I’m usually one who welcomes September with open arms. Ready to buy school supplies, get back into a routine, and embrace a new rhythm with the change of seasons that the -ber months bring. But this year, I’m just not ready to turn the page on summer.
June started out rainy and August was horrible with the wildfires and smoke, but right smack dab in the middle was glorious July. I needed July. My soul needed July.
I floated in the pool almost every day, usually by myself. Nobody needed a ride anywhere. Nobody needed me to cook them a meal. Nobody needed me to plan an activity or figure out what we were doing next. It was a month of relaxation and reprieve where I could just enjoy being at home and rest. I needed rest.
And I think that’s why I’m finding it so hard to switch gears into another season. Especially one I know will be busy. Co-op starts soon. I’ll have a first-time middle schooler and a high schooler. I’m teaching two literature classes, and my business is about to head straight into the holiday season.
I know I’ll find my rhythm again. I always do. But I’m going to miss the sun and the flowers and the leaves on the trees. I’ll miss floating in the pool and drinking my morning coffee on the deck. It’s already dark outside when I get up now, and I’m not quite ready for that either.
So I’m trying to remind myself of the things I do love about the season ahead. Hoodies and beanies. Hockey. Candles and twinkle lights. Fires in the fireplace. Comfort food and baking. Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. Slower evenings at home when it’s cold and dark outside and everything inside feels warm and cozy.
I’m trying to have a game plan for the busy months ahead, but also give myself permission to lean hard into the cozy parts of them. Maybe I’m not quite ready for September yet. Maybe I don’t have to be. Maybe I can miss July and still make room for what comes next.
