In Old England, September was referred to as the Harvest Month. It represents a time of transition from one season to another, and an opportunity to prepare for the next phase in the calendar.
In our modern world, this transition marks a return to normal routines and a chance to correct habits that are no longer serving us. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the year to date and focus on how to end the year on the right note.
Here are Some Ideas for Creating Your Own Harvest Month
Address Old Habits. The best time to break a bad habit is after it's been interrupted for a time. Post-summer vacation is a great period to reflect on which habits weren't working and reset them. For example, you may be remembering that you had a habit of losing your keys. Interrupt the habit by placing a hook or bowl near the door, and making a commitment to use it.
Plan Your Next Vacation. The change in season is a great time to nail down your next trip or break. It allows you to plan in advance for days you need to take off work and assure that you make time for yourself. Plus, planning in advance often saves you money on tickets and reservations. It will give you something to look forward to as you enter into the winter season. Applies to "staycations" as well!
Review Your Finances. In 2018, budgeting app Mint reported that of the 2.2 million users who created a monthly travel budget with its technology, 44% spent more in the end than they'd saved for summer trips. Fall is a good time to make a assessment of what you spent, review your investments and calculate your budget for the remainder of the year.
Clean Out Your Garage. Many people have a goal of "cleaning out their garage this summer," only to find that it's too hot to be really feasible. Fall is an amazing time to take on this task, for it's symbolic nature as much as anything else. The garage tends to be a dumping ground for decisions we put off, and quickly becomes weighed down with bad emotional energy. By cleaning out the clutter, making those decisions and putting everything you want to keep in good order, you are giving yourself the gift of organization.
Do a Closet Swap. Swapping out seasonal clothes twice a year is an excellent practice. It allows us to review what we didn't wear at the close of the season, donate unused items, and to see properly what we have for the upcoming months. It's a changing of the guard, and will simplify your mornings and save you money.
