Twenty-five years. A real career. It was real work, it was awesome, it taught me a ton, and it introduced me to tons of cool people. Then this one big beautiful life opened up the next chapter, and I said yes.
Here are the ways I’d celebrate leaving a long career, then a few reflection prompts to close it out well.
Ways to celebrate
1. Book the celebration dinner, that night
In January 2024 I shut my laptop mid-meeting and called my boss. It was final, it was bold, and it was true. That same night Mason and I celebrated my career transition with a fancy date-night steak and wine dinner. It felt so good to get out of that mess and step toward time with Mason, time for me and whatever came next. When people ask how I pulled it off, the answer is “I just did it, maaaan,” after I planned and made sure it worked, of course. Don’t wait for a better time. Pick a place and toast to where you’re headed.
2. Celebrate the people you led
I’m most proud of all the super cool, talented, and dope-ass people I was fortunate enough to lead during my career. THEY were awesome. The corporate BS was not. Hope they feel the love always. Write down the people you’re proudest to have led or worked with. Then tell them. A text, a note, a coffee. Let them feel the love too.
3. Write a gratitude list, including the hard people
I’m grateful for the colleagues I loved, and also for the people I worked with who were not kind. They all played a role as secondary characters in the screenplay of my life. Write both lists.
4. Do a symbolic delete
One of my first acts of freedom was deleting LinkedIn and my ever-loving corporate profile. It was plainly just no longer who I was. Pick your version.
5. Notice what fades
The early-morning texts stop. The jargon goes too: two friends asked about my CTAs, and I had no idea what they meant. My gap year brain had officially unsubscribed from the business jargon newsletter. Write these down. They’re wins.
6. Celebrate body wins
Rest first, then the wins come: my first chin-up, a lifetime PR on front-rack weighted lunges with zero knee pain. Celebrate yours out loud.
7. Book your first “yes”
My first big booking was the CrossFit Level 1 in Nashville. We made it a vacay, and I passed. Put one thing on the calendar that’s purely for the new you.
8. One bit of practical housekeeping
If your employer asks you to stay on for a retention payment, have an employment attorney review it before you accept. I didn’t, and it wasn’t worth it. You’ll celebrate more freely without a bad deal hanging over you.
Reflection prompts for leaving a long career
Give yourself 10–20 minutes per prompt and write freely. Your answers will change, and that’s fine.
What achievements are you most proud of, and how have they shaped the wisdom you carry now?
What parts of your old success story no longer feel energizing? What are you ready to release with gratitude?
Describe a time you felt truly alive and fulfilled. What made it so magnetic?
Who are you without the title? (I was more worried about this than the money.)
Write a short letter from your future self, 6–12 months ahead, thanking you for taking this pause.
What single word or short phrase wants to guide this next season?
People thought I was having a midlife crisis. I was actually having a midlife clarity.
When I made my pivot after 25 years at two large investment firms, I wasn’t quitting on life, success, fame and fortune. I quit stressing over a job that advanced someone else’s goals. All those good things still exist for me in my new work as an aligned life sherpa, and they’re more magical now.
If you’re thinking about a career pivot at 45 or 50, here are the life design steps I’d walk you through.
Step 1: Separate who you are from your title
Before I resigned, I was more worried about who I was without a big fat cool corporate title than about the money. I had cringingly made my job a big part of my personality, like most folks in corporate do. Write down who you are when nobody’s asking what you do. For 25 years I’d been Corporate Amy and Mom Amy, and even my family didn’t know how much I loved reading, writing, languages, lifting and new foods.
Step 2: Go back to what you loved as a kid
As a kid I scribbled tales about talking zebras and reports on faraway lands, and my parents lovingly called my chattiness “diarrhea of the mouth.” Words carried me from corporate communicator to gap-year blogger.
Try this: jot down a 5-minute stream-of-consciousness about something you love. No editing, just flow. What pops up? That’s your soul waving hello.
Then this: write down five things you loved at 9, and notice which ones still light you up.
Step 3: Do a daydream exercise
Daydream exercises are sooo important. I did them, and I still use them.
Grab a journal. Write down 10 “if I could just walk away” daydreams. No filter.
Sort them into rest, reflection and exploration.
Pick one and picture a full day of it. Where do you wake up? What do you smell, hear, do?
Keep an eye out for the little cosmic winks. They show up more than you’d think.
These days I do mine more in a meditative way: eyes closed, breathing slow, letting the daydream unfold.
Step 4: Test the “obvious” next plan before you commit
I resigned in October 2023 to start a corporate coaching business. About three months in, I realized most of my clients would be the same persona I already had 25 years of experience with, and it felt like a bad plan for my nervous system. So in January 2024 I shut my laptop mid-meeting and called my boss. Pause was the answer, and reflection would show the next path. It was terrifying at first not having a plan, then exhilarating. If your body says no to the obvious next thing, listen.
Step 5: Follow the play
What you do for fun is data. Dedicate one hour this week to a passion with no pressure to achieve anything. For me, baking batch after batch turned into plans for Any Way You Knead It, a micro bakery, and representing KORBOARD at a Spartan race put me “right in the middle of happy, motivated humans.” Neither was a plan. Both started as play.
Step 6: Build weekly rhythms that prove the new life
We hike midweek, every week, because our schedules let us and the trails are empty. A rhythm like that is how you know the new life is real and not just a long vacation.
Step 7: Treat your body as a partner
When I committed to my pause, I decided my body would be a trusted partner on the journey, not a limitation. Today that looks like my first chin-up, a 200 lb hexbar deadlift for 5 and a 125 lb power clean. Your next chapter has to feel good to live in.
