August has always felt like the start of a new year to me. I think it's because I spent so many years in school, and then working in schools. August was for making plans and setting goals, and thinking about what I wanted from the school year.
For the past six years I haven't worked in schools, because I've been home writing and being a full time mom to my son. But August still has that new year's feeling. Summer feels so challenging to me! I need to write, but my son needs me, and he's not really the kind of kid you can send off to an all day camp. So in summer I juggle my writing and my kiddo, usually at the expense of self care and sleep.
By this time of the summer, with just a few days left before school starts, I am gazing longingly at that first day of school on my calendar. I will miss having all of this time with my lovely little boy, but I am so excited to have more time to write! And exercise! And breathe! It feels like a new beginning.
To celebrate my August 'new year' I've set myself some goals, just like I do in January. This fall, it's all about managing my time so I can start a part-time job but still write as much as possible, improving my diet, which sort of fell apart over the summer, (oops!) and trying to be present and focused, especially when I'm with my son.
I'm cherishing these last few days of summer, but I am also gearing up for my own personal August new year's celebration. Who knows? I might even break out the champagne on the first day of school. Mimosas anyone?
Does anyone else feel like a new year is starting up? What are your plans and goals and dreams?
For the past six years I haven't worked in schools, because I've been home writing and being a full time mom to my son. But August still has that new year's feeling. Summer feels so challenging to me! I need to write, but my son needs me, and he's not really the kind of kid you can send off to an all day camp. So in summer I juggle my writing and my kiddo, usually at the expense of self care and sleep.
By this time of the summer, with just a few days left before school starts, I am gazing longingly at that first day of school on my calendar. I will miss having all of this time with my lovely little boy, but I am so excited to have more time to write! And exercise! And breathe! It feels like a new beginning.
To celebrate my August 'new year' I've set myself some goals, just like I do in January. This fall, it's all about managing my time so I can start a part-time job but still write as much as possible, improving my diet, which sort of fell apart over the summer, (oops!) and trying to be present and focused, especially when I'm with my son.
Does anyone else feel like a new year is starting up? What are your plans and goals and dreams?
Mostly I like August because soon it'll be fall, my favorite time of year. While I don't set new goals, I always take a hard look at the ones I set back in January to see how I'm doing. I might want to tweak my goals or get going on one I've let lag. Enjoyed your post, Claire :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy! Best of luck on your goals! I love fall too. We don't really get a fall here on the CA coast - mostly hot, summer-like weather, but we plan to go up to the Sierra's this year to see the aspens change color.
DeleteI'm part of the education system, so I can totally relate to the 'New Year' feeling. As a writer, I still get a buzz from going 'Back to School' shopping. The paper, the pens, the prices! My goal is to keep on...except do it faster.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great goal! Something I've definitely not accomplished. Sigh. I love the shopping too. All the cute school supplies!
DeleteYour post reminds me why this is such a great time of year. For me, it's about blank notebooks and classrooms that smelled like fresh varnish and some sort of disinfectant. New beginnings and the start of that four month countdown to finish what I planned to this year. And fall is so beautiful here in Wisconsin. Sounds like you had a lovely summer, Claire. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteVirginia, I am jealous of your fall. We get hot, dry, dusty weather in the fall. One of my dreams is to take a trip to New England in the fall to see all the colorful trees and experience 'real' fall. But it is a magical time of year nonetheless, and to me feels more like a new beginning than January does. My new part-time job takes me into classrooms, so I'll get that back-to-school feeling for real this year!
DeleteI agree, the end of August is the start of a new year. It's starting to get dark at night, which is always a shock. A couple of groups I'm involved with run on a school year basis, so I'm typing up schedules and putting together lesson packages. My son is a teacher, and is suddenly getting up early and heading out in the mornings. And I have a book due in Nov, so I need to get into top gear. Lazy summer days are over.
ReplyDeleteOh that is for sure, Beth. Time to get busy!! I have a book due in October and I have to jump into revising it because (and Adrienne, wonderful editor, I hope you're not reading this) it is a total mess right now. But there is good stuff in the mess, I think!
DeleteMy students came back this past week, and it's time to get busy. I'm already so impressed with many of the youth walking the hallways of my school. They will do great things!
ReplyDeleteIt is a new year, isn't it? We were at Purdue yesterday and it was bustling. We asked a kid for direction and his eyes got wide and he said he was sorry, but he was a freshman and didn't know yet where he was. But he was eager, and that was so much fun to see.
ReplyDeleteThis week I've gotten to do school shopping with my grand-twins. It's always fun for me even though they are in college now.
ReplyDeleteHi Claire! Your goals are so inspiring - really like the last one about being "present" in everything you do. I'm going to borrow that for my September goal. I have a tendency to "think" too much, and not in a good way but in a "what do I need to do next" kind of way. Which takes away from the moment I should be living in. Good luck with your back to school schedule.
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Happy New Year Pictures