September & Verandas

September holds a rare kind of magic for me; a time when endings and beginnings overlap.

What was once anticipation of a new school year group, crisp new pens and paper and renewed intentions, is now the return to school of my own children, following an intense, activity crowded summer. For 6 weeks, the work/family juggle has rollicked through the days, eventually twisted into a crazy cyclone of madness and exhaustion, until now ... when everything begins to relax and uncoil and fall into routine.

September is a sigh.

It's a shifting down of gears, a threshold moment, a precious opportunity to step out - alone - onto the veranda of the rickety house, and gaze over the landscape to see.

See what?

To see into the distance. October, November, December ... And over there, right where the hill tops become hazy with blend with the sky? That's January and the New Year ...

There is something so reassuring and grounding about aligning yourself with these natural rhythms of the year, don't you think? Just as the earth (in the Northern Hemisphere) is turning the bright warmth of summer into the cooler autumn phase, our natural selves are also called to turn inwards, to reflect on what has happened in our lives, to release what lays heavy and to focus on what feels most important and true.

This precious time - pausing on the veranda of your present life, steadying your breath and looking out over the land - offers a chance of reflection, refinement and perhaps even a moment to wonder how you might design your next chapter with depth and daring and beauty.

For my private coaching clients, September is a time to step into rituals that are both courageous and deeply intentional. Creative and potent. And just like their rituals and practices will be ones powerfully designed for their journeys, specific to their lives, goals and chosen trajectories ... so will yours.

If you want to lean into this month as a threshold, a hinge point, a doorway into your next phase, perhaps try one of the September rituals below:

THE HARVEST GALLERY

Many people like to use this time to review the 8 months just gone. I invite you to be a little more creative with this. Imagine walking through an art gallery in Florence. Notice how each piece of artwork represents a choice, an event, a mishap or an accomplishment from your life this year.

Which pieces of art are you proud to see displayed in this gallery?

Which no longer deserve the space on the wall?

In your imagination choose what aligns with the person you are becoming and remove any of the artworks that do not serve you moving forward. Write and reflect in your journal about what you're taking forward and what you are leaving behind.

DECORATE THE DOORWAY

September is a doorway from summer to autumn. Mark your passage with a simple - or elaborate - action that is as beautiful as it is symbolic. Perhaps spend a few hours washing and sprucing the doorways in your house, paying particular attention to the front and backdoor. Consider hanging a piece of art near to those doorways. Maybe clear the pathway to your house, whilst honoring what you're releasing and focusing on your intentions for your next three months. Add a new plant that will bring colour through the cooler months.

DESIGN YOUR 90 DAY MASTERPIECE

Always a favourite of mine, as I love nothing more than a strong, timed container. Think of the final quarter of the year as a canvas sitting before you on your desk. Ask yourself: If I were to create one bold masterpiece before the year ends, what would it be? Map your vision of the next three months with the same intention that a painter brings to the blank canvas; with clarity, daring strokes, and a unique style of beauty that only you can bring forth into your life - and the world.

September is not just another month! It's a deep call to elegance, vision, courage and artistry. If you step into the next thirty days with reflection and resolve, you'll not simply live through the season - you'll transform alongside it.

If you happen to try any of the ideas above, please let me know how you get on in the comments.

Sending love.