Step 8: Plan, then leave space
I planned first, then planned again, then slept on it for weeks. And I still left room for the next path to show up. Do both.
Where I start with coaching clients
When I work with someone, we talk about what drew them to the decision, what’s happening in their life, what their body is telling them, and the messages they get repeatedly from the universe. A variety of things to get at the root of their drive for the break. Start there yourself, or book a free Clarity Call and we’ll do it together.
In month 4 of my adult gap year, Mason and I spent three weeks in Thailand, and it felt like a three-month trip. Here’s how to plan travel that slows time down, with our route as the example.
My three slow-travel rules
Make a loose plan, so your trip has some adventure and learning in it.
Don’t overbook. Only one plan per day, so life can unfold or you can relax the rest of the day.
Learn local. Do something where you learn local customs or traditions, eat local food and meet local people.
Tip 1: Fewer bases, longer stays
Our route: Bangkok for 2 nights, Hua Hin for 11 days, Koh Samui for 7, then back to Bangkok. The flights there are so long that we wanted a long trip and to lean in to the culture. Bangkok was the flight hub, so we gave it a couple of nights to explore when we landed. (We arrived at 2:30 am and it was bumping outside. Big, bright, loud, busy at all hours. It was wild.)
Tip 2: Build the trip around something you love
Hua Hin was our hangout for 11 days because Mason had been following a gym there and wanted to visit. It’s how we built the whole trip. It was a CrossFit and Muay Thai gym, so we did both. My first Muay Thai session at Elite Fight Club made me feel completely alive.
Tip 3: Use your routine to meet people
Training at the same gym day after day, we built relationships with the team and other athletes and made great friends from all over the world. A routine turns you from a tourist into a regular.
Tip 4: Be honest about how you actually travel
Koh Samui was supposed to be the lay-on-the-beach relax place, but we aren’t great at that lol. We’re both kind of party animals and like to be active. So we walked everywhere, went to Muay Thai fights at Phetchbuncha Stadium, found cool bars and restaurants, and trained at another gym, PunchIt. Plan for the travelers you are, not the ones on the brochure.
Tip 5: Eat where you are
In Bangkok the food was incredible, ready fast and available everywhere. We wandered night markets for som tam and khao soi, and yes, mango sticky rice.
Tip 6: Make room for the small moments
We visited temples in Bangkok, near Hua Hin and on Koh Samui. There was a rainy elephant banana feeding at Monsoon Valley Winery that still makes me tear up. At the Hua Hin Marriott bar I Googled Chuck Norris’s age and got “2483,” which is how I learned Thailand counts years from the Buddha’s passing. And a fruit seller in a market looked at my face and said, “You are carrying too much.” These only happen when you’re not rushing to the next thing.
Tip 7: Bring the pace home
I’d like to try Muay Thai again, though I’m not sure it’ll stick (and I don’t want to fight or spar). What did stick is the slower pace: we now take a midweek hike every week.
Want to map a slow route with your time and budget? The Scenic Route Planner is built for that. And if you’d like to travel slow with us, join the Getaways waitlist.
xoxo Amy 🤎
Wondering where your version of Thailand is? Destination Discovery is free, and it’s a treasure map, not a packing list: follow the pull and find the place that makes you feel like you again.
My first morning of freedom, I sat bolt upright at 6:30am, sure I was late for a video conference. There was no meeting. It kept happening for weeks, so often it started to piss me off (lol).
If your body hasn’t gotten the memo yet either, here’s what actually helped me in the first weeks, in roughly the order I’d do it.
1. Expect the jolt, then go back to sleep
That first morning I was able to go back to sleep, and I slept until 8. The jolt still showed up now and then in month 3. It’s normal. Roll over.
2. Make day one ceremonious
Mine: coffee leisurely on the patio, a jog to the noon CrossFit class, extra accessory work, jog home, a stir fry lunch with my amazing husband, then a nap. I was exhausted from all the years of being on edge and felt all of it. Taking care of myself slowly felt like a ceremonious way to honor all I’d survived. Plan your own version.
3. Build a few daily basics
Meditation, for sure.
Early bedtimes, and sleep as late as you want. I always wake right around sunrise, regardless of season. Seems like nature might want it this way.
Gym and movement every day. Non-negotiable for me. It makes your body feel good and strengthens it for longevity.
Home-cooked food and as much time outside as possible.
Ground before you leave the house. Three deep breaths in the hallway with my eyes closed, feeling the ground under my feet. (More on this in my burnout signs post.)
4. Make three lists that are NOT your old job
Places you want to go. Activities you want to try. Things you want to learn that are decidedly NOT finance (or whatever your thing was). It gave me things to look forward to and a game plan for my time.
5. Don’t turn the pause into a job
I did all of it: checked email, made to-do lists for everything, filled every hour so I wasn’t “wasting time.” If you catch yourself doing that, put one thing down.
6. Let go of the guilt
Spending hours on my health felt important and indulgent at the same time, and I thought I should be figuring out how we’d live without a traditional job ASAP. Then I saw that years of stress had crushed my nervous system. Rest was necessary to heal.
7. Enjoy the quiet phone, and do one act of freedom
The early-morning texts stopped. No one needs your permission to do anything, and YOU no longer need permission from anyone either. That’s even more freeing. One of my first acts of freedom was deleting LinkedIn. It was plainly just no longer who I was.
8. Say yes to something new
Our first week off, we invested in a racehorse with a few friends. We met the coolest people and learned how regional horse racing works. Be open to new ways to learn and meet people.
