September has always felt more like a new year than January ever has. A new school year means a fresh start with new teachers, new clothes and a new back to school lunch plan. But September doesn’t have to just be about a fresh start for the kids. It also presents the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself.
A personal challenge doesn’t always have to be a monumental task, like sewing all your children’s clothes or creating whimsical creatures out of your child’s lunch items Challenges are meant to push you a little, learn new things and perhaps discover a hidden talent. Some challenges feed an ignored need or desire.
Your challenge, should you accept it, is to take control of September for yourself.
Throughout the year many of us create plans: we want to start writing that book idea that’s been floating around in our brain; we want to figure out how to use the manual settings on the camera we’ve invested in; or maybe we want to learn to sew to save money or to avoid falling to the whim of what the stores say is fashionable. We all have plans but how many of us actual follow through? We’re busy. The family needs us. There are so many other things on our To-Do list that are so much more important to accomplish.
We started this Challenge Yourself series as a way to remind you that little things can make an impact and inspire you to think of yourself. As we prepare our kids for a new routine and experiences yet to unfold during the school year, why not apply some of that initiative on yourself? Take a class, follow up on a hobby that’s fallen to the wayside, or try something new that fulfills your hearts desire.
As parents we are an example for our kids. We tell them to have courage to try something new. We expand their experiences by signing them up for new programs. We encourage them to follow their heart. Are we following our own advice? Like all challenges, it can be as big or as little as you crave. Go big and take a class or start training for a marathon. Go small and get back to your love of books or drink more water. Whatever you do, you are doing it for you, to better yourself and give in to parts of your life that make you happy and you’ve been ignoring.
Haven’t you ever wanted to try something new? Do you have a wish list of things you would like to accomplish, if only you had time? Don’t let your ambitions just become dreams, stories to share with your children when they’re grown. Grab September and make it your own. Jump into the stream of change along with your kids and make this the start of a new adventure.
How will you own September?