The changing of the seasons
Apologies this is late, I've been ill.
It's almost September, which is wild, quite frankly.
We've still got some warm days ahead of us in the UK, but I am looking forward to autumn, my favourite time of the year. I am a cool weather person. I am dreaming of cool, bright mornings, soups, dark nights.
This is also a good time to reflect on self care, where you are in the year, and what you want to take forward as we move into the final quarter of 2025.
I think September is an interesting time to do some reflection that we'd normally associate with the end of the calendar year. This is partly because I'm still on an academic timetable, so I'm heading back to class at the end of September, but also the changing of the season towards winter is a turning point for me, at least.
This summer felt weird for me, it feels like the last summer holiday of school again, on the cusp of going away to university, where I have no idea what the future holds, but I know I'll be in a brave new world of more clients, more course work, and preparing to be a professional counsellor.
The loss of total freedom has been an odd one to navigate, feeling selfish and childish for being sad that I'll be back in the working world soon. Feeling like I've wasted the time I was given, that other people would fill with writing books, running their own business, all sorts. Also feeling scared and knowing I need to work on myself to work on this fear.
I still have a year of my course to work on myself, get used to working as a counsellor, and prepare. I want to use this time really well, while practising compassion and patience for myself.
This reflective time is a good time for me to check in with myself, and write down some intentions for the rest of the year.
I'm looking forward to the last quarter of the year, I feel like I'm coming to a place of resting with my feelings, and where I can be with myself. I'm learning to love myself unconditionally. It's an odd feeling, but one I want to grow.
I invite you to do some reflecting as we move into the latter part of the year. Whether you're preparing for the summer or the winter, it's a good time to check in with yourself, and see what you need as the year comes to a close.
Some reflection questions:
What's working well for you this year?
What do you want to prioritise for the rest of 2025?
How can you prepare for the change in season?