9. Notice who gets it
Mason was all in, and my dad got it right away. Some friends kept asking why I couldn’t “just stick it out a few more years.” Yikes! Expect a mix.
10. Give it about three months
It took me nearly three months to finally relax my shoulders. By month 3 I felt good, with time to work out often and enjoy a Tuesday on the patio with a good book. Time freedom isn’t always a beach. Most often it’s a regular Tuesday.
A few permission slips (I recommend these with my whole chest)
Slow down and just relax. Savor what it feels like to live and enjoy life instead of performing a role at the office. Get outside. Listen to your body in a new, more loving way than in the career days.
Still waking up sure you’re late for a meeting that doesn’t exist? You’re Not Late for the Meeting is my free guide to the first 90 days, for when your body hasn’t gotten the memo yet.
The good news: the math isn’t difficult. Here’s the step-by-step I used after 25 years in finance, plus the parts nobody puts in a spreadsheet. This is what worked for me, not financial advice, so check your own situation.
Step 1: Know exactly what you spend every month
You first have to figure out exactly how much you spend monthly. I knew my monthly figures inside and out. (How can you not as an adult?) Break it into three numbers:
Your floor: necessary expenses. For me that was housing, food, utilities and the gym (“1000% this is a necessary expense”).
Your current spending: what you actually spend now.
Your break spending: what you’ll spend while you’re away from income. I mapped how much travel I wanted to do and the likely costs of several trips, not skimping on travel.
Don’t forget health care. I go self-pay for the visits I need, and cash prices are often much lower. Decide if that works for your circumstances.
Step 2: Do the runway math
The math is the sum you have saved divided by your monthly expenses. That gives you the number of months you can live on your savings at your current expense level.
There are no right or wrong answers here, just math facts. Everyone’s scenario will be different and that’s ok. Once you see the number, you can decide whether to change your monthly expenses or not. “It’s all a math equation that you can make work if you know what goes into it.”
Step 3: Save 1.5–2x what you think you’ll need
Estimate your break expenses, then save 1.5 to 2 times that. It’s my honest peace-of-mind tip, because things cost more than you planned.
Step 4: Pick two numbers: a goal and a cushion
I aimed for 12 months initially and knew I could weather at least 36. The goal keeps you planning. The cushion lets you sleep. Early saving habits were a hero for me here, and so was a home I bought mid-divorce that paid off in spades.
Step 5: Talk money with your partner for 2–3 months
Mason and I talked about money for two or three months before I decided to bounce: coffee talks, late-night chats, and the 1.5-mile walk home from our daily CrossFit workout. What to cover:
Their perspective and feelings. My decision had direct impact on him and his future, as did his own move to being a fitness entrepreneur. We make decisions as a team, so it mattered that we made a joint decision and felt great about it.
The numbers, together, several times. So we both understood them, I hadn’t made any math mistakes, and we both felt good about what we were looking at.
Daily life and big goals. We talked about the daily activities that mattered (gym and overall health, learning, adventuring near and far, trying new things) and the bigger goals the pause would help us track toward. That gave us a daily rhythm without over-planning our lives, wasting them, or getting on each other’s nerves.
Step 6: Plan, re-plan, sleep on it
“Def planned first, then planned again, then slept on it for weeeeeks.” I never once planned to quit with no plan. I resigned in October 2023 with the numbers done.
Step 7: Name your fallback
Mine: if things really shit the bed, I could go down to the local Burger King, get a job, and be managing the team by the end of the week. Half joke, whole confidence. Know what your Plan B is.
Step 8: Get any retention offer reviewed by an employment attorney
When I resigned, I was asked to stay until the end of April 2024 and offered a large sum to do it. I said yes without having an employment attorney review it. They would have told me there was nothing in it to protect me. The experience was so awful that I ended my end of the deal in January 2024: I shut my laptop mid-meeting and called my boss. If you’re offered a stay-on deal, get it reviewed before you sign.
Step 9: Thinking about a sabbatical instead? Be honest with yourself
You could totally do it, and I understand why some people do. For me it wouldn’t have worked: there was no seat at that firm, or anywhere in corporate America, that I could have returned to and found happiness and fulfillment. My lean is that it won’t be a long-term solution for most people. If you go that way, make sure you return to a different project with a new team. The free How to Ask for a Sabbatical guide is the type of ask I’d have entertained as an approver.
When the numbers say yes and your body still says panic
The thing that took weeks and months was that I was unsure about the money, even though I shouldn’t have been. We had been fine and would be fine for YEARS, but the message in my body was still panic. Then I realized corporate America is good at making you feel like you NEED them to survive. That’s when I knew we’d be just fine.
My perspective (not advice): I’m not saying don’t save. Saving is what let me take the leap. But not seeing your money as a resource to fund your life, dreams and goals is a narrow way to look at it. It’s your money, and it’s a resource for you to use to live your best life.
Want to map your runway next to your time off and habits? The Scenic Route Planner has a “can I afford this chapter?” money snapshot. Or talk it through with me on a free Clarity Call.
xoxo Amy 🤎
Maybe the break you can afford is the one your job pays you to come back from. The Ask is my free guide to asking for a sabbatical without groveling or burning a bridge.
When a week of PTO stops fixing anything, you’re ready for bigger ideas. Here are the ones I’d hand a friend, from my own pause after 25 years leading sales teams at two large investment firms.
One thing first: “We can give ideas from our experience, but the place isn’t the point. It’s the exploration and the focus on transformative learning.” Read every idea below as an example. Steal the learning, swap the location.
