January is never a great time of year for me – I’m not good with the cold, dark days of winter so it’s pointless me making New Year’s resolutions. In contrast, Autumn is, for me, the perfect time of year to reflect and think about the future. As a mother of three school-age children, my life is, in any case, dominated by the term time calendar, and there is something about the feeling of newness (shoes, pencil cases, planners, etc), the fresh start and the enthusiasm (yes, really, even the kids are usually excited to get back) that screams hope. Outside it’s the time of year associated with decay, when the blooms in the garden are starting to fade, the leaves on the trees begin to turn brown and fall, and the nights are definitely drawing in. In a funny way, though, I find this reassuring. It makes me feel that everything is in the right place, the natural order of things is safely on track, and that is a comfort to me in this era of accelerated climate change.
So, September is my month of choice for resolutions. My reading challenge this month is to read a self-help book and after a bit of indecision I’ve decided on Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s actually been on my list of books to read for some time, but seems particularly appropriate now as my main resolution is to complete at least a third of the book I am writing by half term (and hopefully another third by Christmas). I’ve been tinkering with it for months, and made some good progress with Camp NaNoWriMo in July, but I feel really focused now and am keen to capitalise on my motivation.
Before the summer break I also read WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel and it caused me to reflect on the time and care I give to myself. I think it’s true to say that, as a mother, when you have young children you can often put yourself and your needs at the bottom of the priority list, well after the rest of the family. Ultimately, this often takes a great toll. Now that my children are older, (all at secondary school as of this week, my eldest now in sixth form), I find myself not so much with more time, but definitely with more mental space to tend to my own needs, pursue some of my own passions and award myself more respect. So, I am re-reading WE, slowly and deliberately, a little each day, and working through the exercises.
As a Mum I feel I have for years ricocheted between feelings of resentment at the extent of my ‘self-sacrifice’ and guilt at not doing or being enough! I hope that over the coming weeks the reading and the exercises will help to shift my mindset more towards contentment, resilience, and gratitude – the Holy Grail! I don’t find it particularly difficult to change my habits, get a better eating or fitness regime, etc, but mindset change is much harder. Wish me luck!
Are you one of those who prefer to make their resolutions in September rather than January?
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I’ve been reflecting on 2017 for the past couple of weeks and imagining how I want to feel and what I want to be doing in Sept 2018. I agree that resolutions are a perfect fit around this time of year. It’s the harvest here in New England with apples, corn, peaches, and tomatoes galore. We can hopefully reap the rewards of our hard work, focus on what worked and what didn’t, and integrate the lessons learned with self-compassion. And the new school year gives us a natural platform on new beginnings or a chance for a fresh start.
I started reading “WE: A Manifesto for women everywhere” over the summer. I think reading it slowly and deliberately is the way to go to integrate the exercises in the book. I borrowed it from the library and did not finish it. It’s next on my list for books to buy. Best of luck!
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I’m very envious – New England at this time of year must be Heaven! I worked in Lyme, NH 30 (yikes!) years ago on a UK/US programme for University students. I fell in love with the place and can just imagine long reflective walks amongst those beautiful Fall colours. Good luck to you too.
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