The Conversation of September

Have you ever had one of those conversations with yourself where two voices living inside your head have a disagreement? This is what happens for me every year when September arrives. On the one hand, this a time of revving up. Family calendars become overbooked with practices and snack schedules. Pencils need to be sharpened, and projects are launched. Summer’s procrastinations are over. This week is officially “after Labor Day,” so that means, we are called to once again, get down to business. Yet, for me, those opposing voices in my head still need to have it out.

There’s one side of my brain that I describe as pretty grouchy. Her perspective is annoying. In fact, I don’t think I like her very much. She relentlessly harps on the fact that September begins a domino effect that eventually leads into the abyss of my most unfavorite things; cold and darkness. It all starts when my flip flops are replaced with shoes that require socks. And then, my daughter will call me asking if I’d like a pumpkin latte. Then, I’ll have to grab a sweater for chilly evenings and unearth gloves from the bottom of hall closet basket where my grandkids’ bubble supply is still left over from August. Then, I’ll be raking the billions of leaves that will fall from our trees. Then, my husband will be making all kinds of bean soups, and then it’ll be time for the Hallmark Channel to launch its countdown to Christmas movie schedule. Wait, did I say Christmas? I’m so sorry. That means it’ll be dark by dinner and soon thereafter, I’ll be settling into a three-month hibernation where jigsaw puzzles overtake my life. Oh geez. Can you hear the crankiness? I don’t like cranky.

“Ok now,” the softer voice in my head begins. “Slow down sister.” September can also mean lovely transitions. There’s no pressure, but perhaps a cooling of the air might invigorate energy for new exercise goals, or new recipes, or perhaps even a willingness to clean out a closet. Even now the trees are percolating their annual leaf transformation. Fall’s display of color is on the horizon. September means you can have high hopes for your favorite football team despite last year’s losing season. Speaking of teams, I love my roaming lawn chair that remains in the trunk of my car for the next two months. Saturday mornings are best spent cheering my grandkids from the sidelines. September means you can cozy up with snuggly sweatpants and a cup of hot tea. And yes, September does offer a time to start over. Just ask any college student who returns to campus with renewed curiosity and mission.

September gives us a chance for new beginnings. I’ve never thought about September as an open-hearted month, but it is. New perspectives can happen as the days of September lead us into a new season. If you think about it, September is quite considerate that way. It gives us another chance for beginnings without the fanfare and gravity of The New Year’s glitz and sparkle. September’s invitations are soft and patient; allowing the inevitable process of letting go to be supported by beauty and vibrant foliage, subtle chills, and open windows. The billion leaves that will fall in my yard begins with one fluttering leaf that dances amidst the wind. I vow to pay attention to such subtle offerings for deeper awareness of the beauty of this time.

So, as I turn the page to September, I think I’ll ask my grouchy self to take her crankiness and move it to the basement of my mind. Let September be September, I conclude. Maybe I will have that pumpkin latte.

.Photo by Pretty Pink on Unsplash