The Sabbatical Moment

Hi there,

Welcome to 2026! I hope this edition of The Sabbatical Moment (more on that below) finds you with open arms and an open heart for what’s in store in the year ahead. I’m easing back into flow after a winter pause full of wonder, rest, connection, and a few surprises.

The newsletter name, The Sabbatical Moment, reflects how my business and body of work have evolved. The journey to joy begins with rest (or Sabbatical Care). The sections formerly known as Grounding, Gripping and Gifting have been updated to reflect elements of my 4Rhythm Framework: Rest, Remember, Recast, Realize. Why? Because my hope is that this content serves as a Sabbatical Moment for you.

Resting

An invitation to slow down long enough to hear what your mind, body, and heart are telling you.

My word of the year crept in quietly.

In previous years, it announced itself early and loudly, often by Q4. My word for 2025 was “sabbath” and I knew it by October. But this year, New Year’s Day came and went before I could name my word for 2026.

When it arrived, it was undeniable. But I had to wait for it. I had to release the expectation (one I was placing on myself) that I needed to have my word by 11:59pm on December 31.

My word for 2026 is “abide.” To remain. To stay. To continue.

I am meant to remain, stay, or continue spiritually, professionally and relationally. I’m curious to see how this unfolds. This time last year, I thought I knew exactly how my word for 2025 would play out. Instead, it manifested more deeply and more nuanced than I could have imagined, shaped in part by the state of the world.

I’m holding “abide” with openness, trusting it will reveal itself in ways I can’t yet see. Do you choose a word or set an intention for the year? If so, I’d love to hear it.

Remembering

An invitation to reconnect with your brilliance - the wisdom, creativity, and magic within you.

My son (and daughter) received some pretty cool gifts this Christmas. My son can thank Glamma and Papa for the mechanical hand, portable basketball hoop, and Crocs shaped like a football. My husband and I may or may not have given him a pencil case (along with a few slightly cooler items).

But the runaway favorite? Simon Says.

It instantly transported my husband and I back to childhood. Our son lit up with the challenge of repeating the sequence without mistakes, while the frustration we felt when we messed up left us completely undone.

Playing Simon Says reminded me of my younger self, equal parts angst and confidence. Completing the sequence perfectly made me feel unstoppable. That little girl leaned into hard things because she trusted herself enough to figure it out, even if she failed a few times along the way.

Watching my six-year-old son on his Simon Says journey—from barely completing one round to mastering several in a row—has been a joy. Each time, he shows up with on-top-of-the-world energy. A beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we trust ourselves again.

Recasting/Realizing

An invitation to imagine and pursue a life with joy as your compass.

I didn’t realize a midday bath was on my bucket list until I took one.

On the first day of holiday break, my daughter was home with me while my son attended holiday camp at a local community center (truly clutch). Knowing the days ahead would be full as Christmas approached, I wanted to carve out time just for myself.

So while she napped, I took a bath.

This was a sharp departure from my usual long, luxurious Sunday night rituals. I had music and something to read, but skipped the candles because daylight poured in through the window. It felt quietly subversive, in the best way. I claimed that moment so I could show up fully for all the moments that followed. A midday workday bath might be next.

Wishing you a strong, steady, and joyful start to the new year. I look forward to hearing where you landed with your word or intention, and I’m grateful to walk alongside you toward a new, beautiful horizon.

Joyfully,

Elandria