September Resolutions....make more sense than our traditional January resolutions. Is it just me or do you too feel like you are already behind by the time your resolutions are made in Jan? Spring is right around the corner, you hit the new year running...even if your spirit and body want to hibernate. Is that anyway to begin anything?
As September rolled in, I was once again drawn my Simple Abundance book. I've had this book for years and yet, when it calls my name, it is timely and spot on. If you have this book go to Sept 1st's entry. Turning over a new leaf.
Sarah reminds us September has been the beginning not ending of the year since ancient times. When did we change that? Traditionally, September was the time for reflection, atonement and pausing to look at our lives. What do we do? What have we done? What are we called to do?
"What we need in autumn is an emotional or spiritual shot in the arm." Katharine Elizabeth Fite wrote in Good Housekeeping in 1949, urging the beginning of a new tradition for women: personal and positive resolutions in September. "Why do you suppose so many of us waste the autumn? Why don't we make the effort that would provide something new in our lives?" January's negative resolutions "are made when we are worn out in spirit, body, and pocketbook, and have no real urge to do anything but rest."
"It seems to me that January resolutions are about will; September resolutions are about authentic wants. What do you want more or less of in your life, so that you can love the life you're leading?"
"The beauty of autumnal resolutions is that no one else knows we're making them. Autumnal resolutions don't require horns, confetti, and champagne. September resolutions ask only that we be open to positive change." September 1st Simple Abundance Sarah Ban Breathnach.
Sarah published Simple Abundance in 1995- 25 years ago. Katharine Elizabeth Fite wrote about September resolutions in 1949 - 71 years ago. Wise advise is timeless!
September brings change in the seasons and weather...and with these changes we naturally have a desire to shift, to prepare for winter, to make big pots of soup and create cozy homes. To clean out our homes, our garden and lives so the new year lands softly and not like a thud on our tired hearts.
2020 and COVID, made resolutions and goals almost seem comical. Most of our "plans and goals" got quarantined. These kind of goals and resolutions are not what we are talking about. This is the season to clean out, to prep, to let go of what doesn't feed us, to create space for authentic spiritual requests of mind, body and soul.
I highly recommend taking a day, a hour, a breath in your September to go within and ask yourself. What do you need to do this autumn to pave the way for a kind winter, a beautiful beginning to 2021?
We all know how much we can't control...but we are not helpless in this world. By creating a vision and space for our spirit and authentic wants...just maybe we can create a simply abundant 2021.
May your new year be sweet and inspired. Now is the time to create your life...quietly,
Denise Frakes
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