Start here: how long should an adult gap year be?
My advice is take at least a year if you can swing it. There’s no reason to rush back to a performative role, industry or position because you didn’t take a long enough break to understand why you needed one in the first place.
Your nervous system takes time to calm down. It took me nearly three months to finally feel like I could relax my shoulders. So whatever length you pick, plan to spend the first stretch just resting. It’s all about what you need and what you can afford. No right or wrong approach.
Can’t do a full year? Figure out what timeline is possible and maximize it, or save more until the full year is possible. It’s just a math equation. Make it work for your situation and goals.
Travel ideas
1. Walk a coastline in sections
Pick a trail you can do a few days at a time. In September 2024 Mason and I did three days of the Oregon Coast Trail: Astoria to the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel (eight miles of flat beach), then Seaside, then Cannon Beach. On that trip a Hertz agent recommended two Isabel Allende books, Uncle Sean told us, “extend trust, and you’ll receive in abundance,” and the girl who couldn’t stand seafood ate crab cakes, halibut and salmon.
2. Linger somewhere without a deadline
Give one place enough time that you’re not racing a checklist. Our March 2025 anniversary trip was 10 days: Dublin, the train to Cork to surprise my sister and friends for St. Patrick’s Day, then Barcelona and the speed train to Madrid. Sitting in Ireland hearing locals’ pub stories “without a deadline” gave me clarity no office could offer.
3. Build a trip around something you love doing
Our three weeks in Thailand were built around one gym in Hua Hin that Mason had been following. A trip anchored to an activity gives you a routine, people to meet and a reason to stay put. (Full how-to in my slow travel post.)
4. Expect the plan to break
In Germany we got on a train with the same number as ours, after they’d moved and delayed it, and found out two stops later it was going the opposite direction. Three hours back to Munich, new tickets, arrived at five in the morning. I practiced my German buying beer from the lady on the train, and we had the most delicious Indian food. Tip: “Turns out there’s two apps that you need to have, not just one.” We were using Eurail, and for Germany, DB Navigator to double-check everything was still accurate. Have both.
Learning ideas
5. Learn something with zero résumé value
With wide-open time I made a “wild” list: a beginner harmonica course, real-estate courses, my CrossFit Level 1, herbalist certification and sound healing. My first real “this is my new life” booking was the CF-L1 in Nashville. We made it a vacay and spent most of the weekend learning and fitnessing. I passed.
6. Be a beginner at a sport somewhere new
I tried Muay Thai in Hua Hin and at PunchIt on Koh Samui. Being the newbie in a gym abroad is humbling and a fast way to make friends.
7. Go to a retreat for the people
The last night of a Costa Rica retreat, we talked about life, meditation, past lives, books and movies until late. The next morning we traded book recommendations and IG handles. I still have a circle of cheerleaders from that group.
Rhythm ideas (for home)
8. Say yes to the odd opportunity
Our first week off, we invested in a racehorse with a few friends. I was open to the universe handing out new ways to learn and meet new people, “and boy did it deliver.” Honky Tonk Hero raced mostly out of Turf Paradise in Phoenix.
9. Make a weekly midweek adventure
Weekly hikes are our new normal: new-to-us trails around town, Sedona, Flagstaff, Tucson. We go midweek because we can, and there are no crowds. “I leave the trails to folks that are stuck in the grind M-F and really need the space on the weekends. 😎”
How to choose your ideas
Ask what you want to learn, then pick the place or activity that teaches it. Make a list of places to go, things to try and things to learn that are decidedly NOT your old job. That list is your starting menu.
Not sure where the pull is coming from yet? Destination Discovery is a free treasure map, not a packing list: follow the pull, near home or across the world, and see what it points to.
Picture this: a Sedona sunrise sets the red rocks ablaze, whispering secrets to your soul, or the electric buzz of a Thai night market, where every scent and sound sparks something new. That’s the magic of a gap year built on extended travel—a chance to break free from the corporate hamster wheel, wander from Koh Samui’s beaches to Spain’s high-speed trains to Ireland’s misty pubs, and rediscover who you are when a traditional job isn’t calling the shots. I’m a former finance exec who traded 6am-to-7pm corporate life for the Gap Year Movement, and let me tell you: a gap year isn’t just a string of vacations. It’s a radical act of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and freedom from the grind.
Thai Night Market
Why a Gap Year?
Stepping away from the daily grind doesn’t just clear your head—it rewires it. Burned out from endless meetings and a calendar so packed I couldn’t even sneak a bathroom break sometimes, I needed a reset. My gap year delivered. Lingering in Ireland’s countryside, soaking up pub stories from locals without a deadline, I found clarity no office could offer. The Gap Year Association says 90% of gap year takers report higher life satisfaction, and I’m living proof. Travel builds resilience and adaptability—skills you can’t learn in a cubicle farm. Worried about money or judgy coworkers? Save 1.5–2x your estimated expenses for peace of mind and tell the naysayers to take a hike. This is about you reclaiming your life.
Crafting Your Gap Year Itinerary
Planning a gap year is like painting a masterpiece—bold adventures balanced with quiet moments. Mix vibrant spots like Thailand’s Chiang Mai (long-term rentals galore) or Costa Rica’s eco-lodges with urban vibes (Nashville’s music scene) and nature’s calm (Oregon Coast’s foggy beaches). Blend solo exploration, group tours, or a Caribbean cruise for easy island-hopping. Pace yourself to avoid burnout—slow travel in Spain’s tapas bars or Flagstaff’s pine forests lets you feel the moment. Pro tip: Use apps like Grok for real-time destination ideas or gap year planners to map your journey.
