A Mindset For September

 

While we have another month left of summer, with the school year almost here or already begun in some states, its inevitable winding down is upon us. It is one of the bigger seasonal transitions because, for so many, new schedules start, there are details to organize, logistics to figure out, and feelings percolating around the coming busyness.

While I love the fall, I can feel the pull, like gravity, toward too much to do. I often feel like I have to gear up as if I am about to be launched. Launched where? I don't know. It's why for many years I offered a workshop on returning from summer so that we can get our hearts and minds in a good space to enter September. So much of it is just a mindset. A very large portion of our well-being depends on our mindset.

My invitation this week is to look at how we approach something coming up, whether it is a busy period in the calendar year, a looming project, or the start of something new and see how, rather than get overwhelmed or anxious, we can approach it differently. How can we, instead, have it feel enlivening or exciting? What could shift us from fear or dread to energy and possibility? From anxiety around uncertainty to curiosity and the playful challenge of discovering our strategy? And, how can we change the mindset from "getting through" to "I am about to enter a process I want to meet well?" After all, do we really want to "get through" our moments here or do we want to enjoy living the process?

To enter a process rather than get through. That's it. When I think of it that way, everything changes. I feel lighter and excited. My body gears up, not for battle, but for what it needs to face. I still feel a buzzing in my body, but that's a good thing. I know the schedule is about to change so I am getting ready. I do want to meet it all with openness and playfulness. The summer doesn't have to be the only time we play. And, I love fall and don't want to miss all the colors of it.

What are you gearing up for? How can you feel that anticipation and welcome it? Here's a simple practice that might help. You can do this in writing or just say it out loud.

1) Start by naming all the major pieces of your fall -- what's on your plate? When you are done, you might pause, take a breath, and say, "wow, that is a lot."

2) Now, name the goodness behind all of what's on your plate. What benefits might you take away and/or what goodness might surround what you have to do (support, resources, connections, people, places, etc.) What meaning or purpose will they bring in the long run, even if doing them is hard or arduous?

3) How does it all feel now that you remembered the why and the choice to show up? Does your mindset feel different?

My list for the fall makes me realize why there's some anxious energy brewing. But, once I named all of the elements and then looked at the benefits coming from them, why I am doing them, or what makes them possible, my anxious energy feels more like excitement and I see possibility and awe at what will be coming to fruition. The busyness is there, but it is not a problem, rather, it is a great part of the process that I want to be in. I hope you, too, can look at your fall and touch the positive energy behind what's coming. If you get stuck, reach out and let me know.

🌻
Jean