A New Season

​I don’t know about you but every fall I get excited for the new season. When I was in school, I would get excited about the new school supplies, new teachers and new routines. Even as an adult, I view this time of year similar to New Years. A fresh start where I can create new routines, rituals and habits (along with kicking a few bad habits). I love getting organized for the new season and being re-energized to tackle areas where I have been slacking or not prioritizing in ways I would like to. 
 
Gretchen Rubin talks a lot in her books about the power and value of times like this to help us gain the motivation to change. What are some areas where you want a reset or some habits you want to change? For me, I have allowed a bit too much technology for my kids this summer. It kind of became the default in between activities and I really want to change that so instead the default is playing with their toys, each other, using their brain to create Lego masterpieces or Magna-Tile towers.
 
For myself, I want to get back into meal planning and snack planning. I have gotten into the habit of picking something up for the kids and I while we are out and about. And while that has been convenient, it has also been a hit on our budget and our health. So, I need to change that. 
 
Personally, I am ecstatic about this new change. For the first time since having kids, I will have designated weekly time that is for me without the need for babysitters or family watching them. While my oldest is in kindergarten, my two younger ones will be in preschool 3 days a week for 3 hours a day. In all honesty, if you include the commute and pick up/drop off time, I really only have about 2 hours each of those days but let me tell you, I am so excited about that. I have it scheduled where Tuesdays I work on business stuff and seeing an occasional client, Thursdays I grade papers and assignments (I am a graduate school professor for those who didn’t know) and Wednesdays I am dedicating all to me and self-care. Two uninterrupted, dedicated hours for me each week. I am elated right now just thinking about it. Not having to find someone to watch the kids while I get my nails done or have a doctor’s appointment. Being able to watch a TV show without interruptions or eat a meal without sharing. 
 
There are also a lot of routines I want to continue and reinforce such as my quiet time, reading to my kids daily and finding ways to connect with them throughout the day. I want to be more intentional about pouring into my marriage and this is the perfect time to set new goals and routines to foster that relationship such as sending an encouraging text each day or planning a monthly date night. 
 
Just writing this is making me want to stop what I am doing and create Pinterest boards, checklists and goals. So….off I go but before I do, I want to know, what are some changes you want to make with the new season upon us?