The Journey > The Destination
Travel isn’t about checking off landmarks like a manic tourist. It’s about the experiences, the people, and the unexpected magic. Stay open-minded, and the universe delivers—like stumbling into a hidden Thai café or chatting with locals in an Irish pub about their lives. Notice the air on your skin, the scent of a new place, and ask, “How does my soul feel here?” My first gap year mixed dream destinations (Thailand, Costa Rica), family adventures (Hawaii, Oregon), business stops (Nashville, Orlando), and close-to-home magic (Sedona, Redwoods). Here’s a taste of what’s possible:
Hawaii: Hike volcanic trails and soak up Polynesian culture. Gap Year Tip: Hit multiple islands with inter-island flights to maximize your exploration and take in the diversity of the Islands.
Thailand: Vibrant markets and spiritual retreats are aplenty. Gap Year Tip: Base in Chiang Mai for long-term rentals and active location.
Costa Rica: Surf, zip-line, or meditate in lush jungles. Gap Year Tip: Find a place you can relax to the fullest and forget the rest.
Sedona, Arizona: Stargaze or hike among the red rocks for spiritual clarity. Gap Year Tip: Join a Sedona vortex tour for soul-searching.
The sweetest souls!
The Gap Year Mindset
A gap year isn’t an escape—it’s about prioritizing experiences over career checkboxes. Navigating Thailand’s chaotic streets without knowing the language? That’s resilience. Sharing stories with Spanish locals using high school Spanish (shoutout to Mason!)? That’s global awareness. Crashing through Costa Rican jungles on a zip-line? That’s me conquering my fear of heights (OMG, what a rush). In Sedona, red rock hikes sparked the idea for the Gap Year Movement. This mindset shift—valuing growth over grind—changes everything.
Sitting out a rainstorm in a Costa Rican jungle bar
Easing Back Without Losing the Vibe
Re-entering “real life” doesn’t mean diving back into a soul-sucking job. Your gap year is about finding what lights your soul on fire and gives you purpose. Reflect, volunteer, or freelance to keep the spark alive. Financially, plan for freedom: my budget covered 36 months of travel without skimping, and side hustles like travel blogging or teaching English abroad can keep cash flowing. Build connections—locals in Spain or expats in Thailand can open unexpected doors. Your gap year’s skills—adaptability, cultural fluency—make you a powerhouse for whatever’s next, whether it’s freelancing or starting your own movement.
Ready to Leap?
Your gap year is your canvas. Paint it with Oahu’s waves, Ireland’s pubs, or wherever your soul pulls you. Let travel reshape you, one adventure at a time. The world’s calling—answer it, and let’s make some magic happen.
xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and starry eyed explorer
Imagine beginning your day in an open-air yoga shala nestled high in the jungle canopy of Nosara, Costa Rica, at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort. The air vibrates with birdsong and the gentle rhythm of nature, while a group of like-minded seekers sets powerful intentions under a vibrant sunrise. This was my experience during a pivotal moment in my adult gap year—a deliberate sabbatical from a long corporate finance career. I chose to step away from constant demands, create space for reflection, and listen deeply to what my soul was calling for.
This gap year became my invitation to explore passions, embrace healing, and follow the universe’s gentle guidance. The Costa Rica retreat, sparked by an inspiring connection, opened doors to new friendships, vivid dreams, profound insights, and a yoga practice that now complements my CrossFit training beautifully. Yoga—with its purposeful breath and movement—and meditation—quieting the mind to hear inner wisdom—served as my trusted compass. They supported physical healing, emotional clarity, and a deeper connection to purpose, all while fueling The Gap Year Movement.
Ready to explore your own pause? A sabbatical or gap year offers the perfect opportunity to integrate practices like these for lasting transformation.
The Costa Rica Retreat: My First Steps into Yoga and Meditation
The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort felt like a living dream: jungle bungalows, open-air shalas perfect for sunrise flows, and a welcoming indoor space for evenings filled with sound baths and connection. Nourishing, fresh meals fueled our days, while dirt paths invited adventures—hikes, beaches, or simply immersing in the jungle’s vibrant energy. Our group of seekers bonded quickly, united by a shared desire for growth and renewal.
One morning, I’m catching a few more winks in that ‘in-between’ space that comes between sleep and fully awake. Then the dreams—vivid, wild, and oddly specific. First, an old woman in a red robe, silver hair flowing, rocked in a chair and said, “You’ll be working for Johnson Concrete within three months.” I blinked, like, “Lady, who are you, and what’s with the concrete?!” She repeated it, slower, like I was missing the point and a little slow lol. The next morning, I dreamt of my friend Nicholle dressed like Audrey Hepburn in a yellow dress, pregnant, rocking a cute 60s style bob. Woke up, happened to check Instagram, and bam—her daughter Audrey’s 18th birthday post. Mind blown. The final night, I saw intricate, light-brown henna tattoos covering a new friend’s hands—stunning, but weird, since she is ink-free.
These dreams planted a seed. I knew I had to bring yoga and meditation home, not just as a hobby but as a lifeline.
Try This on Your Gap Year or Sabbatical: Start with a local yoga class, an online session, or even a short guided meditation. Approach it with an open heart and curiosity. No perfection required—just presence.
Embracing the Learning Curve: From Hot Yoga Adventures to Steady Progress
Back home, I eagerly searched for a studio and dove into a hot yoga class, underestimating the intensity of practicing in a warm environment. It was challenging and humbling, but it quickly taught me the value of patience and self-compassion in any new practice. I laughed, adjusted, and persisted—knowing that every wobble on the mat mirrors the beautiful unfolding of a gap year journey.
