Ready for a Reset? Explore the Transformative Power of Mini Sabbaticals with Colleen Newvine

NOTE: This is a condensed version of this episode transcript to make it more readable.

Laurin Wittig:

Welcome to *Curiously Wise*, an inquisitive podcast for women. I’m Laurin Wittig, and I’m here with today’s guest, Colleen Newvine, a passionate advocate for mini sabbaticals and personal transformation. Today, we’re diving into the world of intentional time off—how it can break us free from the daily grind, open new doors to self-discovery, and fuel our spiritual growth. Colleen, welcome to the show!

Colleen Newvine:

Thank you so much for having me, Laurin! I’m excited to share my journey and insights on how taking purposeful time off can be a game-changer in both our personal and spiritual lives.

Laurin Wittig:

So, let’s dive right in. You’ve been a huge proponent of mini sabbaticals. Can you explain what exactly they are and why they’re so transformative?

Colleen Newvine:

Absolutely! A mini sabbatical is a short, intentional break from your routine. It doesn’t have to be a full year-long experience—it could be as simple as a weekend away, but the key is that it’s purposeful. When we take these breaks, we create space to step out of autopilot, reconnect with ourselves, and reflect on what’s really important. It’s a chance to hit the reset button, and in my experience, they can lead to incredible personal and spiritual growth.

Laurin Wittig:

I love that! So many of us get stuck in our routines and forget to take that time for ourselves. How did you personally start incorporating sabbaticals into your life?

Colleen Newvine:

It started when I realized that I was running on empty, always giving my energy to everyone else—work, family, responsibilities—but never taking time to refill my own cup. I decided to take a week off and just *be*, without any major plans or obligations. That week completely changed my perspective. It wasn’t just about rest; it was about reconnecting with my intuition and giving myself permission to explore what was going on inside me. After that, I started integrating mini sabbaticals into my life on a regular basis.

Laurin Wittig:

That’s so powerful. What do you typically do on these sabbaticals? Are there certain practices that you’ve found particularly helpful?

Colleen Newvine:

For me, journaling is huge. Writing down my thoughts and feelings helps me process what I’m experiencing. I also love to meditate, especially in new environments. There’s something about being in a different place that opens up my creativity and helps me see things from a new perspective. Sometimes, I’ll just explore a new town or spend time in nature—anything that gets me out of my routine and helps me reconnect with myself.

Laurin Wittig:

That sounds amazing. I’m curious—how do you integrate what you’ve learned during your sabbaticals back into your everyday life?

Colleen Newvine:

Great question! It’s all about conscious integration. When I return from a sabbatical, I spend time reflecting on what I’ve learned—what insights came up, what new perspectives I gained—and I try to weave those lessons into my daily life. It’s not always easy, but even small changes can make a big difference. For example, if I realized that I need more downtime in my life, I’ll make a point to schedule regular breaks, even if it’s just an afternoon off.

Laurin Wittig:

That’s so practical. I think many of us assume that once we’re back in our regular routines, it’s impossible to maintain that sense of peace or clarity. But it sounds like with conscious effort, it’s possible to carry those insights forward.

Colleen Newvine:

Exactly! The key is to be intentional about it. It’s easy to get swept back into the hustle and forget everything you learned, but if you prioritize your growth and make small, intentional changes, those insights can really stick.

Laurin Wittig:

I love that. Do you have any advice for people who feel like they don’t have the time or resources to take a sabbatical?

Colleen Newvine:

Definitely! The beauty of mini sabbaticals is that they don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You can start with something as simple as a day trip or a weekend away. The important thing is the intention behind it. Even taking a break from your usual surroundings for a short period of time can have a profound impact on your well-being. And if travel isn’t an option, you can create a sabbatical experience at home—disconnect from your usual routine, set aside time for self-care, and focus on reconnecting with yourself.

Laurin Wittig:

That’s such a great reminder that transformation doesn’t always require a big leap. Sometimes, it’s the small steps that make the biggest difference.

Colleen Newvine:

Absolutely. And I think once people realize that, they’re more likely to make time for these breaks because they’re not as overwhelming as we tend to think they are.

Laurin Wittig:

So true. Before we wrap up, I’d love for you to share any last thoughts or advice for our listeners who might be ready to take their first mini sabbatical.

Colleen Newvine:

My biggest advice is just to start. Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect conditions. Life will always be busy, but your well-being and spiritual growth are worth prioritizing. Even if it’s just a day or a weekend, take that first step and see how it feels. I guarantee you’ll come back feeling more aligned with yourself and your purpose.

Laurin Wittig:

That’s wonderful advice. Thank you so much for joining me today and sharing your wisdom. I know our listeners are going to feel inspired to create space for their own transformation.

Colleen Newvine:

Thank you, Laurin! It’s been such a pleasure.

Laurin Wittig:

To all our listeners, thank you for joining us today. If you’re feeling inspired to take a mini sabbatical or simply need some time for reflection, I encourage you to make that space for yourself. Be sure to subscribe to *Curiously Wise* so you don’t miss our future episodes. Until next time, stay curious!