In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Amanda Sloat on:
Embracing a Midlife Sabbatical
After nearly two decades in high-intensity government roles, Amanda made the bold decision to step away, put her belongings in storage, and embark on a year of solo travel. She shares how this period of exploration has given her space to rediscover joy, creativity, and a sense of adventure.
Prioritizing Experience Over Waiting for the 'Right' Time
Amanda emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams now rather than delaying them for an uncertain future. Inspired by personal loss and a deepening awareness of time's finiteness, she set out to fulfill lifelong aspirations—like seeing orangutans in the wild—before it was too late.
Finding Wellness and Balance on the Road
Traveling long-term presents challenges, but Amanda has maintained her well-being through daily yoga, mindful eating, and long walks. She shares how small, consistent habits—like a simple 10-minute morning yoga practice—have helped her stay grounded amid constant movement.
The Power of Reinvention and Intentional Living
With no fixed plan for what comes next, Amanda is using this sabbatical to reflect on what truly matters—where she wants to live, how she wants to work, and who she wants to surround herself with. Her journey serves as a reminder that midlife is an opportunity for reinvention and making intentional choices that align with one's values.
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Amanda Sloat is a foreign policy expert, spending 20 years in Washington DC working for the U.S. government (Congress, State Department, and National Security Council) and non-profit organizations. She is also a passionate yogi, beginning her practice with Kimberly Wilson at Tranquil Space. After serving for three years as President Biden's European policy advisor in the White House, Amanda embarked on a year of mindful travel that took her from Borneo and the Australian outback to Paris and Cartagena. She recently moved to Madrid, where she is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University.
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