This experience didn’t discourage me; it inspired deeper exploration. I kept searching until I found the perfect fit, trusting the process and celebrating small victories along the way.
Reflect for Your Own Sabbatical: Recall a time you stepped into something new. What did it reveal about your resilience? Journaling these moments can turn challenges into powerful stepping stones toward your true path.
Following Signs to My Yoga Home: Synchronicity in Action
After exploring options, one studio’s logo stopped me in my tracks—it perfectly matched a symbolic image from my dreams. The universe was clearly guiding me. This welcoming space offered Kundalini yoga, slow flow, and transformative stretch-and-sound sessions with singing bowls that resonated deeply. My teacher, a gifted healer and emotions coach, supported me in integrating movement, breath, and emotional awareness.
This connection felt like destiny—proof that when we create space through a sabbatical or gap year, the right opportunities and people appear.
Challenge for Your Journey: Stay open to signs this week—a symbol, a feeling, or a gentle nudge. Act on one and notice where it leads. These moments often illuminate the next beautiful chapter.
The Transformative Gifts of Yoga and Meditation During a Sabbatical
Pairing yoga’s intentional breath and flow with my CrossFit practice created powerful balance—building strength while releasing tension. Meditation quieted external noise, allowing soul whispers to emerge with clarity. Sound healing sessions felt like a full nervous system reset, while Kundalini awakened fresh energy and flow yoga brought profound calm.
These practices became essential tools for my gap year: supporting physical healing (like my knee journey), emotional processing, and alignment with soul-pull work. They helped me transition from corporate life to building The Gap Year Movement with greater joy and presence.
Simple Practice to Try Today: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes of deep breathing or a guided meditation. Notice what arises—that’s your inner wisdom speaking. Incorporate this during your own sabbatical for deeper reset and clarity.
Keep Flowing Toward Your Soul-Aligned Life
From a magical Costa Rica jungle retreat to discovering my yoga home, yoga and meditation have been guiding lights throughout my sabbatical and ongoing journey. They support healing, connection, and the courage to pursue what truly lights you up. Whether that’s a full sabbatical, a shorter intentional pause, or daily practices that create more space.
I continue exploring passions, from yoga and sound healing, to growing The Gap Year Movement. These tools are accessible to anyone ready to listen inward and step forward with intention.
Your Invitation: Try a yoga or meditation session this week—in a studio, online, or even in nature. Journal one insight that emerges and share it with a friend (or your pet!). I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below. How are you creating space for soul whispers in your life?
xoxo, Amy Martinez Professional Gap Year Guide, Founder of The Gap Year Movement, and forever student of soul-aligned living
Ever feel like your calendar is holding you hostage while your soul quietly packs a suitcase and leaves without you? Yeah, me too. The endless meetings, Slack pings, and adulting marathons can suck the joy right out of life. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full year off (though that’s awesome too) to hit refresh. Enter mini gaps — your sneaky little superpower against burnout. I’m so grateful I discovered these short resets during my own journey. They’ve helped me feel more present, creative, and excited about what’s next.
These tiny breaks aren’t lazy — they’re visionary. They give you space to breathe, laugh, and remember why life is pretty damn magical.
Why Hitting Pause Is Actually Brilliant
Do you insist on checking email during your vacation?
We’ve all done it — sneaking a peek at work emails during “time off,” convinced the world will explode if we unplug for five minutes. I used to be that person. Corporate life trained me to stay plugged in 24/7, like some kind of productivity cyborg.
But here’s what I’ve learned with a big grateful sigh: constantly pushing through doesn’t make you a hero. It makes you tired, cranky, and way less effective. Stepping away — even briefly — lets your brain reset, your perspective shift, and your team step up (which is honestly a gift to everyone).
I’m thankful I started giving myself permission to pause. It’s one of the kindest things I’ve done for my future self. Be the example for your team, not the martyr.
The Rut Is Real (But Fixable)
Let’s be real: doing the same shit day after day at a breakneck pace is a recipe for disaster. You’re not a robot, even if your calendar makes you feel like one. The relentless cycle of emails, Zoom calls, gym sessions, and adulting tasks like grocery runs or wrangling kids creates stress, anxiety, and performance that’s about as inspiring as a soggy sandwich.
Most of the work we do—whether it’s solving problems at the office, pushing through a workout, or navigating family life—requires creativity, quick thinking, and people skills. When you’re stuck in a rut, your brain turns to mush, and your edge? Gone.
Taking time to step away isn’t just nice—it’s mission-critical. It shakes up your thinking, recharges your batteries, and reminds you there’s a world beyond your laptop screen. Without it, you’re not just burning out; you’re shortchanging your potential.
Start Tiny — Wins Are Wins
You don’t need a fancy trip to Bali (though if you can swing it, go for it). Sometimes an afternoon, a single day, or a long weekend is pure gold. I call them mini gaps because they sound fun and way less intimidating.
Picture this: snag a Friday or Monday, turn two short workweeks into one glorious stretch of freedom. Or just claim one golden afternoon for yourself. No passport required. These little resets can make you feel like you’ve been gone for a week — in the best possible way.
I’ve done this more times than I can count during my gap year journey, and every single time I come back lighter, funnier, and ready to tackle life again.
Take a weekend getaway in nature to gap on a time budget!
