The Gap Year Movement

Category: Passions & Interests

  • Sabbatical Learning: How New Skills & Certifications 10x’d My Life

    Sabbatical Learning: How New Skills & Certifications 10x’d My Life

    Trainer, Herbalist, Sound Healer & More: How Learning New Things 10x’d My Gap Year (and My Life)

    Learning new things is one of the fastest ways to 10x your impact on the world. It’s fun, makes you smarter, introduces you to fresh ways of thinking, and hopefully some seriously rad new people.

    After I sailed off into the sunset on my gap year, I suddenly had this beautiful stretch of free time. No more packed schedule—just space to explore everything I’d always wanted to dive into. So I made a list. And boy, was it a wild one.

    Some items were pure joy, like a beginner harmonica course I’d daydreamed about for years. Others were practical, like real estate and small business investing courses to help me navigate this new chapter of financial freedom. But deep down, I knew coaching would still be part of my future. I’d spent most of my career doing it, and now I wanted to evolve those skills in completely new, holistic directions.

    A Wild Sabbatical Learning List

    When the gapping kicked off, my days opened up in the best way. I was working out a ton at our local CrossFit gym with all this new free time, and I wanted to get really good at it. I wanted to learn more about the methodology that is behind the sport and how to perform and coach the main lifts and movements. That’s when the Level 1 course in Nashville was scheduled.

    sabbatical learning is pictured as a group of athletes posing for the camera at CrossFit Nashville after completing their Level 1 course

    Earning My CrossFit Level 1 in Nashville

    What an awesome experience! Not only did I pass the exam and earn my CF-L1 along with my husband and BFF, but I met some of the coolest people (including folks who work for CrossFit and pop up on TV during the Games). I soaked up so much about nutrition, fitness, wellness, and the joy of moving large loads quickly over long distances. It felt empowering—like leveling up my body and my confidence at the same time.

    This wasn’t just about getting fitter. It was about proving to myself that I could step into new spaces, learn challenging material, and come out stronger on the other side. That energy carried into everything else I pursued.

    Becoming a Certified Herbalist & Falling in Love with Botany

    Botany quickly became a new obsession. I got certified as an herbalist and started making my own salves, balms, and even natural mosquito repellents. Staying toxin-free while creating things that actually work feels incredibly rewarding. Gardening came right along with it, and now I’m eyeing full botany programs. Why not? Plants are our partners in this life on Earth—they heal us, feed us, and teach us so much if we slow down and pay attention. Did you know that a houseplant can see the color of your shirt?

    sabbatical learning is pictured as sprigs of fresh basil sitting on a cutting board in the morning sunlight

    Emotion Codes: Finally Listening to My Body

    One of the most transformative experiences was taking an Emotion Codes course with my healer friend Jenna from Surya Yoga. Through the course and some powerful 1:1 coaching, I finally learned how to actually feel emotions in my body and listen to the messages they were sending.

    For the first time, I let emotions arise, sit with them, watch them move through me, and then release. It was enchanting, powerful, and confidence-building. I started thinking of my body as my truest partner and only real home in this world. Why hadn’t I been treating her with the same love, respect, and generosity I give my kids, husband, or best friends?

    This is a topic I’ll definitely explore more in future posts. We need to teach our children (and remind ourselves) how to feel emotions fully and understand what they’re trying to tell us.

    Sound Healing: When Music Becomes Medicine

    Did you know sound can literally help heal the body? I dove deep here—reading books, attending sound healing experiences, and completing a certification course. I explored music, crystal singing bowls, and neural beats created for focus, work, and creative pursuits. There’s something magical about lying on your mat as vibrations wash over you. It’s like the sound tunes your whole system back into harmony.

    crystal singing bowls in a well lit glass case at the Surya Yoga Studio

    Learning Languages: On My Way to Polyglot Status

    I’m actively learning German and Spanish, with big dreams of becoming a polyglot (3-5+ languages). Learning a new language is one of the best ways to expand your brain and your ability to engage with the world.

    It literally builds new neural pathways. You gain fresh ways to connect with millions of people—new words, idioms, jokes, and understandings. You experience that beautiful frustration of knowing exactly what you want to say but not quite having the words yet. That builds empathy and patience. You meet fellow learners of all ages and backgrounds. It’s humbling and connecting.

    One of my favorite stories is visiting a CrossFit gym in Austria while we were on vacation. The coach was from Spain and a native Spanish speaker, he was coaching the class in German (since we were in Austria), and would check in on us in English to make sure I was keeping up with his German instructions and translating correctly for Mason. He was impressive!

    Another good one was when I told a waiter at our hotel I was ‘full’ in German. He quickly corrected my use of the word and said I was saying that I was pregnant! Well I guess it translates directly, but definitely not what I meant.

    When you’re in the thick of language learning, little cultural and linguistic lightbulbs go off constantly. It’s such a gift.

    sabbatical learning is pictured as 2 gorgeous beers sitting on an outdoor patio table in an alley in Fussen, Germany. German writing on the glasses.

    Following the Breadcrumbs: How to Chase What Lights You Up

    Here’s the big takeaway: Pay attention to your desires. Follow the breadcrumbs. Every new activity or step you take toward what genuinely interests you opens up more of the world. Your only job is to stay curious and notice what excites you next.

    It’s all an energetic pull. When you follow what brings you joy, you attract more joy, incredible people, opportunities, and abundance in so many forms. This is the heart of the gap year movement—creating space to listen to yourself and bravely step toward what calls you.

    sunrise at the cruise terminal in the Bahamas; sun is peeking through the clouds across the water.

