September: A Month of Transitions and New Beginnings

We made it to September—I’ve come to view this month as one that invites us all to pause, and to reflect a bit on where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Next week, we’ll all pause to reflect on Patriot’s Day—and our fellow Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

It’s also a month with its own share of inner conflict.? My son, who's just begun navigating First Year Latin, will tell you that "septem" means seven. So why, then, does the calendar insist on placing it as the ninth month? It's as if September itself can't quite decide where it fits in—a sentiment we can all relate to at times.

This morning, while on a long walk, I noticed the leaves already on the ground crunching beneath my feet. And as the days start to shorten, the early darkness is a reminder that the year is starting its slow wind-down.

September doesn't rush in with the blaring horns of a marching band; it's a lot more subtle. If each season has its own personality, September would probably be the old friend who always arrives quietly but changes the atmosphere of the room just by being there.

People often refer to this month as a "time of transition." And indeed, it is. Trees start their beautiful transformation, and coffee shops shift their menus to capture the essence of fall. Pumpkin spice lattes may not be everyone's cup of tea—or coffee—but I’m not alone in seeing them as a signal that the world is ready to turn a page, ready for a new chapter.

The start of the school year is its own kind of change. For students and parents alike, September is a fresh beginning—a chance to master new subjects, engage in new activities, and meet new friends. It's a time to learn that some of the most important lessons are learned outside the classroom.

Then there's the concept of self-care we always hear about with the onset of September.? We’re reminded to take care of ourselves, physically and emotionally, as the year reaches its most demanding months. But self-care doesn’t have to be another task on our to-do list. Sometimes, it's simply about allowing ourselves the space to breathe, to watch a favorite movie, or to spend time with friends and family.

September has witnessed its share of significant moments in history—from monumental treaties to acts that have shifted the course of nations. September is a reminder that, history is made every day, not just in Septembers past. Every choice we make, every goal we do or don't set, contributes to our grand narrative.

We can all embrace September for what it is—a chance for new beginnings, a gateway to the last chapter of the year, and a nudge to enjoy the present.

So take that long walk, order that pumpkin spice latte, and get out on a walk to see the leaves change. Because September is another chapter in our yearlong story. And it's ours to write as we please.