Company “Fun” Isn’t the Same as Your Fun
Your boss already knows breaks are powerful. Why do you think they organize those team-building events? Ever been to a company volunteer day, a spring training game with your work crew, or a fancy team dinner on a business trip? If you’ve got cool coworkers, those can be a blast. But let’s not kid ourselves—they’re still work. You’re still “on,” networking, making small talk, and probably checking your phone for updates. It’s not the same as a true break where you get to call the shots.
No haterade here for team events—they’ve got their place. But they’re not your reset. Your employer gets the value of shaking things up, so take a page from their playbook and prioritize your own mini gap. You deserve a break that’s all about you, not the company agenda.
Make Mini Gaps Part of Your Visionary Life
Adult Gap Year Bus!
Remember field trip days in elementary school? You’d pile onto a bus, rock your favorite T-shirt, and spend the day exploring something new—maybe a zoo, a museum, or that random farm where you learned to milk a cow. It was magic. Guess what? You can recreate that as an adult, and it’s just as awesome.
Pick a day next week and treat it like a field trip. Get up early like it’s a normal workday, but instead of logging into your inbox, put on something fun—those sneakers you love or that funny and kinda inappropriate T-shirt that makes strangers smirk. Then get out there and explore. Here’s some inspiration to get you started:
Hit up a historical site nearby and geek out on the stories—bonus points if they let you churn butter or try on old-timey clothes.
Take a guided tour of a local oddity, like a shoe factory, a brewery, or a creepy abandoned building (if that’s your jam).
Go on a food quest: hit the top three nacho spots in your town, rate the dishes from 1 to 3, and post your reviews online for the world to see.
Wander a botanical garden, sketch some weird plants, and pretend you’re a Victorian botanist for a hot second.
Visit a quirky museum—think vintage arcade games, taxidermy, or UFO conspiracies—and soak in the weirdness.
The activity doesn’t matter as much as the vibe. It’s about breaking out of your rut and seeing the world from a fresh angle. You’re not just killing time; you’re rediscovering the spark that’s been buried under your to-do list.
Nacho Average Day Off!
How to Make It Happen
Ready to plan your field trip? Keep it simple so you don’t overthink it:
Pick a day: Next week, carve out a full day, a half-day, or even a few hours. Put it in your calendar like it’s a non-negotiable meeting.
Choose your adventure: Pick one thing that sounds fun. Doesn’t have to be fancy—a walk through a new neighborhood or a dive bar with a jukebox counts.
Set the mood: Wear something that makes you feel alive. Leave your work phone on silent (or, better yet, at home).
Stay open: Let the day surprise you. Chat with a stranger, try something new, and see what unfolds.
Pro tip: Tell one person about your plan—a friend, your partner, or even your cat. Saying it out loud makes it real, and they’ll probably hype you up.
What to Notice When You Break Free
One day can change everything. It’s not just about skipping work—it’s about cracking open your routine and letting the world show you something new. As you’re out there on your field trip, pay attention. Look for synchronicities — the little moments that feel like the universe is winking at you. Maybe you overhear a conversation that sparks an idea for work, or you stumble across a bookstore that feels like it was made for you. These are the signs you’re doing it right.
Schedule your mini gap now. Don’t overthink it—just pick one thing that sounds like a blast and do it. Then, as you’re out there, ask yourself:
Who did you meet? Maybe a chatty tour guide or a random dog-walker with a wild story.
What surprised you? A weird fact about your town, a dish you didn’t expect to love, or a view that stopped you in your tracks.
What details stood out? The stuff that’s usually background noise in your life—like birds chirping, the smell of fresh pancakes, or a mural you’ve never noticed.
How do you feel? Are you still stressing about that project deadline, or can you finally breathe and soak in the moment?
Find the magic 🙂
The Ripple Effect
Here’s the kicker: one mini gap can set off a chain reaction. That single afternoon or day off doesn’t just recharge you for the moment—it rewires how you approach your life. You start noticing the small joys you’ve been sleepwalking through. You get better at saying “no” to the grind and “yes” to yourself. And when you show up back at work, you’re not just a cog in the machine—you’re a human with fresh ideas, clearer focus, and a vibe that says, “I’ve got this.”
Your coworkers will notice. Your boss might even raise an eyebrow (in a good way). And your team? They’ll see you modeling what it looks like to prioritize your well-being, and maybe they’ll start taking their own mini gaps. You’re not just saving yourself from burnout—you’re starting a quiet revolution.
Resources to Support Your Mini Gaps
AllTrails App: Perfect for finding quick nature escapes near you — my go-to for peaceful mini adventures and local hikes.
Insight Timer App: Free guided meditations, relaxing sounds, and short breathwork sessions for at-home resets.
Atlas Obscura: Wonderful for discovering weird, fun, and offbeat local experiences for your adult field trips.
Breathwrk App: Quick guided breathing exercises to help you maximize even a 30-minute mini gap (pairs beautifully with these resets).
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: A fantastic book for reflective journaling during your downtime — highly recommended for reconnecting with your passions and creativity.
Your Move
So, what’s it gonna be? A nacho crawl? A dusty historical tour? A solo hike where you pretend you’re in a movie? Pick one thing, schedule it for next week, and make it happen. Don’t let your brain talk you out of it with excuses about deadlines or laundry. The world is waiting to show you something new, and your sanity deserves it.
xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and adult field trip enthusiast
Picture it, you’re standing at the edge of Santorini’s cliffs, your gap year finally here. The sunset is blazing a gorgeous art show of oranges and purples reflecting off the sea. But you’re stuck – knees creaking, breath short, sweaty upper lip, mind too panicked with racing pulse to soak it in and enjoy it. Your dream is unfolding but your body is failing you. Sound far off? It’s not. Most of us hit our 30s, 40s, and 50s thinking that we’re “fine”, but fine isn’t going to carry you up ancient castle bell tower steps or through bustling markets. Your gap year, retirement, or dream vacation deserve a body, mind, and soul that can keep up – are you ready?
