Day 4
Today’s Takeaway: Express gratitude loudly and often. ❤️
Today is technically the first official day of my sabbatical and I woke up sick as a dog. Definitely has nothing to do with the 5 glasses of Sangria and 6 pudding shots I downed at last nights Super Bowl party. 🥴😉
Even though nursing a hangover is not the purpose of this sabbatical, or how I would have liked to start it, it was pure mental bliss knowing that after I got my kiddos to school, I could go back to sleep. Of course I didn’t because I haven’t learned how to properly self-care yet. It’s day 1, give me time. 😂
But just having that freedom of choice. The day was mine to do what I wanted with, amazing! Just when I thought I couldn’t feel more grateful for this freedom, I got a knock at the door. My team sent me a beautiful gift. ❤️
As I mentioned in my Day 1 post, I had a lot of feelings about taking this leave. Fear, guilt, FOMO, happiness, pride, relief, excitement, stress, trepidation, maybe even a little bit of anger. It was all very unnerving and I was back and forth quite a bit about taking it.
It wasn’t a question mark for my team though. At the slightest mention that I was considering it, my manager, Paul Boustani, didn’t hesitate.
“Liz, never forget this is just a job. You need the time, take the time. You’re more important.”
After we got off that call he immediately set the ball in motion by connecting me with our HRBP. By the end of the following week my leave was official.
So I want to practice todays takeaway and say a few very public, very loud thank yous.
1. To Atlassian: Thank you for continually being a company I’m so very proud to work for. Your #1 priority is always your people, and we feel it! Thank you for providing generous and comprehensive leave packages. For recognizing that good mental health is just as important as good physical health. For so many things, but most importantly thank you for making me feel safe and cared for.
2. To my Workplace Experience Team: I’ve only been on this team for 4 months, but from the messages and cards I’ve received you would have thought it’s been years! It’s all meant so much to me. I can’t wait to see what we do together when I get back.❤️
3. Saving the best for last - Paul Boustani: Thank you for being the most empathetic and compassionate human. I don’t know if I would have gone through with this leave if it wasn’t for your encouragement and support. I appreciate you more than you know. ❤️
Even without receiving the very thoughtful Spoonful of Comfort box from my team, a gratitude post was coming. I wholeheartedly believe the people that positively impact your life should know it and be celebrated for it.
I hope this post will inspire some of you to say an extra big thank you to someone who deserves it today.
Until tomorrow! 😉
(P.s. Spoonful of Comfort is one of my very favorite vendors. Check them out for all kinds of thoughtful gifting options.)
