Labor Day is around the corner and the end of August marks the completion of summer for most of us. Summer, with its own rhythm and chaos, will be missed for its (generally) balmy weather, time off for vacations, cook-outs and the unspoken permission to sit back in the sun and snooze.
Autumn comes a sense of structure, a new tempo regulated by children back in school and commitments to lessons, clubs and associations in full swing. We change the weight of our clothes and our attitude because schedules are set and make their silent demands upon our time. This can be comforting for some but leave others disheartened to be returning to the same old, same old.
Why not take the best of summer with you into the fall? A bit of reflection can help you do so. Recall the past few months and consider these question and, … may I suggest you write down (journal) your answers?
What was most enjoyable for you this summer?
How can you bring that same enjoyment or the essence of it to the days and months ahead?
What was most challenging for you this summer?
How will the fall be different? What can you do to issue change?
Now, think about your best day, your best experience of the summer. Remember it with all of your senses ~ what was the weather like, what smells do you recall, who was there with you, did you laugh, feel fulfilled, excited, impassioned? What made it so? Recreate the scene and hold it in your mind and in your heart as closely and clearly as you can.
As you move into the commitments and challenges of the fall, you can bring this remembrance to your awareness to nurture and uplift you when needed.
All of our experiences have purpose. Learning to make sense out of the hard things and give a special place to the wonderful things not only make us good stewards of this life we’ve been given but can help us enjoy the journey a whole lot more.
Blessings, Plynn
Plynn Gutman 