I get it, fitness isn’t everyone’s thing. I’ll let you in on a little secret – I used to dodge it myself. Nachos were my love language, cold frescas my fav, and challenging exercise left me clammy and kinda panicky. At 47, I was “healthy-ish”—a busy professional, not falling apart. I went to CrossFit a few times a week, held walking meetings with my team, and generally moved my body more than sitting idle. But I had a super sore knee most of the time I was working out (or walking in heels at the office), stress of the world I was leaving behind still fogged my brain, and my soul? It felt flat, buried under years of grind. If I’d jetted off then, I’d have dragged through temples and trails, not danced through them seeing magic and synchronicities at every turn.
Fitness has become one of the most empowering parts of my journey. It’s not about perfection or six-packs — it’s about freedom. A strong, capable body lets you say “yes” to adventures and soak up every magical moment.
Does Your Fitness Match Your Dreams?
What do you dream of doing with time that is 100% devoted to you and your passions? Don’t limit yourself — these are your dreams! What new activities will you try? Where will you travel? Who will you meet? What will you see? What do you want to experience now that you have all the time in the world?
Now take a good, long look in the mirror and ask yourself if your body is ready to perform at the level of the dreams you just conjured up. What kind of strength is required for hobbies like skiing, gardening, or Muay Thai? Are you ready to walk 15-20k steps every day to explore in Bangkok? Can your ankles and knees handle cobblestone sidewalks in Morocco? Will you be able to heft that suitcase into the overhead? What if there are tiny staircases down to basement bathrooms with no elevator?
There is no shame here, just an honest look at where you are and where you want to go on your adventure – comfortably, confidently, and safely. Preparing your body to be its best raises your spirits, your health, and your vibration within the universe.
Time to Make a Change
If the answer is 100% ready, congrats and keep it going. If the answer is ‘oh shit, I might have some work to do’ then make a simple game plan and take action today. Body weight movements are free, easy, and available for you to do anywhere at almost any time (walking, jogging, hiking, push ups, pull ups, squats, sit ups, etc.). And/or get a coach or join a gym. It’s the least you could do in pursuit of living your big, vibrant dream life.
Your big plans—gap year, retirement, that bucket-list trip—need more than a plane ticket and busy itinerary. Gorgeous sunrises over ancient ruins are off the beaten path. Wineries with killer views sit atop steep hills. Wandering hidden neighborhoods means hours on foot. If your body’s sore and out of shape, your mind’s drained, or your soul’s numb, you’ll miss the magic. Worse, you’ll feel it—every ache, every foggy moment—knowing you could’ve fixed it.
My Own Transformation
When I committed to my gap year, I decided my body would be a trusted partner on the journey, not a limitation. My mind was stressed, my soul starved for joy. Fitness became my reset: a way to feel alive inside my own skin, strong enough for mountains, clear enough for epiphanies.
I started focusing on strength, mobility, and consistent movement. The changes have been incredible — more energy, better mood, greater confidence, and the ability to truly enjoy new experiences. From Muay Thai sessions in Thailand to hiking in Sedona, I now move through my days feeling capable and alive.
This isn’t about punishing yourself or chasing an unrealistic ideal. It’s about giving your future self the gift of vitality so you can fully embrace this chapter of personal reinvention.
Getting strong for life adventures!
You might think, “I’m too busy,” or “I’ll start later.” But later is too late when you’re wheezing halfway up Machu Picchu. Your body is your spacesuit for adventure—neglect it, and it’ll ground you. The good news? You don’t need to be a marathoner or special forces. Small changes now can make your later years epic, not exhausting.
Practical Steps to Get Started
Here are the simple, sustainable habits that have made the biggest difference for me:
Walk with Purpose: 25 minutes daily, absolute minimum. Stride through your neighborhood, notice trees, wave at neighbors, feel your legs wake up. Bonus: it preps you for long travel exploration days.
Stretch for Freedom: Try a 5-minute morning stretch—allow your body to wake up a little before you drive it through your busy day; 5 minutes of any stretching that feels good. It eases stiff joints, sore workout muscles, and helps you listen to what your body needs.
Breathe to Reset: Box breathing—inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4—for 2 minutes. It helped calm my nervous system after surviving corporate america for 25 years, and helps with mental clarity and big decision making.
Prioritize Protein: Include a good source of protein in every meal. It supports muscle, energy, and overall strength. Your body will thank you and you’ll feel amazing.
Strength Train: Building strength now means you’ll feel confident lifting suitcases, climbing stairs, and exploring without worry.
These aren’t strict rules — they’re loving gifts to your future self. Small consistent actions create a body that’s ready to roam, a mind that’s clear, and a soul that feels free.
Your Gap Year Deserves a Strong, Vibrant You
Your gap year, sabbatical, or next big adventure is an incredible opportunity to live more fully. By preparing your body now, you set yourself up to climb hills with ease, chase sunrises, and feel truly present in every beautiful moment.
You deserve to experience your dreams in full color — not just watching from the sidelines, but actively participating with energy and joy.
What’s one small step you can take this week to prepare your body for the adventures ahead? Share it in the comments — I read every one and love cheering you on.
Let’s build bodies as vibrant as the lives we’re creating.
xoxo Amy – your professional gap year and soul-aligned living guide
