OTV Sabbatical Reflections | Sarah Minnie - Head of artist development and production
How did you spend your sabbatical?
I was privileged to spend my sabbatical going to a place close to my cousin's heart, Costa Rica. Jennifer has always talked about what a magical place Santa Teresa is, filled with mostly dirt roads, loving locals, world beaches, surfing, art, zip lining, screaming (shit-throwin) monkeys and amazing food. During my time on sabbatical in Santa Teresa, I experienced an international tropical retreat as an adult - outside of programs connected to traditional education conforms, which was truly liberating! I am returning to OTV refreshed, inspired and motivated to take on the year and support the otv artists.
Lessons Learned:
How did you spend your OTV Sabbatical Stipend?
To retreat to Santa Teresa, Costa with my dearest to refill my cup, get inspired talking to family about our life, loved ones and create new memories that our ancestors dreamed of.
Why did you choose to invest in this activity/effort?
Stipend toward a ticket to Costa Rica where I wrote an outline to a story I'd like to write. Also, I went ATVing, zip-lining, and drank a bunch of amazing smoothies.
What did you learn?
Rest is essential. I am feeling motivated and excited with a fresh perspective - ready to engage with artists and get to work.
Treat yourself - After a year of major financial ups and downs and really “putting in the work”, I was able to treat myself to a moment to invest in my well-being - inside and out.
"Letting things breathe, are how they grow.” As someone who never unplugs, it is really a blessing to know that work is in a great place and it's okay to step away and let things breathe.
Creating boundaries are essential for rest. This helps everyone!
Plan for the return - this helped me not feel over overwhelmed.
Slow and steady is still moving forward.