Annual Letter

JOSH’S SABBATICAL: Reflecting on What Matters Most

Each year, one CHP&M partner has the opportunity to take a six week “mini-sabbatical.” Our sabbatical program is intended to honor our commitment to a well balanced life and continuous learning. From exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica to a mountain house in upstate New York to simply sending time with family, each of us has designed a sabbatical experience that fits our life.  The only similarity among our experiences is the goal: to take time to reflect, refresh and renew.

As 2009 approached, family, friends, and clients asked me about my plans for sabbatical – and freely volunteered suggestions.  “If I had the opportunity . . .” they would say, and then describe the incredible adventures they dream about at night (and perhaps during particularly difficult days, too).  While we didn’t visit any exotic locales this time around, our family did do something spectacular for sabbatical: we spent time together.

Our third child, Sam, was born in December 2008.  Between the baby and his two older brothers, the past year has been crazy, busy, sleepless and wonderful.  My wife and I love our children dearly, but not enough to want to spend six weeks travelling with them.  So I used my sabbatical differently, taking time throughout the year to spend with my family – and to reflect on what matters most.

Between sabbatical and vacation time, I had the opportunity to take almost three months off this past year.  In these challenging economic times, I am embarrassed by this luxury.  During my time off, I had the opportunity to reflect on my good fortune.  In fact, that was the primary lesson I took from my sabbatical: I am blessed to be surrounded by people I love and who love me, to be doing work I find rewarding and meaningful, and to be financially secure enough to not have to think about such basic human needs as food, shelter, or access to healthcare.  

This is not the case for everyone.  A significant percentage of my work focuses on the nonprofit sector. The organizations I have the privilege to work with help to feed the hungry, provide homes for the homeless, provide healthcare for the uninsured (or underinsured), create opportunities for young people, and ensure human rights for all. My work with these groups gives meaning to my work – and to my life. 

These organizations are not just my “clients.”  They are manifestations of the values I hold dear and the causes I believe in. They are working every day to solve the most pressing challenges facing society.  Our communities are better because of their efforts.

This amazing opportunity to reflect on my work and my life has led me to an important realization: At the end of many consulting projects, my client will thank me for my work.  In reality, it is I who should be thanking you.