A young fawn resting among the perennials in our yard

Hi Barb, 

For the past eight years, I’ve been deeply focused on building my work—helping individuals and groups collaborate more effectively.

But recently, I’ve been noticing something:

The quality of how we work together and our desired external results depend on our internal state — our health, our clarity of mind, and the quality of our relationships.

And I've also noticed there is a "newborn fawn" within me. It needs time to rest and grow.

Therefore, I’m taking a three-month sabbatical from my desk.

This is not a break from my work; it’s an integral part of it.

During this time, I’ll be resting, traveling, spending time with friends, gardening, and focusing on my health.

I’ll also be listening more closely for what I’m being called to do next—and how I want to shape my work going forward.

From time to time, I may share reflections from this sabbatical with you. These emails will likely be more personal than usual, and less focused on tips, tools or techniques.

If that’s not what you’re looking for right now, I completely understand—and you’re very welcome to unsubscribe.

At the same time, if something in you recognizes the value of stepping back -- of taking care of your own health and relationships as a foundation for better work -- I hope you’ll stay. 

You might even join me by taking your own “sabbatical moments”.  Together, we can reflect on and cultivate what’s inside us that will make our work more effective.

And, I’d love to invite you into a conversation.

If you feel inclined, just hit reply and share a few words—what’s resonating for you right now, or what you’re noticing in your own work and life.

And if you’d like to be a deeper part of my sabbatical journey, reply now to set up a time when we can have a real conversation in the months ahead. 

Warmly,

Barb Bickford
Bickford Collaboration (consulting)  
Improve Your Meetings (learning)  
bickfordcollaboration@gmail.com 
608-630-0177 (mobile)
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On Sabbatical: April 9 - July 31, 2026

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Photo Credit: Barb Bickford