A sabbatical is a period in which one temporarily steps away from one’s job to rest, travel, and do research. The term shares the same root as the word sabbath, and the same goal of renewal.

Traditionally, sabbaticals were features of academic careers: university professors would be granted a paid year off for every seven years spent teaching. But the notion of a sabbatical is available to anyone. It doesn’t have to last a year or involve exotic travel or quitting a job. But it must constitute a rest.

Hopefully, all one needs is a pause by the side of the road. After a few deep inhalations of the world, one can merge back in, replenished. But every so often, it isn’t enough just to pull over. Sometimes one must find (or build) a new road.