We’re “Fall”-ing again???

As Richard Gilmore would say, “I…am an Autumn.” 😌🍂☕️

September is here and the fall season is starting to emerge in New England! On my drives lately, I’ve noticed some leaves already starting to change. Now, that being said, there is still plenty of summer weather to enjoy in the coming weeks! Just because the kids are back in school, does not mean sweater weather has arrived. In fact, it’s still 80 degrees outside as I’m writing this! Commonly known as “the bookend of summer”, Labor Day is always the first Monday in September, and is a common weekend for final vacations, backyard barbecues, and bonfires as we settle in for another academic year. There are plenty of events happening this month that help us honor, celebrate, and remain present as the season begins its transition from summer to fall. And, I think this is the perfect time for us to check in with our goals and intentions that we set at the beginning of the year! Back to school can be an extremely hectic time for a lot of us. Navigating new schedules and routines can make it difficult for us to be present during these milestone moments. Instead of looking at the day from a survival standpoint, let’s talk about how we can shift our perspective and approach our reality from a place of gratitude. In other words, instead of saying “I have to…”, let’s try saying “I get to…”, and watch the magic unfold!

Like I mentioned earlier, Labor Day is the first Monday in September each year. This year, it’s Monday September 7, 2026. Many of the school districts in New Hampshire go back to school this week, enjoying a 3 day weekend right from the start. How wonderful that we get to ease our way back into the academic routine?! Labor Day weekend is our opportunity to experience that summer feeling one final time before “the ‘ber months” are in full swing! We get to enjoy outdoor activities like camping, swimming, cookouts, bonfires, community parades, and state fairs. In fact, I recently attended the Sunflower Festival at Sunfox Farm in Concord, NH! Held annually, Sunfox Farm welcomes guests to come to the farm and walk the sunflower fields, pick their own sunflowers, and enjoy a variety of local vendors, food trucks, and live music. While this occurred in August, it’s a great example of an event that honors and celebrates a unique feature of the season! September brings us similar events like the Lancaster Fair, Live Free Festival, and no shortage of pick-your-own seasonal fruits and vegetables!

Let’s check-in with our intentions from the beginning of the year. It’s harvest season! How are we feeling about the mindset we started out this year with? Where have we been able to shift our perspective? I said it in January and I’ll say it here in September too, as you nurture yourself and your goals remember to practice fluidity. Intentions can change. Take what resonates and leave what doesn't. When our goals are broad, non specific, and feeling based rather than task oriented, they’re errorless. When our goals are errorless, there is no space for guilt and shame to exist. Let’s take a moment to practice gratitude and ground ourselves so we’re able to realign with our vision with ease! I’d like to introduce another tool for our toolbox, alternate nostril breathing. A great way to connect your mind and body when you’re feeling a little off, alternate nostril breathing can help with headaches, anxiety, and connects the brain with the body by bringing awareness back to our breath and calling attention to the sensations within our own physical existence. Check out the step by step below and practice with me!

Notice how you feel. Sit in the stillness for a moment. Acknowledge the thoughts that arise and let them go with each exhale. If you feel called, try repeating some affirming mantras like “I love myself therefore I accept myself.” Part of the harvest season is preparing for the winter ahead. If we can fill our own cup now, we set ourselves up for a fulfilling and joyous end of the year.

But not to look too far ahead now! There is so much to enjoy in September including the official first day of Autumn on Tuesday September 22nd which is quickly followed by September’s full moon, the Harvest Moon, on Saturday September 26th. Additionally, many towns in New Hampshire celebrate Old Home Day throughout the month leaving us with no shortage of local events, vendors, food, and music to enjoy! And I actually just learned while writing this that we also celebrate National New Hampshire Day this month as well! Occurring annually on September 7th, National New Hampshire Day celebrates the state's pivotal role as the 9th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. While the actual date of the ratification passed in June, it’s still a fun way to celebrate our incredible state and our important role in American history!