Do you ever read the park benches?

Living in New York City, our nature is city parks. Our trails are paths. And our summits are park benches.

You see, park benches are where we take a rest, have a snack, ponder the world around us, take in a view, steal a kiss, read and write and reflect on all that's passing us by. I've been recently enjoying evening walks after a long day of being inside (commuting from bed to desk). What I love about my walks is the opportunity to read the park benches. Have you ever done this? If not, you definitely should! There is so much wisdom about life on there, so much hope and promise, and also, reflection on days gone by and yesteryear. Some of the plaques on those benches are in honor of dear friends and family members, and others are in memory of those no longer with us. What these plaques remind me of is our legacy, our hope and promise for generations to come.

With fall just around the corner, I’m doing a lot of my own reflecting on where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I hope to go in the future. While resolutions or goals are typically set at the end of one calendar year going into the next, for those of us who observe the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the new year is just a few days away. I feel more connected to the Jewish New Year than the Secular New Year, not because I am Jewish, but because this season for me has always represented a time of change, a time of renewal and opportunity. There’s definitely something in that crisp and fresh fall air that signifies a transition, an opening, a passage through which we can leave the past behind and pursue all that we hope and dream of for the future. A time of renewal and a time to reset.

This fall, I encourage you to set goals (big or small) that reflect upon all that’s coming up for you. If you’re a business owner or manager, consider setting goals that reflect the type of culture you want to create for your team. Maybe you’ve been meaning to plan that employee volunteer day, but it hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps it’s time to focus on drafting your team’s mental health benefits. Or maybe you’re thinking of how you can connect to your greater community and make an impactful contribution as we close out the calendar year. Whatever it is that you’re endeavoring to work on, get started on it now! There is no better time than in this magical window between the warm, blissful days of summer and the cool, new beginnings of fall. Maybe you’re unhappy in your current role but don’t know where to start in your job search. Take the time to build community, talk to a career coach, and set attainable goals for yourself each week. Or maybe you’re reentering the workforce (congrats!). Be kind to yourself—it’s okay to take small steps as you determine where you want to be next.

As we approach the fall, a new season full of opportunities and possibilities, I encourage you to think about your dreams and also your legacy. Think about those park benches and the few words that those closest to you would use to describe your essence and purpose—who you are at your core, your impact on society, and your reason for being . What do you believe in and stand for? What mark have you left on others and what is most important to you?

What would your park bench say?

Take the time this fall to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. We are all in transition, in flux, and on this crazy journey of life. Allow yourself the space and time to take a step back and focus on your goals and aspirations. There is no better time than now, and I’ll be here to cheer you on and support you along the way.