Deeper level of relaxation

Thirty-two years ago, Odette Butler began to crochet and cross-stitch a blanket for her first son.

On her sabbatical, she finished it, a gift for her 4-year-old grandson.

During the four months of her sabbatical in early 2021, Odette Butler, who was then chief executive officer of the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska, traveled throughout the state of New York visiting relatives and friends.

Keeping Covid protocols in mind, Butler created safe “bubbles” for quality time with others, particularly her parents, who were already feeling isolation from the pandemic. Butler introduced them to their great-grandchildren for the first time and assisted with various needs and delights, including helping her father, who has Alzheimer’s, complete a difficult puzzle she’d sent him years before.

While enjoying in-depth conversations and experiences with family and friends, Butler even fulfilled a promise made years ago to her middle son and accompanied him to pick up his new English Bulldog puppy, Walter.

Most importantly, Butler was able to really be with her parents, helping them navigate challenges of ill health and watching how they lovingly supported one another, despite divorcing many years earlier. Butler refers to the experience as medicine for her soul.

“When you decide to really be present with those you love and do not have the daily worries of work and deadlines, and can decide to take a break, a nap, a walk because you are on sabbatical, it is a level of relaxation that I as a CEO have never allowed myself,” Butler wrote. “It has given me a new outlook and hunger for more of this and to intentionally work these moments of joy and relaxation into my life.”