Sabbatical Recipient Testimonials:
2010
In the midst of the whirlwind that I have returned to in my work I can still find that quiet place of calm the sabbatical tapped into. I can't imagine taking on the challenges of my new role without the benefit of introspection and visioning afforded by Z. Smith Reynolds' investment in me through the sabbatical program. I want to share this model with others in my organization.
Chris Canfield
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I have learned that my prerequisite to helping others is to make sure my two feet are firmly planted on the ground. I do that by taking care of myself first. Only then will I truly know who I am, where I have been, and where I am going. I enjoyed the “sweetness of doing nothing” and I am so grateful to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for making the investment in my life.
Amy Fisher
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The Z. Smith Reynolds Sabbatical Program has given me the opportunity to reconnect- with myself, my family and my friends. The much needed break from work has been a time of renewal and growth. Some of the journey has been adventurous, like the trip with my husband to Olympic National Park in Washington State, and some of the journey has been internal like the meditation and yoga classes. This gift from the Foundation helped me let go of a hectic, frenetic lifestyle to recapture my sense of peacefulness, calm and connection.
Deeanna Hale-Holland
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By providing me with much needed time and space for contemplation, the Z. Smith Reynolds sabbatical allowed me to identify patterns in my life that were negatively affecting my work, family, and spiritual well-being. Today I feel re-energized and better prepared than ever to face the day to day challenges of work in the non-profit field. As an opportunity for renewal, the sabbatical has been a life-changing event in my life.
Francisco Risso
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Thank God again for being selected.
Thank You Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation-for funding my dream vacation-my time off and for all the little blessings that came my way this summer. Thanks for the time I got to spend with my 91 year old mom.
Thank You Z Smith Reynolds Foundation for making a great impact on and in my life. I will never forget my sabbatical experience. I will never forget those precious and priceless moments!!!
Robin Whittington
2009
The sabbatical provided to me by ZSR was tremendously valuable. It gave me a much needed break from the grinding work of running a non-profit organization. As you know, people who lead non-profit organizations do so because they truly care about their mission. We are infected by it, in both good and bad ways. Without some sort of extensive break from it occasionally, it can take over your mind and life, and burn out can “set in.” The sabbatical time allowed me to get some objectivity and distance from the organization, unload some of the problems, and rest my mind and spirit. While “away,” I pursued a variety of diversions…. I traveled, rested, wasted time, slept late, disappeared for days with no agenda, rode off into the sunset on a horse or motorcycle, or doted on family members. One surprising effect is that it forced me to reorganize, restructure and rediscover some of my people as I sorted through the pre-sabbatical planning stages to prepare my organization for my absence. I learned a lot about my organization and my people during this time and since my return. I also learned a lot about myself. Thank you!
Greg Bounds
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I planned my sabbatical as a “get away” from work and family duties. I enjoyed trips, one my husband, one with friends, one with family. They were wonderful times together, enriching important relationships.
My personal enlightenment came later, with the realization that what I hadn’t needed a “get away”, rather a “connection” to home and self. My best memories are of quiet times at home, doing practically nothing but enjoying the moment. What a gift!
Lisa Twigg
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Applying for the ZSR Sabbatical Grant was one of the best things I have ever done! Being selected as a recipient provided me with the opportunity of a life time. The opportunity to let go of the day to day stress of my job as an
Executive Director of a non-profit organization. I was able to focus on "myself" for those three months. I returned to work refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle anything the job had to offer. My only regret is that I didn't take more time.
Doris Howington
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I travelled to India, camped in the California wilderness and discovered the rivers and streams of NC. On a deeper level, I had the chance to rediscover what matters most to me in life right now. I am extraordinarily grateful to the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation for this tremendous experience! Thank you for this gift!
James Brooks