    What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn? Start there. Take the course, buy the book, sign up for the workshop. Trust that one “yes” will lead to the next.

    xoxo, Amy Martinez

    Lifelong Learner, Certified Explorer of Soul-Aligned Growth, and Forever Chasing What Lights Me Up

  • Kneading Joy: Baking, Flavors, and Finding My Fire

    Kneading Joy: Baking, Flavors, and Finding My Fire

    I’ve always loved kitchen time, baking bread, crafting desserts, and creating dishes that unite people. During my gap year, I swapped finance stress for flour-dusted counters, transforming my kitchen into a creative haven. With my husband, my flavor-savvy partner, I experimented with all the different kinds of breads, zesty vinaigrettes, and infused butters. Each recipe sparked joy, deepening my passion for culinary arts and revealing life’s possibilities.

    From Good to Great: Elevating Breads and Flavors

    Cooking was always a joy, but a demanding job left little time for kitchen experimentation. With teenagers at home, the pressure to avoid risky recipes was real—time was too scarce to gamble on new spices ruining dinner. However, a gap year filled with endless hours dreaming up ideas, testing bold flavor combinations, and sharing creations with family and friends transformed my approach.

    Our Phoenix herb garden sparked inspiration, with rosemary and thyme elevating savory sandwich breads, comforting soups, and vibrant sauces. As my confidence grew, I blended tangy salad dressings and baked havarti-studded sourdough, now a household favorite. Cooking and baking became a creative outlet, where intuition and inspiration merged to craft unforgettable dishes. My new found time freedom allowed me to dive deeper, honing my craft and discovering the joy of flavors (and hobbies!).

    Why Bread is My Soulmate

    My new found creative hobby sparked a full-on obsession with bread-making, and it’s become the heart of my next big adventure: launching “Any Way You Knead It,” my Phoenix micro bakery and non-profit. Here’s why bread has me hooked:

    • It’s F-ing Delicious: Freshly baked sourdough or warm, buttery rolls? Total bliss. There’s nothing like tearing into a crusty loaf hot from the oven.
    • It’s Alive: Kneading dough is like partnering with a living, breathing creature. It grows, stretches, and transforms into something magical—AND you get to eat it!
    • It’s Therapy: Shaping loaves or rolling biscuits soothes my soul and sparks creativity. It’s my zen, opening doors to new ideas and calm.

    Through “Any Way You Knead It Bakery,” I’m turning this passion into a reality, baking herb and cheese infused breads like thyme-parmesan-roasted garlic, chive-gouda-carmelized onion, and easy savory weekday sandwich breads. The non-profit arm, “Any Way You Knead It Community Foundation,” will share fresh baked goods and offer baking classes to promote bread making skills and mental health to kids and adults, because kneading dough is as healing as it is delicious. Stay tuned for our launch—we can’t wait to share the joy of bread with you!

    Fresh vs. Store-Bought, The Health Win

    Baking my own bread isn’t just about taste—it’s a health game-changer. Fresh bread, like my sourdough or focaccia, uses simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and starter. No preservatives, no seed oils, no mystery chemicals. Store-bought loaves often hide additives like dough conditioners or high-fructose corn syrup, which can mess with your gut and energy. My homemade breads, especially when paired with garden herbs, are easier to digest (thanks, fermentation!) and packed with flavor, not fillers. It’s the same reason I make my own peanut butter, condiments, and dressings—control what goes in, feel better when you eat. “Any Way You Knead It” will share this wholesome vibe with every loaf.

    homemade condiments, mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce
    Homemade mayo, ketchup, and BBQ sauce are easy and delicious!

    Ditching Store-Bought Junk

    Researching new recipes and experimentation time in the kitchen turned me into a homemade food nerd. I started a regular practice of making our everyday staples—jams, jellies, mayo, ketchup, salad dressings—to skip the chemicals and seed oils. (Seriously, my peanut butter with honey and salt is NEXT LEVEL). These aren’t just healthier; they’re stupidly easy. A vinaigrette with garden herbs takes less than 3 minutes, including herb snipping time. Sauces and dressings add luxury vibes and delicious layers to your meals—think scandalously tasty marinades for your meats and veggie dishes, or compound butters with garlic, flavored salts, and fresh herbs—without the toxic junk. Pinterest and I have your back for ideas!

    A Taste of My Gap Year Journey

    As my gap year unfolded, each knead of dough and swirl of flavored butter taught me more than just recipes—it showed me how to savor life’s simple joys and embrace creativity without fear. My kitchen became a space to connect, experiment, and uncover what truly lights me up. Below, I’m sharing a couple of my favorite creations from this journey: a zesty vinaigrette and super quick dinner rolls to spark your own culinary adventures. Here’s to finding your passion, one delicious moment at a time.

    Recipes to Spark Your Own Journey:

    Zesty Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

    Why I Love It: This bright, versatile dressing adds a burst of flavor to any dish, and it’s so easy to whip up!

    Ingredients:

    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 small garlic clove, minced
    • 1 tsp fresh thyme or basil, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar until combined.
    2. Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle over salads, roasted veggies, or grilled fish.
    3. Store in the fridge for up to a week; shake before using.

    Easy Dinner Rolls

    Why I Love Them: These rolls are a hug on a plate, bringing warmth and connection to any meal. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to spark joy and smiles at the table.

    Ingredients:

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
    • 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

    Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
    2. Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
    3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic. (This is a great step to enjoy the calming rhythm of kneading!)
    4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
    5. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
    6. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish. Serve warm.

    Share your ideas for at home creations and drop your go-to recipes in the comments. Can’t wait to check out new, cool ideas!

    xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and connoisseur of crusty breads

The Gap Year Movement

Gap year coaching, retreats, and digital tools helping professionals reset, plan a soul-aligned life, and build sustainable habits.