Work will always be there

Near the end of her sabbatical, Nikole Nelson and her teenage daughter traveled to the Southwestern U.S. to enjoy time with her parents. Just two weeks after returning to work, her mother called: Her father’s health was failing. Because she’d seen how capably Alaska Legal Services operated without her for a few months, Nelson didn’t hesitate. She flew to be with her parents, visiting frequently until her father’s death.

Nelson said her sabbatical taught her that work will always be there, and it can sometimes wait. Instead, she learned to care for herself and her family first. She credits the time away with helping her realize those priorities clearly, and also for replenishing her for the emotional task to come.

“Prior to leaving my reserves were pretty much tapped out, and I feel had I not had the time off I don’t know that I would’ve been in a position to help my family when they needed me most.”

Those reserves were amply refilled during months of adventures and exploration. Nelson and her then 14-year-old daughter began their travels in a hot springs in Reykjavik, Iceland, sailed through Scandinavian fjords and swam in a cold river in Copenhagen.

Next was a stay in a Tuscany castle, and museums, music and food in Florence, Venice and Milan. The pair then explored India for two weeks of “life changing travel” where they bathed and painted elephants, learned to batik and visited the Taj Mahal.

Finally, Nelson and her daughter settled on the beaches of Bali where they swam, surfed, and snorkeled. At last, it was home to the states and the visit with her parents.

 “We returned healthy and sun-kissed with generous hearts, opened minds, and more gratitude than can be expressed for the beauty that is this world and its people,” Nelson said.