forward, continuing to embrace the power of doing me—unapologetically, fully, and freely.